3)Baskets You don’t have to be a country girl (or guy) to appreciate cozy look of baskets. Even most modern room can benefit from a bit of wood or rattan. But main purpose here is to hide clutter. You’ll feel so refreshed if you add a few baskets to fill with magazines, toys or hobby material. It’s easiest way to contain everyday clutter that you can’t stow away. And clearing space is always a good look!

4)Throw Cushions I’d bet you could find two throw cushions for less than $50, so if you do, add a throw blanket as well. Cheap and shamefully easy, this is way to go if you’re ready to make more of a statement. Great opportunity to bring some contrast into a dull room, consider light pillows for a dark room, dark pillows for a light one, and absolutely try adding a trendy color to a neutral room. And at this price, you can change it next season!

5)Paint Admittedly for more ambitious, this is a fantastic way to create a stunning look in little time. However, this is an article on FAST ideas, so let’s not tackle whole room right now. If company’s coming this weekend, try a new look by painting a feature wall a stunning but complementary color (ie: fireplace wall, that blank wall behind couch…you get idea.) Or even tape off a smaller section (this is called color blocking) to focus attention on a collection of pictures, or behind a mirror, or around fireplace.

To all those with decorating fever, I wish you speedy recovery and an enjoyable project!

Shannon Emmanuel takes her love of interior decorating to the internet with resources and accessories available at her online décor store http://www.SimpleDetailsDecor.com.

6. Straighten any bent fins. Use a fin comb if available. If no fin comb then use something soft such as a Popsicle stick. Straightening fins will increase efficiency of air flow through coils. This adds to overall cooling effect produced by air conditioner.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for condenser (rear fins) coil. A plastic cowling usually surrounds condenser fins. If so, check top edge to see if it will lift or open. If it opens this will allow easier access to condenser fins. Again use caution because condenser coil is also filled with high pressure refrigerant.

8. Wipe any dirt buildup from both fan blades using a soft rag. Do not bend blades. This would cause a vibration that would harm motor. 9. Vacuum all surfaces including front and back of grille assembly. Do not forget to vacuum underside of metal air conditioner cover. If cover contains air holes clean them thoroughly. If necessary use a damp rag. 10. Drain any water left in base and allow it to dry for few hours.

11. When completely dry plug in air conditioner and test operation. If everything appears okay unplug and begin reassembly.

Reassemble and test -------------

12. Once reassembly is complete, retest operation to ensure replacing cover has not affected anything. Adding cover will often twist frame and can cause interior parts to move out of alignment. This may cause fan to become noisy. To correct for this problem remove cover and realign to main body of air conditioner. Reinstall cover and test for noises every time 2 or 3 additional screws are added to cover. Spinning front blade by hand will let you know if anything is rubbing against fan blades.

13. Install front grille with new or cleaned filter in place.

14. Lastly, cover air conditioner with plastic wrap or an old blanket. Store in a warm dry area. Raise it from floor slightly by placing onto a couple of pieces of wood. This will protect floor from metal edges of air conditioner, and also protect air conditioner from moisture. You’re Finished ------------

Repeat this simple procedure every year. If you do, machine will be ready for many more years of dependable service. Addendum -------------------

The filter inside front grille should be removed and cleaned (as in step 1) every month throughout cooling season. If you are a smoker it should be cleaned every week.