You know what it's like; the days are getting longer, the sky is getting brighter - and all you can see is that your home looks duller! Spring cleaning can go a long way to breathing new life into a 'worn-down by winter' house but sometimes a little more inspiration is required.

Well, don't fret. There's no need to take out a second mortgage to freshen up and make a few significant alterations.

Try re-positioning the furniture; it will cost you nothing and change the look of a room in a flash. If, previously, your sofa and chairs were against the walls, pull it all out and place it at angles.

What about changing rooms? No need to install lockers just swap over the location of the dining room with the lounge and the lounge with the dining room? Even in the smallest houses, there is usually sufficient room to make this change. If you've got a through lounge with a table and chairs at one end, see what it feels like to eat at the other end of the room.

If you are on a budget even painting one wall as a focal point will look cleaner and brighter.

There are plenty of inexpensive wall hangings on the market - whether it's a classic reproduction or a funky sculpture - but when you position it, hang it lower than you might normally think of doing. On the other hand, hang your curtains as high as possible to give the appearance of height to your room.

Plants always liven up any home decorating ideas and come in a multitude of styles and sizes. But if your track record in keeping them alive is not good there are some remarkably attractive silk flowers on the market these days.

With a little creativity - but not a lot of money - you can really look forward to summer at home.