Posts with tag makeoverminute

Put the romance back into your bedroom with a clutter-free zone.

When the weather is chilly and my energy is down, I retreat to my bedroom much earlier than I anticipate. Yet lately, my bedroom has hardly become the haven I hoped for. Stacks of magazines, loads of laundry and dusty books are cluttering my floors, making it nearly impossible to relax. Tonight I plan to light some candles and tackle this mess with the following steps. Feel like joining me in a quick bedroom clean-up?

Jill Vegas's new book can help you makeover your home in a matter of minutes.

As you're reading this, you likely have a laundry list of things to do. We live in a world of over-tasking. So, when it comes to decorating, your to-do projects often fall to the wayside.

That's where Jill Vegas comes in. An interior stager, Vegas has mastered the art of decorating in a cinch and decided to share her wisdom in her new book, Speed Decorating: A Pro Stager's Tips and Trade Secrets For A Fabulous Home In A Week or Less.

"Speed Decorating is about loving the home that you have right now," Vegas says. "Frequently clients tell me how they're waiting to do this or that because 'someday' they'll have a better or different apartment – forget about 'someday,' it's time to live in the home you have right now."

Ready to decorate? Here are some thoughts from the queen of speed style:


Q: Some people love to look at beautiful interiors but have no idea how to achieve their own -- what are some tips that can help them through the process?

A: Inspiration is where it all begins; get inspired and then take action. The introduction to my book has some great tools to help people get in touch with their inner decorator and tackle a project with confidence.

The first step is to pick a room where you want to see a difference. Step two: Make a plan. Set a date of when you want to complete the project and just do it!

Q: In your book you discuss speed-shopping tips – can you give us some of your favorite highlights?

A: Be prepared! Shop with a digital camera loaded with pictures of the room you're decorating. Bring a notebook with vital stats, such as room measurements. If you're buying something big like a sofa make sure to bring the measurements of your front door. I had a client who had to quickly sell a sofa on eBay because it wouldn't fit in the front door.





Q: What are some common decorating mistakes you see people make – and how can they be fixed?

A: They push all their furniture against the walls so there's a big hole in the center of the room. It's better to create seating areas -- group furniture together so that you can easily have conversations or set your glass on the coffee table.

Also, when there's no color; it's a mistake to decorate with just blah browns and beige. This is such a fun and easy solution: Bring on the color! You can add a burst of red tulips or buy throw pillows or splash the walls with a bold paint color!

Q: If you only have an afternoon to update your home, where should you focus your energy?

A: Focus on one place. The key is to focus on one room and get moving. If you have an afternoon, you could make a dramatic difference in the living room, for example. You could start by getting rid of any clutter that's accumulated, old magazines or things you just don't like.

From there you could make a big difference by buying a new rug or head to an art crawl and buy an amazing painting for over the sofa. If you want a new sofa, shop online to get an idea of styles (there are a lot of resources for this listed in "Places I Love" section of my book to help get you started) or go to vintage stores or the flea market and find a mid-century modern sofa and then reupholster it.

Q: You just got a call that your mother-in-law is on her way over. She'll be there in an hour – what are some quick tips to get the place in order?

A: Pick up the mess! If your place is already impeccable, run out and buy flowers. Flowers are a speed decorator's best friend -- they're fast, gorgeous and bursting with color, and they make any room feel vibrant and fresh.

Q: On a similar note: You have 30 minutes and zero budget – is it still possible to style things up?

A: I know this sounds simple, but here's the deal: Clean up! No matter how clean you are, there are scuffs all over the foyer and layers of dust lurking under the sofa. For dramatic improvement in 30 minutes, brighten up your home by taking all your light fixtures down and washing the globes, Windex the chandelier so it sparkles and replace burned out bulbs -- your place will gleam!

For a full course in quick decor, pick up a copy of Speed Decorating, which is available now at bookstores and Amazon.com.

Want to read more about Jill's Speed Decorating? Check out these posts and articles:

- A book review of Speed Decorating - Apartment Therapy (Chicago)
- Our pals at CasaSugar tell us what they thought of Jill's book - CasaSugar
- Decorology shares tips for speed decorating an entryway - Decorology

Pick up a brush: Painted doors offer a quick and easy interior update.


We've all dreamed of living in a bright white house with a front door painted red at some point in our lives life, right? Surely, I'm not the only one?

Painted front doors have been a fast and easy way to add curb appeal to a house for years, but when is the last time you were advised to paint your interior doors?

Your ShelterPop editors have been falling head over heels for bold, colored doors on the inside of our homes. Take a look at our favorites and tell me you're not ready to pick up a paintbrush too:

The Look: When juxtaposed with a black-and-white, paisley wallpaper, this neon green sings. It works well with the teak-colored wood flooring and cabinetry leading into the kitchen.

The Color: Try Behr Grape Green 400B-5.

Tips To Try It: Watch out for varied shades of wood, as lime green and brown/tan are a difficult match. Steer clear of mixing lime with pine or cherry, as it can create a retro aesthetic.





The Look: The flip side of an exterior door is painted a bright, cheery turquoise to give guests a colorful farewell at the end of the night. Surrounded by white walls and flooring, the turquoise is just the pop of color this entryway needs! Don't be afraid to paint a door one color on the outside and another on the inside -- just be sure that they match and that you're tidy with your paint lines!

The Color: Try Benjamin Moore Turquoise Powder 2057-50.

Tips To Try It: This shade of turquoise may not be a great choice if you decorate with a lot of pastels, as the look can go from chic to Easter-egg in ten seconds flat! Instead, pair the hue with poppy reds, deep browns and patterned plums.














The Look: A sunshine-y shade is the perfect entrance to a casual living room/library. Because yellow coordinates well with many different colors, this hue is a lovely choice that incorporates both the colorful bookshelves from the living room and the dining room furnishings from the kitchen area.

The Color: Try Benjamin Moore Bright Yellow 2022-30.

Tips To Try It: Avoid orange-toned yellows (which can clash with wood floors), and be sure to use this shade in an area that gets ample amounts of light (preferably natural daylight). Other than that, go wild! Yellow can be a lovely neutral, even in the brightest of hues.

Happy paining, dears!

For more color inspiration, read on:

- Play With Color: When Pink Rooms Work
- TwiTalk: The Best White Interior Paint... Ever

Here's how to seriously organize your bathroom in just a few minutes.

Bathrooms are tough, aren't they?

Not only is a bathroom one of the tiniest rooms in the home, but it often houses the most...stuff. Next to the kitchen, our bathroom is a primary culprit for clutter, thanks to a major lack of storage.

After re-thinking my own bathroom, I came up with a helpful list for organizing my space -- perhaps you can benefit from a few of the following tips, too?

If you have 15 minutes, follow these tips:


1. Get vertical
Face it -- there's only so much counter space and under-sink storage. Why not store items vertically in handy mini-drawers rather than horizontal baskets/boxes? I'm a massive advocate for Sterilite's Mini 3-Drawer Organizer ($24 for a pack of 6) at Amazon. Easily stackable and super affordable, I store everything from medicines to first aid supplies in these handy dividers.





2. Move it
I often have a universal rule when it comes to organization: put it where you use it. If you don't apply your sunblock until you're outside on the patio, don't keep it in the bathroom. If you regularly polish your nails when watching TV, keep nail polish in the living room (Trust me, it's why living rooms are fantastic spots for hidden storage!). Once you move items that you don't use in the bathroom, you'll find ample amounts of extra storage.

3. Decorate with everyday items
Save valuable countertop storage for items you use everyday rather than bulky decorative pieces. Instead of a plant in the bathroom, I keep my make-up brushes in a flower pot -- form meets function. I also display cotton balls, Q-tips and make-up removing pads in clear glass containers (I love these canisters, which run $12-$20, from The Container Store). They look beautiful and coordinated, but also come in handy every morning.

4. Use towel hooks, not rods
When I'm in a hurry, I rarely fold my used towel on a rod. The result is a messy-looking draped towel that normally falls down sometime during the day. Instead of rods, I love towel hooks. They're quicker to hang, take up less space on the wall, and look much more strategic when hanging towels. Place three in a row for a nice, organized aesthetic.

5. Invest in smart storage
Every little bit counts. Stick a hook on the back of your door for a robe. Try in-door storage in your cabinets; kitchen sections have fantastic options, like this Single Shelf Spice Rack ($3) at Organize.com. Under-shelf storage (Undershelf Wrap Rack, $7, Organize.com) works well, too, if you have large cabinets where you're not utilizing the space above.

Inspired? Get to work, then read more bathroom ideas:
-DIY Shower Curtain Adds Instant Elegance

-Wallpaper in the Bathroom

Why lockers look great in the living room.

In the design world, "custom" is often synonymous with "expensive", "unattainable" and "exclusive." Yet in ShelterPop's world, we rarely take no for an answer, so naturally, "custom" doesn't scare us a bit.

Case in point? We spotted this bright and airy space over at The City Sage, and while the perfectly-lined artwork initially caught my eye, Ann pointed out another detail that has us swooning. See those sweet vintage-looking locker consoles? They look like a custom job, fitting the space perfectly from wall-to-wall. In fact, they're nothing more than a row of IKEA P.S. cabinets!

Smart, right? Get the look yourself with three easy-to-follow rules:

1. Measure twice, cut once
My husband used to say this to me all the time, and I'd simply roll my eyes and go about by eyeballing the space, sans tape measure. Yet after one too many dimension debacles, I've learned that measuring is an essential step in the decorating process. When done properly, your furnishings can look like they were made for your space -- just as it should be!



2. Watch scale
Have low ceilings? Focus on low and/or lighter furnishings, as they'll keep the space from looking bulky. There's nothing worse than a massive wingback chair in a tiny space. When in doubt, opt for glass tables and/or thin, hairpin legs that will keep your eye gazing at the room, rather than the furniture.

3. Get creative.
Have a bookcase that would make a killer room divider when laid on its side? Perhaps you have a gorgeous floral curtain that would make the perfect area rug. Never underestimate the power of a great switcheroo --- it almost always works (with a bit of elbow grease!).

Proof that custom doesn't mean expensive -- and lockers can be very, very chic.

For more great decor, check out our friends at The Frisky

Make Sure Your Apartment Isn't a Total Turn-Off

Love Nest: 10 Hearts for the Home

5 Cheap Ways to Make Your Home Look More Expensive

The 10 Best of the IKEA 2010 Catalog

Utility sinks have long been relegated to basements and garages. Not anymore.

After spotting Country Living's 2009 Bathroom of the Year, I've had utility sinks on the brain. As a homeowner who loves a good DIY project, a utility sink has always been a must for me. In my last home, we hid our utility sink in the garage, opting for a more feminine pedestal fixture in our guest bathroom. Why? I have no idea.

In my head, utility sinks were about function, not form. I couldn't imagine washing brushes and soaking delicates in my bathroom, so instead I ventured to the garage to do so in my handy dandy utility sink. Looking back, I see that I could have had a much more convenient process lined up had I realized just how good a utility sink can look in an everyday bathroom.

I mean, really, who says a utility sink has to be in a utility room, and who says it has to be used entirely for function? I'd love to brush my teeth and wash my face in a utility sink. Why not?

Form aside, I had originally thought it would be unsafe to cleanse my face in the same sink I wash my paintbrushes. Yet as long as you have proper ventilation in the bathroom to avoid unhealthy paint fumes, you're perfectly safe. Even better? The everyday chemicals you use in your bathroom sink are completely safe for utility sinks, too, and sometimes recommended over the harsher brands. Form and function, with a side of safety and convenience? I'm sold.

Let this be a lesson to us all to mix up our furnishings. Utility sinks in bathrooms, kitchen lighting in bedrooms and tiled backsplashes in living rooms. Why not?!

If you're as into utility sinks as I am, check out a few fantastic models:
Clarion Farmhouse Drainboard Sink, $1650, Remodelista
Kohler Brockway 3-Foot Long Wash Sink, $860, Remodelista

Proof that function can be just as beautiful as form.

For more bathroom inspiration, read on:
-Wallpaper in the Bathroom
-A Bathroom Beautiful Enough to Hang Out In

Inspiration is all around us. When it does come, take notice because it's really exciting.

I recently saw this still-life photo of amazing flowers surrounded by a few objects. At first glance, there's not much there except I was struck by the combination of materials. It's a detail that could easily be overlooked but the richness of the oxidized metals combined with clear glass and a well-worn wood surface punctuated with a bevy of shades of pink flowers inspired me to want to use these same combination of materials in a room.

The play of weather-worn dark woods, which evokes a historical feel sitting aside clear glass, which reflects light, and then the teeming bouquet of magenta, fuschia and pale pink is literally and visually a work of opposites. Below are four looks inspired by this very photograph, looks (for less!) that bring together metals, woods, glass and the pink family.

Design tips for anyone who ever wished they could afford million dollar decorating.

After spotting Lily's post on The Frisky, I've been thinking about the difference between expensive design and expensive-looking design. There is a difference, right? Surely you don't have to spend big bucks to get big style. In fact, I've been sifting through a few images this morning -- some that look inherently pricey, and others that look less so. In doing so, I've noticed a common theme between the two and have come up with my own list to add to Lily's.

1. Go wireless
Not only do wires look cluttered, but they add dust quicker than anything else in the room. If you can, go wireless with your router and/or computer equipment. If not, do your best to hide extra-long wires with charging stations and hidden storage furniture. A clean, streamlined floor looks much more pricey than a cluttered one!

2. Watch the scale
Scale is so, so important when decorating your home. An over-sized entryway can look dramatically cheaper when paired with a tiny pendant. Pay attention to scale in the room for a look that appears put-together, rather than thoughtlessly decorated. For a cheat sheet, check out scaling for large rooms and big ideas for small spaces.



3. Think texture
In the old days (yes, I'm going there!), fabrics and draperies were often viewed as a status symbol. Luxurious gowns and curtains were featured in only the richest of homes, and although they're much more affordable now, the idea still rings true. Mix plenty of patterns and textiles in your home for a cozy, yet well-curated and expensive look. A few to start with? A chic faux fur rug, herringbone throw and linen pillows.

4. It's all in the details
Lily talks about choosing the right trash can for your rooms, and I couldn't agree more. A white plastic bin screams cheap, whereas a tiny stainless can looks instantly more polished. Other details to watch out for? Coasters, candleholders and books. Display only your favorite finds and save the cheap stuff for hidden storage.

5. Freshen up
A dirty house looks just that -- dirty. The quickest way to cheapen the look of your house is with dust, grime and/or stains. Opt for a deep clean every few weeks, and keep bathroom and kitchen hardware clean and shiny daily. You'll be amazed at how expensive your home will start to look when your furnishings are bright, clean and shiny.

6. Light it
Good lighting is essential in a home. Just as a photographer would stage a set for the richest impact, you should stage your home for maximum lighting. Pay attention to natural light in the morning and mood lighting in the evening. Your furnishings will look brighter and bolder in appropriate lighting, giving you a richer look home-wide.

7. Steer clear of specifics
When choosing furniture for your home, stick with items that have no era or brand attached. If it's relatively unknown, guests will have no idea what the cost associated with the piece is. However, if you own a popular IKEA sofa, many of us can spot it a mile away. Great for the budget, not great for appearing expensive. One tip? If you love your IKEA sofa, pair it with a classic fabric in an unexpected pattern or color choice --- the upholstery will outshine the shape, making it look less IKEA and more like a custom heirloom piece!

Of course, when in doubt, a strategically-placed statue always helps! Happy decorating!

For more budget tips, read on:
-New Report: Forget the Pricey Kitchen Remodel
-Hostess Gifts on a Budget

From message boards to spice racks: the very best methods to get organized.

As the hub of many families' homes, I'd argue the kitchen is one of the toughest areas to keep clean and organized throughout the week. Equal parts bill-paying center, homework desk, meal preparation surface and entertainment seating, kitchens are for multi-tasking.

Yet how much love are you giving to your kitchen? Spend a few minutes today to look around -- Are things in their proper places, or are your kitchen counters a free-for-all? If you're guilty of the latter, check out these few easy steps to gearing up for a more organized kitchen (which, funny enough, equals a more organized family!).

1. Clear the countertops
It's true -- a clear surface makes for a clean room. Rather than housing your paper towels on the counter, invest in a wall-mounted unit like the Stream Wall-Mount Paper Towel Holder by Umbra® ($15) at The Container Store. Have a bulky knife block? Switch to a Magnetic Knife Bar ($40) from Williams-Sonoma. Move mail from the countertops to a handy letter station and key rack ($17) from Stack and Stacks.


2. Organize spices
If you're still lining up your spices on a lazy Susan, it's time to step it up a notch. The Olde Thompson 20-Jar Stainless-Steel Square Spice Rack ($60) from Amazon holds more than enough spices for your everyday needs in one tiny compartment. Another handy alternative? The Kamenstein 12 Tin Magnetic Spice Rack ($40) from Amazon keeps fresh spices handy on the side of your fridge -- easy peasy!

3. Ditch the notes
Still penning phone numbers and messages on post-it notes? Forget it. Paper clutter adds up, so why not switch to a family message board like the Peel and Stick Slate Chalkboard Sheet ($17) from Organize.com? Handy, eco-friendly, and if you stick a sheet on an existing cabinet, you're using virtually zero wall space! Brilliant.

4. Tackle tupperware
Oh, tupperware. Nothing stresses me out more than missing lids and hard-to-stack plastic containers. I'm a big fan of OXO's fully stackable containers, which are both airtight and incredibly space-efficient. Ditch over-sized cereal boxes and opt for a more stylish, smaller alternative. Loyal to your Rubbermaid? Invest in a Smart Spin storage system ($16) at Target; an inexpensive way to cut down on search time for missing lids.

5. Hide the coupons
I'm an avid coupon-cutter but rarely use them because either (a) I forget them on the kitchen counter, or (b) they've expired before I get a chance to cash them in. A few weeks ago, I purchased an EX Coupon Organizer ($5) from Organize.com and my life has changed. Seriously. As soon as I cut a coupon, I file it into this envelope and keep it in a drawer. Then, when it's time to shop, my handy organizer comes with me and all coupons are together in one spot! I also file a few recipes in the same place, as it's really great for grocery shopping.

Check out a few of my favorite kitchens; read on:
-Inspiration: Classic Kitchens
-Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

What wasn't working about this kitchen? Just about everything.

* Editor's Note: Due to overwhelming feedback from our readers, we want to point out that our writer refers to the house as 1930s-era (not the kitchen). It is unclear when the kitchen was last updated.

Happy to have found a solid, 1930s-era home in a Minneapolis suburb, the couple realized that to better serve the household of four, some updating of the kitchen was in order. Before moving into their new home, they called on the talented designers at The Woodshop of Avon to transform the space into a more contemporary, family-friendly environment.

While the old kitchen certainly had its share of cosmetic issues -- dilapidated laminate counters, a tired linoleum floor and cabinets dating from the dark ages -- its real problem was the space-squandering floor plan. An entire exterior wall was occupied by a built-in desk. The refrigerator was pushed up against the counter, protruding into the room and cutting off valuable work surfaces as well as storage. And just look at that radiator! Talk about eyesore.

THE BEFORE




WHAT'S NOT WORKING

1. Tons of Wasted Space
An inefficient floor plan robbed the kitchen of valuable storage and work space. The entrance to the kitchen was awkward, with a peninsula blocking access.

2. Hardly Helpful
Not only didn't the appliances live up to the performance needs of the homeowners, but they were positioned poorly in the room.

3. Eyesore, not Eyecatching
The palette of materials and colors was dowdy and outdated. The cabinet style -- arched-top, raised-panel overlay doors -- was archaic, too

The team at The Woodshop of Avon created a design solution that surpassed the homeowners' expectations. Read on to see the spectacular results.

12 pedestal sinks that will give you more space in your bathroom.


In a powder room or half-bath, where the close quarters often preclude installing a full-size vanity, a pedestal sink can save the day -- and make a style statement. Their slim silhouettes are more proportional to a small space and won't over-crowd the room, either physically or visually.

If you feel you're going to miss the storage capacity of a vanity cupboard and its attendant counter surface, look for pedestals that have broad "shoulders" that can keep necessities conveniently sink-side. Ask, too, if an integral towel bar is available; it will spare your room the added clutter of wall-mounted towel racks or rings.

Installing a pedestal sink can be tricky, as it requires careful alignment of connections and leveling the base. Unless you're confident and precise and patient with a tape measure, drill and basin wrench, it's best to have a pro handle the job.

A roundup of 10 more perfect pedestals after the jump.

Why Skirted Sinks Are Making a Comeback -- And How You Can Achieve the Look

Admit it. You thought skirted sinks were for farmhouse kitchens and country bathrooms. Tsk, tsk!

Turns out skirted sinks are popping up all over the place --- from modern, white bathrooms to global-inspired kitchens. I've rounded up a few of my favorites below. Why not get your creative juices flowing and try one in your own space?

Why not try a patterned skirt in a quirky, colorful bathroom?

Modern sink elements and coordinated accents keep the look fresh and avoid an overly-stimulating aesthetic.

To achieve this look, attach two panels to either side of the sink using a casing heading for each panel.

Poof -- instant storage!






Ahhh, clean and simple, just what I love in a bathroom.

This lavender skirted sink is the perfect storage solution for hiding rolls of toilet paper, toiletries and exposed plumbing.

Because this skirt doesn't appear to have easy access, I'd recommend adding a side-slit to the fabric should you need to utilize the items below on a daily basis.

In addition, choose a soothing color of fabric, but try not to keep it super light.

After all, toothpaste stains are likely and you don't want to have to disassemble your skirt for cleaning any more than you have to!















This farmhouse sink is grounded with a soft, feminine skirt in a bright pattern.

With a pleated heading for extra drama, the skirted sink acts as a focal point against the patterned backsplash.

To keep the look clean and balanced, the sconces and under-counter cabinets offer perfect symmetry.




















Designer Eddie Ross created this box-pleated skirt to hide an unsightly tangle of plumbing pipes.

After receiving a quote for $750, he set out to DIY his own version using flour sacks and towels from the Dollar Store and some black grosgrain fabric from JoAnn Fabrics.

With a touch of Velcro, he achieved the ultimate storage device -- on a serious budget!


















If you've ever DIY'd an impromptu sink using a bowl, faucet and end table, you'll know a mess of pipes lies underneath.

Cover up the exposed plumbing with a few strategically-placed tea towels or embroidered napkins and tablecloth pieces.

Instant style!


Craving more fun kitchen ideas? Read more:
-Inspiration: Classic Kitchens
-Inspiring Kitchen Makeover

A few minutes of work will get your home office in organizational shape.

Whether you work from home or use your office as a landing strip for bills, calendars and grocery lists, I've got a funny feeling it's a tad disorganized (if you're anything like me, that is!). Sure, we start off with great intentions for a clean slate in January, but by February, life gets hectic and we fall back into our old routines.

Why not take a few minutes today to incorporate five simple steps in an effort to kick start your office organization?

1. Pitch the Post-Its
Paper is the biggest clutter culprit on my desk, and also the most frustrating to organize. Take a moment to file your Post-Its properly in the correct space that works for you. Have your husband's new cell number stuck to your monitor? Copy it into your address book, or program it directly into your phone. Then say farewell to that yellow stickie...forever.





2. Kiss Junk Mail Goodbye
The best way to keep junk mail under control is to never let it enter your home. You can do this by keeping a recycling bin in your garage specifically for mail. Or you can get serious about getting rid of the junk mail forever. The Closet Entrepreneur has a fantastic round-up of the best websites that allow you to opt out of junk mail delivery. Take ten minutes to remove yourself from mass mailing lists (even phone book deliveries!) to prevent the clutter from building up in the future.

3. File, File, File!
If filing is a daunting task, it shouldn't be. I have a few No. 2 task clips on hand (now sold out, sadly) that simply say either "To Do" or "To File." I place my bills in the "To Do" stack and anything else in the "To File" clip. Make your own with spare clothespins and see how easy it is to file away. Then, at the end of the week, complete your "To Do" items and file everything else.

4. Go Wireless
There's nothing more cluttered than tangled cords on a clean desk, so why not opt for a wireless solution? I've had a Powermat on my wish list for quite some time, and I'd say it's high time to invest. A cordless charging mat for my endless technology products? Yes!

5. Go Paperless
If you're saving your child's artwork for a rainy day, why not scan it into your computer and keep a digital file? It will mean just as much as the real thing, and admit it --- do you even know where her latest finger-painting is?

Sure, the above steps won't make a massive difference right away, but they will give you a push in the right direction. Organization begets organization, right?

Good luck!

Craving more organization in your life? Read more:
-New Book Says an Organized Home is the Key to Happiness
-Closet Clutter Solutions

In this economy, does it make sense to put money into improving our homes? Here are 5 home fixes worth the money.

Well, our homes probably do need some TLC. According to a new survey by Pella and Kelton Research, 66 percent of homeowners in the United States admit they have a major item in their home that needs maintenance.

But what's the best project to take on? No matter where you live or whether you plan to move or not, the smartest home improvement project may also be the least expensive.

A top-dollar kitchen remodel used to be the desired project to take on because costs could always be recouped. But that shining star has faded for now, giving way to minor kitchen makeovers, according to the annual Remodeling Cost vs Value Report, newly published for 2010.

In fact, exterior doors and generators seem to be the most attractive-and affordable-home improvements du jour.

Best Bets: Top 5 Home Improvements for 2010

1. Entry Door Replacement (fiberglass and steel)
2. Backup Power Generator
3. Basement Remodel
4. Attic Bedroom
5. New Roofing

Fiberglass or steel front entry doors run in the $1,500 to $3,000 range while generators are more complex in choices and pricing (automatic standby generators cost on average $5,000 and up).

The Pella survey reports that the most common home improvements for 2010 may be new carpet or flooring, followed by new exterior paint or siding.