Three Cheap and Cheerful Home Ideas

CHIC UP A PILLOWCASE
Give a plain pillowcase a dreamy, pretty look.  Start with a 100% cotton pillow cover and fabric dye (wash the case first to help the dye set).  Mix the dye, then fold the pillow cover into a square and dip the folded case halfway into the dye bath.  Keep the fabric in the dye for about five minutes for the muted effect.


PAINT A STATEMENT DOOR
On a four paneled inlay door, measure and mark four rectangle panels, and outline with tape.  Paint a two-inch border inside the tape with a light gray paint.  When dry, paint a darker gray 1/2-inch stripe on the outside edge of the light color.


MAKE BATHROOM LIGHTS SPECIAL
This is a snappy little way to personalize an uninspiring fixture.  First, decide on a color, like metallic paints such as gold and silver, or grabby hues like navy, plum, or lime.  (Use acrylic paint for glass shades).  Remove the light covers from the fixture.  Pour a small layer of paint, "as thick as a pencil" into a bowl.  Dip each cover, holding it in your hand while any excess paint drips off before placing in upside down on a piece of old newspaper to dry.  Screw in, turn on, and congratulate yourself.