Decorating on the cheap doesn't have to look chintzy

The living room in your new home is a blank canvas for all your decorating ideas, but you've still got to be able to pay the mortgage.

Brice Cooper, the lead designer of HGTV's "Design on a Dime," shares some tips for maximizing your room's potential for minimum coin.

Q. What are some hot paint colors right now? Any good, cheap brands you recommend?

A. Paint trends are a highly debated issue year after year. In fact, the paint colors for 2009 are already on their way in some circles. I try to avoid the trends and stick to classic colors that can be modified to make them more mature.

For instance, people love the color red and there was a time where that was the bold choice to make a statement, but it soon went out of favor, being confused with Asian flair.

By simply adding brown to the base color, we now have colors like Oxblood red that still evoke a bold statement, yet they are much more versatile in the long run.

As for cheap paints … grrrr! Paint is the basis and foundation for any room. Never skimp on paint. You can find affordable paint products from most of the larger manufacturers like Sherwin-Williams, Dutch Boy, Pittsburgh and others, but my favorite is Glidden. It goes on smooth and coats well.

Q. What's the best way to maximize a small space?

A. Eliminate unnecessary clutter. You can do this by using furniture that doubles as storage as well as utilizing objects that make a statement for your accessories instead of junk just to fill a space.

I also love to see artwork that is framed and surrounded with a larger mat to trick the eye into seeing large items in a small space that don't take up a lot of room.

Sure, it is sometimes true that darker colors are best used in larger spaces, but don't forget to use color nonetheless. It may be a small box of a room, but it doesn't have to be a small, boring box.

Q. What are some ways to personalize/update hand-me down furniture?

A. The best way to personalize and update furniture is to change out the hardware. This inexpensive solution not only updates the piece, but you are not left with a bad crackle finish on a 100-year-old vanity that once looked beautiful. I would also suggest taking a chance when recovering items by using bold print fabrics on otherwise traditional pieces.