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The beginning of a new year is the time when many people decide to make resolutions to better their health. Interior design resolutions are probably not at the top of the list of activities that one might plan for a fresh start to the new year, but changes indoors can make a huge difference in the quality of your everyday life.

If you are always running late, or the gift bags that you thought you stashed in the basement are nowhere to be found, it makes sense to change your home environment. Here are 10 suggestions for projects that can be accomplished without a huge time investment, often just a weekend. Tackling one or two of these projects will bring a sense of accomplishment. 

1. Make your life easier and go wireless. There is no need to be stuck at your desk. With wireless Internet access, you can get rid of those unsightly USB cables, sit in a comfy chair and surf from anywhere in your home.

2. Jazz up your space by introducing a new accent color to your décor. You can add a punch of color with throw pillows, mini ottomans and tabletop accessories.

3. Create a new perspective in a room by rearranging your furniture. If moving furniture is not an option, create a new look with accessories.

4. Print and frame family pictures so you can enjoy the memories.

5. Arrange a comfortable seating area near a window where you can go when you want to relax.

6. Fill a planter or vase with fresh flowers and pledge to keep it filled. Flowers look great on kitchen or great room tables, but also are wonderful to see on nightstands and on bathroom vanities.

7. Clean out and organize closets, cabinets and drawers. Clearing the decks is great to help realize your decorating goals because you can take inventory of what you have and make room for changes. As your needs change, you will want to update your environment.

8. Have your windows and carpets washed. Freshen up and clean window treatments. Flip area rugs to even out daily wear.

9. Organize the garage by creating space to hang tool racks and shelves to hold plastic bins for sports equipment. Create a more user-friendly workbench.

10. Consider how to save energy and make the necessary changes. Replace old bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs; use overhead fans to circulate heat or cool air. Replace old appliances with Energy Star models. Invest in sliding under-the-counter bins for separating recyclables from trash.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington. Visit her Web site at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com. Have questions for Jessica? E-mail her at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.