The Makeover Top 5

Sure, it's your makeover and you can do what you want to. But if you want double takes and not double trouble, read on.

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Hide CaptionShow CaptionDon't be a fashion victim. Decorating fashions come and go almost as fast as clothing fashions.

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Area Rugs from HGTV HOME Flooring by Shaw

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By Michele Addey, host of Double Take

Just because you’re enamored with "shabby chic" at the moment, consider this: faded florals and white are charming, but what about your dogs, cats and children? Will they care as much as you? You may change your mind in a couple of years and be glad that you got leather instead. (Cleanable with saddle soap and repairable with shoe polish!)

So, be careful of fads. Instead, spend your big chunks of money on the everyday basics—a good quality sofa and chair. Use a little that’s left over for the faddish items: the leopard print lampshade or the raffia cushions. (The same way you spend big dough on the flattering jeans and well fitting shoes, but go cheap for the accessories that will be out of fashion next season.)

In this room by designer Kenneth Brown, zebra-print pillows are an easy-change accessory on the navy blue sofa. See more of this room >>