As Recession Looms Consumers Look for Bargain Makeovers

Design Expert Offers Tips That Won’t Break the Bank As budgets tighten this year, homeowners are looking for cost-effective ways to freshen up their homes for spring and add value without investing a lot money or time. And in order to do that more and more people are looking for more creative ways to shop in order to save money. According to eBay Design Director Shawn Henderson, consumers have to get creative this year if they want to makeover a room or an entire home. “Redesigning a room doesn’t have to break the bank,” Shawn says, “you just have to learn to rethink how you shop,” he adds. Shawn recommends avoiding department stores in favor of shopping the inexpensive mass market retailers, cruising spring yard and garage sales, flea markets and online shopping as ways of finding great home items that don’t cost a fortune. Shawn, a leading home design expert who has appeared on a number of network and local television shows including NBC’s TODAY Show, was named one of House & Garden’s Top 50 Tastemakers in 2007. According to Shawn, anyone can revitalize their home with simple and cost-effective design and decor updates that can add life and light to old spaces: * Don’t be afraid to bring outdoor furniture inside * Lighten up: update lamps with new lampshades * Mix something old with something new -blend antiques with modern pieces * Redefine your walls with dramatic color or prints * Think small: replace window treatments, area rugs or throw pillows for an instant revitalization Shawn, equipped with a studio of props and images, is offering listeners ideas and inspiration on how they can reinvent their homes this spring easily and affordably.