If you want to give your home a quick makeover, you’ll be happy to know that there are a number of ways to make a big impact in just a few hours. Here are just a few simple DIY projects that you can do in one day.

• Make over your drapes. By simply switching out your window treatments, you can let more light into your home and make the room feel more elegant. Choose bamboo blinds, floor-length sheers, or panels in a light color scheme.
• Create a foyer. If your home doesn’t have a designated foyer, you can create one yourself by simply adding some sort of seating, a mirror, and a console table to your doorway.
• Hang mirrors. To create the illusion of more space in a room, add a mirror in a strategic spot. Hang one at the end of a hallway or directly across from a window.
• Create a coffee table vignette. To make your living room feel more polished, add a stack of books, a bright green plant, and an elegant candle to your coffee table.
• Build a bar cart. Everyone loves a classic bar cart, so create your own by re-doing a vintage find from your local thrift store. Then top it with pretty glasses and your favorite spirits.

11 Foolproof Decorating Tips [This Old House]
10 Simple Rules for Foolproof Decorating [Real Simple]
Foolproof Formulas for Home Decorating [Southern Living]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Jess Pac

Curling up with a great book can be one of the most pleasant ways to spend an afternoon, and avid readers know that despite its small size, the Fairbanks Branch Library has one of the best book selections in northwest Houston.

This branch library has been serving the neighborhood since 1970 and currently houses a collection of more than 55,000 circulating materials. Check out the latest spine-tingling mystery novel, or choose a work of nonfiction that will enhance your appreciation of local history. Check out a DVD copy of your favorite Hollywood blockbuster, or pick up an audio book to listen to on your daily commute. In addition to books and movies, you'll find nearly 50 computer stations for public use (including both desktop and laptop computers), and you can brush up on your software skills by signing up for one of the library's many computer classes.

Fairbanks Branch Library
7122 North Gessner
Houston, TX 77040
(713) 466-4438
www.hcpl.net/location/fairbanks-branch-library

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/horiavarlan

Everything is starting to bud and bloom! What are you doing to enjoy this lovely change in weather?