Have you ever seen something that caught you off guard and made you smile? I had one of these moments the other day.

I was passing through my office and noticed a cup displayed on one of my bookcases. It’s a cute white cup and saucer with big green polka dots. I like it for it’s lighthearted nature. It came with a coordinating little teapot – green with white polka dots. The perfect ceramic set to speak to my whimsical side.

I picked up the saucer and that’s when the unexpected happened that made me smile. The inside of this white cup with the large green polka dots was painted in a pink wispy wash. I had forgotten that and loved the little “surprise” it gave me. I think that’s what drew me to it when I purchased it.

It’s fun to decorate our homes with little surprises that make us smile. They don’t have to cost a lot of money. You can do simple things like the following:

• Create a beaded necklace tie back for your curtains.
  
• Paint the inside of your china cabinet a different color.
  
• Fill your dresser drawers with scented paper.
  
• Spruce up an old chandelier with paint and glass prisms. Hang in your kitchen or bathroom.
  
• Use an old wooden ladder as a towel rack.
  
• Fill a large bowl with white polished pebbles. Add a black one for contrast.
  
• Use a large conch shell as a paperweight.
  
• Fill a formal silver teapot with casual wildflower like daisies.
  
• Put an old-fashioned phone (with modern features) in your office or bedroom.
  
• Create a little reading nook in an unexpected place.
  
• Fill a large jar with buttons, marbles or some other item and use as a dining table centerpiece.
  
• Add decorative knobs to your kitchen cabinets.
  
• Paint one piece of furniture a bright solid color.
  
• Paint your laundry room cabinets a solid color & paste wallpaper cutouts onto them (bird, butterflies, flowers, etc.).
  

Be willing to take a little adventure with your home. Look for places to add little surprises that light up your heart. It is easily doable on a decorating budget.