It's the double-edged challenge every person faces when he or she rents a new apartment: How can I dress up boring white walls and should I try to blend my hodgepodge mix of family hand-me-downs and college-era pieces, or should I make a fresh start?

Tell yourself you would have painted the walls white anyway and then focus on working with the neutral tone by purchasing basic furniture items in neutral colors and dressing them up with colorful accessories. If you're lucky enough to have inherited your parent's black Le Corbusier sofa, count your blessings and move on to accessorizing.

But most people need a plan for what to keep and what to buy. Toss worn and dated pieces and buy new ones wisely rather than rashly. Ask yourself, "Will this style still appeal to me in 10 years?" Look for high-quality upholstered furniture that will save money over time. A cheaply made or trendy style is only going to last five or six years, while a well-constructed item with simple, classic lines can last for decades.

 

Once you have the basics in place, purchase accessories from discount stores and closeout sales to spice up the space. A bright throw pillow in the living room and pendent lights and a rug in the dining area add personality without breaking the bank.

Commissioned art from beginning artists adds even more color and covers up the miles of white wall innate to rentals. For affordable art, buy from artists who are just starting out. Find them at college shows and art fairs. The less you spend on accessories, the more free you'll feel to change them out and keep your look lively and current. And that's a great way to start out.

 

A new chaise, sofa, and armchair set the style of the room, which is built around upholstered pieces with clean, classic lines. Accessories add bursts of color and reflect current trends, but are easily replaced. Colorful handblown glass vases have top-dollar style, but were actually purchased at discount stores.

 

Two tables purchased on sale slip together to make a large dining table, but can be used separately in almost any room in the house.

Still looking for ways to bring color into your home on a budget? Try these ideas:

• Take a walk in your backyard and pick seasonal color -- from a branch of fall leaves to a handful of spring peonies -- to bring inside.
• Sew simple slipcovers for your pillows that tie around the form or slip on and zip in place. This project takes less than a yard of fabric.
• If you tire of the color of an accessory but still love the shape, consider paint. A dated brass chandelier can look young again with a new coat of brushed metallic or pure white spray paint.
• Shop your local flea market for an instant collection that's united by color. Glass, anyone?

Resources: Like what you see in this story? As of 2006, the items featured in this story were available from these manufacturers. Sofa, chair, coffee table, end tables, bench, chaise lounge, rug - Mertins Dyke Home, 12315 Chenal Pkwy., Little Rock, AR, 72211; 501-228-2000. Mirror, Le Klint light fixtures over tables, island in kitchen - Design Within Reach; 800/944-2233; www.dwr.com. Silk pillows - available through T.J. Maxx; 800-285-6299; www.tjmaxx.com. Square-tufted pillow - Cynthia East Fabrics, 15223 Rebsamen Park Rd., Little Rock, AR, 72201; 501-663-0460. Dining room tables, kitchen lighting - West Elm Catalog; 866-428-6468; www.westelm.com. Leather dining chairs - Elements of Design, Little Rock; 501-375-4520. Rug - Home Decorators Collection; 800-245-2217; www.homedecorators.com.