Look around at those sad, bare walls of yours. That’s not you. Think you don’t know jack about decor?  Well, you have a history. You have family. You have good taste. You have something to say. So, let’s get some of your rich, untapped resources up there!

What looks good? Well, here’s the big secret: the photo/relic is important to you – the FRAME is important to the “look” of the room.

First, decide what you want to use to represent you: pix of loved ones, friends at the barbeque, good times around the keg, your best golf scorecard, travel -  artsy shots you’ve taken with your 10 mega-pixel camera that are just wasting away; even nice magazine covers will work.

Take stock of your photo library. Maybe you have iPhoto or something similar. Create an album called “Frame-ables” and start dragging your faves in one-by-one. Use a scanner to grab photos, etc. buried in your sock drawer all these years. Soon, you’ll have a nice collection from which to choose.

Next, start printing. Use off-the-shelf, high-quality photo paper. It costs a bit more than regular paper, but it will make your photos pop, and hold their color over time. Print in sizes that will fit in standard frames: 3×5, 4×6, 8×10.

Now, shop for some classy-looking frames in colors that work for the photos and complement your best furniture - not your soon-to-be junk. You will have to suck it up and commit to spending a little money on frames but they’re as much about you as your clothes. Always use a matte around the photo (cream, white or gray)…it’s an extra step, but really makes your material look better than it really is.

Cluster the frames in high-traffic places that need the most help. Lay them out on the floor to get an idea of how to hang them. Use tiny nails - real picture hooks for the heavy ones.

Bottom line: spend time on selecting the right photos; spend money on the frames/matting.