From flocked wall paper to adhesive backed mirror tiles, (the smoked ones), to avocado appliances, (boy was that a mistake), the environment in which we function has a huge impact on the way we feel.   After over 30 years as a credentialed interior designer, this fact has become deeply embedded in my belief system.  Fortunately, there are wonderful resources out there that will allow you to breathe new life into your surroundings, on the cheap: Target, Ikea, Pier One even Wal-Mart at times.  Start 2010 by punching up just one room that no longer spins your wheels.

Add one new color to what has become a stale and boring space.  The room will tell you what that color should be.  (Unless your room is completely neutral and then you can choose anything, as long as it knocks your socks off.)  Using the one room garage apartment where I am staying, (which is wonderful, but the owner hinted they might be interested in making some changes),  as my example, I am going to pick orange.  Why? 
• Orange has been a hot fashion color and products should be easy to find.
• There is a small amount of orange in both pieces of art in the room.
• Orange has a lot of kick.
• There is a tiny bit of orange in the sofa fabric.  (Your new color should relate to something that already exists.)

Decide on three or four new accessory pieces that can be spread around the room, (usually not just in one chunk).  In this case I would add:
• A couple of orange pillows to the sectional.
• An orange throw to the ottomans at the foot of the bed. (Ikea has a great one, or did have.) 
• An orange bowl to the tiny modular kitchenette area. 
• A small orange vase to the bedside table.
(Periodically I will test accent colors by using a piece of clothing or object that I already own (like a sweater), just to make sure that  I am on the right track.)

Oh sure, you could get obsessive here and go into all the options and choices that will exist in any endeavor of the type, BUT, that is when people throw up their hands and walk away—when it gets too complex and complicated.  Small amounts of a vibrant color can bring your surroundings to life.  Stick with a simple list and “just do it”.  You can do the above spiffing for around, (maybe under), $100 and some leg work.  That is a lot of bang for your buck.  If you don’t have $100, just pop for a can of orange spray paint and look around for a few victims–then head for the fabric store to acquire a little weekend pillow project.  Where there is a will….., you can kick butt—or something like that.   http://www.bhg.com/decorating/color/colors/welcome-to-color-a-room