"Upgrade one thing. Choose a detail that matters to you to upgrade — bath and hand towels, for instance, or coffee cups, or salt and pepper shakers. It doesn't really matter what it is, just that you love it and it makes you feel good when you look at and use this special item.
Shopping tip: Anthropologie, while not known for being easy on the wallet, is actually filled with a surprising number of stylish finds for the budget decorator. Colorful bowls, stemless glassware and towels are just a few of the things I have scooped up for under ten bucks at my local Anthro store."