Five Things Under $20 That Every Home Could Use

1. Photographs: a terrific way to make an big impact with a small amount of work--and money. Examples: historical prints from the Library of Congress Photography Collection.

2. Goldfish: cheery, cheap and relatively easy to care for.

3. Live herbs: thyme, basil and sage planted in three small clay pots placed on a windowsill. This saves money, cleans the air, smells good and makes food taste better.

4. Lemons: an alternative to flowers, bowls of citrus. These add color, aroma and sculptural interest.

5. Towels: A pile of fluffy towels makes a bathroom more inviting and is an inexpensive way to freshen up.

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--From “Living in Style Without Losing Your Mind” by Marco Pasanella (Simon & Schuster, $30)