After a cold, snowy winter, who isn't anxious to open the windows, dust off the deck and usher in spring?
But these days, many homeowners and apartment dwellers want to welcome spring on a budget.
One way to get the most for your money: Focus on the area where inside meets outdoors -- whether it's a sun room, porch, patio or just a room with a great view, says Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, author of "Apartment Therapy: The Eight-Step Home Cure" and contributor to HGTV's "Small Space, Big Style."
"That's where the impact is made," he says. "The effect you want is the melting away of your walls."
Blurring those indoor-outdoor barriers can be easier and less expensive than you might think. Here, three top decorators share a few of their favorite tips.