Would you like to make your house feel more like a home? Is it comfortable enough, but not really special? If so, I have some easy 'arty' tips to make your environment that bit more special.

Before you start making any alterations, or adding anything, you need to clean and declutter. This helps you to see rooms more clearly and what space you have to utilise. When this is done you can start to improve your surroundings.

Use enticing aromas. How much nicer it is to enter a room with a lovely aroma than one with the usual household smells such as pet odour, cooking smells or stale smoke. Certain scents have the power to promote clarity of mind and positive thoughts. Start using scented candles, incense or aromatherapy oils or sprays regularly.

Hang beautiful artwork. Make your home completely unique by having original artwork on your walls. You don't have to pay thousands for gorgeous contemporary artworks. Many websites, including mine, have beautiful paintings for sale at really reasonable prices. What a talking point your original artwork will make when you have guests.

Say it with flowers. A lovely floral display not only looks fabulous but also provides a fresh smell. Try to display flowers in an nconventional way by using unique containers or putting together plants and flowers which are not usually displayed together.

Uplift with colour. If you are unsure about using bold or more vibrant colour than usual, simply paint in one wall in a room with a bold accent. This way you will get a lift without being overpowered by strong colour.

Use lighting. Either table lamps or floor lamps can create a wonderful ambience in any room. Light up dark corners for a homely glow.

Feng Shui. Try rearranging your furniture for a more peaceful and positive environment. Feng Shui is an ancient philosophy which tells us that how we arrange our home has a direct effect on our fortunes. There is plenty of information on the Internet and in books about how you can make positive changes by rearranging your furniture to promote more positive energy flow through your home. All of these easy and inexpensive tips will help you to turn your house in to a real home.

Gail Miller is a professional artist whose artwork is a visual feast of colour and fun. Her fascination with bold colours and fluid, expressive shapes and line are evident in funky abstracts, sinuous nudes, vibrant still life paintings and lively townscapes. Visit her website at http://www.gailmiller.com