Whether you have five minutes over a weekend or an entire day, you can start (and finish) at least one of these easy improvements. And you don't need to spend the whole weekend to see results. Here you'll find a roundup of basic maintenance tasks, simple switches, and quick decor updates that can be accomplished in minutes or an hour or two. Tackle a few of these now, and you can rest easy on your days off.

EASY 5-MINUTE UPDATES
1. Switch to energy-saving bulbs. Save money and energy by replacing incandescent bulbs around your home with compact fluorescents.

2. Install a luxurious showerhead. Oversized showerheads offer wider coverage and soothing spray. Moen's Isabel model keeps water flowing at a steady pressure. moen.com.

3. Liven up your lamps. Give lamps a color or style makeover with new shades from target.com
or restorationhardware.com.

30 MINUTES
Update old furniture with new knobs to create a custom look!

1/2 DAY

Hang your artwork. Make a statement with your favorite paintings, drawings, and photographs by massing them on one wall. (Works of similar themes, mediums, or colors look best together.) Trace frames onto paper and cut out, then arrange the templates on the wall until you find a layout you like.

1 DAY
Wallpaper your cabinets. Cover the back of your glass-front or open cabinets with wallpaper remnants or pretty contact paper to give collectibles and fine china an elegant backdrop. TIP: In kitchens, vinyl wallpaper makes for easier cleanup.


See more quick projects from Country Living