Even the most basic objects can be taken to another level in your home. In between repair and renovation projects, I like to tweak the details.

For starters, my sensitive skin prefers a particular brand of soap that doesn’t have the most attractive packaging. So, I bought some ceramic dispensers that are engraved with the word SOAP.

With two dogs and a young child, I spend a lot of time washing my hands. So, I figure the least I can do is enjoy the scenery at the sink.

Just because something is utilitarian, doesn’t mean we can’t make it more aesthetically pleasing. On this note, I am digging out my rarely used serving dishes, like my cake plate and my trifle bowl. The plan is to fill them with wine corks and matchbook covers.

I have endless collections gathering dust in my closets. After reading a variety of new design books recently, I am inspired to rescue these pieces and give them pride of place.

Though a story might feature a renovation or some other major feat, I am drawn to the treasures that personalize a space, such as seashells and stones gathered from someone’s travels. Perhaps that’s because I have similar items that hide behind closed doors.

I love the simplicity of a glass container, be it a bell jar, vase or any other form. It’s like a canvas waiting to be covered. Fill it with something special and you’ve got yourself a winner.

Because life can get so complicated, it’s easy to follow suit with our surroundings. We often stray beyond what’s required, when all it takes to liven up a room might be a new soap container or a fresh arrangement of your current belongings.

This reminds me that most of my coffee table books are tucked away in pretty boxes. Though some are out in the open, I am inspired to stack some more together when I see them neatly displayed in design books and magazines.

While I will try to avoid going overboard, I am taking a few keepers out to play.

Another one of my favorite staples that could use a lift is my collection of wine crates that store everything from books to dog toys. A DIY project I saw in Design Sponge at Home by Grace Bonney reminded me that I want to hang a few along the wall as shadowboxes for accessories.

That concept has moved to the top of my list as I try to convince my daughter that we have the perfect spot to hang the crates in her room. She promised me she’d think about it and get back to me.

As I chip away at my decorating to-do list, it feels good to know that I don’t have to tear down a wall to enhance my environment. I’m also aware that not every space needs a complete overhaul. So for now, I continue to tackle one step at a time.

Jeanine Matlow is a Metro Detroit interior decorator turned freelance writer specializing in stories about interior design. You can reach her at jeaninematlow@earthlink.net.