So whether you've just graduated and you're moving into your first grown-up space, or you're just ready to upgrade your home from an Ikea-sponsored crash pad to a more haute haven, I'll show you the quickest (and most affordable) ways to up the posh factor, so your space will shine, and be distinctively you.

1. "Paint On"
Splashing some color on your walls is hands down, the easiest and quickest way to give your crib instant character. Plus, it can help change the dimensions and mood of your home. Want to make a claustrophobic living room seem larger? The trick is to paint the room in hues that recede. This works with natural panoramic colors like blue, green and violet. If you're lucky enough to have a loft or a big room, you can warm it up by painting it in colors that envelop you, like red, brown and gold. You can also make a ceiling appear higher by painting it a lighter color, like sky blue. Likewise, you could lower one with a darker shade, like chestnut.

Regardless of the color you choose, be sure to spend some time poring over swatches and testing paints to make sure you choose the exact hue that works for you. You can buy test pots to actually paint on a wall, or even better yet you can virtually test paints online.

Benjamin Moore has a free, online "Personal Color Viewer". It has pictures of rooms you can "paint" by clicking a color. It even allows you to upload your own photos (of say, your living room or bedroom) and you can actually "test" paints on those, rad!!

Overwhelmed by your options? Take my quiz and find a color scheme that works for you.

Color Quiz:

What was your favorite childhood color?
a.    Candy apple red
b.    Easter yellow
c.    Princess pink
d.    Sailor blue
e.    Orange crush

Your wardrobe is filled with:
a.     Fashion-forward, trendy pieces
b.     Jeans and cashmere sweaters
c.     Sweet dresses and feminine tops
d.     Blazers and tailored pants
e.     Funky, retro ensembles

Which celebrity would you most like to have at your cocktail party?
a.     Madonna
b.     Angelina Jolie
c.     Beyoncé
d.     Victoria Beckham
e.     Drew Barrymore

What's your favorite gemstone?
a.     Ruby
b.     Pearl
c.     Amethyst
d.     Diamond
e.     Tiger's Eye

If you could buy from your dream designer, who would it be?
a.     Balenciaga
b.     Marni
c.     Oscar de La Renta
d.     Chanel
e.     Betsey Johnson

What shade would you secretly love to dye your hair?
a.    Platinum blonde
b.    I wouldn't dye my hair
c.    I'd go with highlights
d.    Dark brown or black
e.    Any shade of red

If you picked mostly A's: You're a trendsetter, in fashion and in life. Stylish and self-assured, you can handle painting a room red or purple. Think style icon Jackie Kennedy Onassis whose favorite room in the White House was the Red Room.

If you picked mostly B's: You're a chill chick who likes to kick back, bliss out, and enjoy nature. Your home is your haven, and friends and family enjoy your inviting pad as much as your great company. Welcome guests with clean whites and warm browns.

If you picked mostly C's: A true romantic at heart, your home exudes your whimsy and playfulness. You could pull off a pink boudoir or a lilac living room brilliantly. Channel Marilyn Monroe and lounge around in a vintage dressing gown.

If you picked mostly D's: You're a confident gal who enjoys the good life. Self-possessed yet easy-going, you know what you want and you know you deserve it. Opt for ocean blue or charcoal.

If you picked mostly E's: You're a vibrant thing who loves to bring on the fun, make a splash, and live for today. Go for bright and bold colors, like orange and green.

Did you know?
The color red stimulates your appetite while the color blue suppresses it.
(Source: the Pantone Institute)

Robyn's Style Bite: If you're a little color-phobic, why not paint something small, like your front door or flower boxes? Even just a pop of color can make a bold statement.

2. "From Trash To Treasure"
Upgrading your Ikea furniture to more "wow" statement pieces doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, it can be downright FREE, if you're a little inventive.

Some people might balk at the idea of picking up someone's unwanted furniture and bringing it into their homes, but I can tell you from first-hand experience, the streets of America's cities are lined with discarded gems. For whatever reason - job transfers, messy break-ups, or sheer laziness - people often throw away quality, usable items.

The best times to look for cool castaways are in September when the school begins, and again in January, when people start anew. If your city has a specified certain days for bulk-trash collection, these are a sure fire furniture bonanza. Great finds include: lamps, end tables, intact mirrors, and kitschy decorative pieces. Leave behind bedding and mattresses--it's not just a nursery rhyme, bed bugs do exist; and anything broken or you deem a "fixer upper", so not worth your time.

If you're a little skeeved out by sidewalk shopping, check out www.repodepot.com for used clean furniture or freecycle.org where you can pick up unwanted furniture for FREE.

3. "Decorating Your Pad With Gorgeous Paper"
I have long been a fan of the website designspongeonline.com, which is run by a super-cool chick named Grace Bonney, whom I interviewed for my book Practically Posh. I always visit the site for inspiration, and recently have fallen in love with their paper section, particularly a company called Eieio Studio that makes the raddest gift wrap paper.

Totally inspired, I ran into a local stationary store called Kate's Paperie and found a treasure trove of the most exquisite papers in all colors and textures. I bought several 20″ × 30″ sheets at about $4 a pop and ran home to play. Here's what I did:

Project #1: Framed Art
Because these papers are so pretty, they deserve to be displayed. For my first project, I simply pulled out a simple metallic frame. SIMPLE is better here, because the focus should be on the paper - and cut the paper to fit the frame.

To do:

1.    Take the backing off the frame.
2.    Lay the frame on my paper to center.
3.    Cut paper to fit - go two-inches wider and longer so you have room to play with.
4.    Place paper in frame using tape to keep it in place.
5.    Display for all to see.

Project #2: Awesome Centerpiece
A pretty paper can be used as a "mat" on tables throughout your home to serve as a lovely base for vases, candles and other trinkets. Because I have long but unadorned wooden tables, I decorate with candles and boxes. I thought a brightly patterned paper would add a pop of color and could cleverly tie in my cluster of objects.

To Do:

1.    Choose paper that works for your surface.
2.    Measure paper to surface using one of your regular placemats.
3.    Place object or objects on top.
4.    Voilà! Prepare for the compliments to roll in.

Project #3: Lingerie-Drawer Liner
I don't know about you, but the inside of the chest of drawers I use for lingerie and clothing is wooden and kinda busted looking. The outside is fine because I painted it, but the interior could use some major love. I spend some good money on pretty underthings, it seems a shame to throw them in a rough, depressing drawer. MAYBE that's why my love life has been off-kilter - an upgrade is needed, pronto!

This is where my killer gift-wrap paper comes in...

To Do:

1.    Measure the inside of your drawer.
2.    Cut paper to fit - go five-inches wider and longer so you have room to play with.
3.    Outline the perimeter of your drawer with double-sided tape.
4.    Lay your paper in drawer, pressing edges onto tape so it adheres.
5.    Smooth out any rough edges.
6.    Place your pretty sexy-time accessories in newly lined drawer.
7.    Watch your love life heat up...

Take a walk on the wild side of fashion with lifestyle expert, Robyn Moreno, author of Practically Posh: The Smart Girls Guide to a Glam Life. From runways to street styles to quick tips, Robyn is your perfect guide to the style scene.