Americans are spending more time than ever at home with family and friends.

Eighty percent of consumers say they are entertaining at home these days, according to new research from the NPD Group, a consumer market research company.

And alongside this new-found enjoyment of their homes, families are redis-covering an appreciation for home decor that enhances their living spaces without busting their budgets.

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There are several new trends in home decor that can cost-effectively liven up your living spaces.

Serve & Protect

There’s nothing better than chowing down with the family while watching a good movie. And while you want to preserve that expensive couch from food stains and pet hair, you know Grandma’s plastic couch covers are a serious fashion faux pas.

Fortunately, you can now get quilted sueded furniture covers that add extra cushion to your sofa, loveseat or favorite chair while preventing spills from reaching the upholstery. Best of all, such covers are machine-washable.

Go Black

Always been an admirer of sleek high-end furniture, but constrained by a low-end budget? You don’t necessarily have to sacrifice fashion for price. There now are many affordable options, such as The Lakeside Collection’s dark-hued Espresso Furniture set that lets you have a living space that looks like it was plucked from a design magazine, but without the hefty prices.

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And if you’re like most Americans and use one room as a living, eating and entertaining space, consider Ladder Shelf Storage. These five-tier shelves can store and display many household items, like books, DVDs, board games, photo frames, collectibles — even wine! You can mix and match shelves to suit your needs.

Wrought Iron

A popular trend this year is the use of wrought iron as accent pieces in homes. Try spicing up a drab wall with a scrolled metal wall medallion. The graceful curves and simple design produce a calming effect. Or add a little vintage flair to a bedroom with a vintage dress form in the shape of a woman. Drape it with fabrics and jewelry for extra panache.

Creative Storage

Cramped for space? Some trendy additions can help you conserve space and organize your most frequently used items. For example, the hanging jewelry organizer from Lakeside.com has 72 see-through pouches for earrings, necklaces and bracelets and hangs in your closet, allowing you to quickly get what you need.

And if you’re all out of bedrooms for visiting relatives, try turning a spare room into a livable space with metal storage solution racks. Consider a clothes organizer that features a hanging rod, shelves for shoes, socks and accessories, and a top shelf for hats, sweaters and more.

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For more decor ideas that save space and add character, visit www.lakeside.com.

A little design sensibility can help you decorate your home to your liking without hurting your wallet.