(ARA) - As fall's crisp temperatures arrive, Americans head indoors -- and home improvement projects follow. From revamping the living room to tackling stubborn ceiling stains, fall is prime time to address home projects before the winter holiday season sets in.

Home improvement and design expert Lee Snijders shares smart solutions for making your house a home this fall.

Q. I've noticed a stubborn water stain on my living room ceiling. What's the best way to get rid of it for good?

A. Water stains and ceilings can be a tough combination. Water stains are stubborn because they easily bleed through standard paint, and ceilings can be a literal "pain in the neck" to cover. To tackle the stain, I recommend a primer-based paint that can block light to medium water stains and prevent them from bleeding through, such as KILZ Stainblocking Ceiling paint. This will also ensure that you don't miss any spots on your ceiling as the paint is pink when originally painted, but turns to bright white when dry. It's also a good idea to repair punctured siding, cracked caulk, old window frames and door seals, which are common culprits for water damage.

Q. With a rock-bottom budget, how can I turn my basement from a scary storage area into a warm, livable space?

A. Take the chill out of the basement by using throw rugs or lamps for instant warmth. Sew several throw rugs together to create a one-of-a-kind area rug. Inexpensive and cool lamps are never hard to find at thrift stores and garage sales, and are easily updated with the addition of a new shade or by repainting the lamp base. The least expensive way to change the look of any room is with paint. For basement walls, be sure to use a masonry paint, such as KILZ Masonry Waterproofing paint. It's designed specifically for the concrete walls found in most basements and can be tinted to pastel and mid-tone colors. The waterproofing properties and mildew resistant finish provided by this paint make it a smart choice.

Q. Before it snows, I want to repaint the fence around my house. Can I use the leftover exterior house paint to get the job done?

A. A lot of people want to save money by using leftover paint, but when it comes to siding and fences, it will cost you more in the long run. Specialized fence and barn paint costs less and comes pre-mixed, typically in white or red. Because the color pigments are ground into the paint, it will fade less. It's also a good idea to use an exterior paint made from an oil/water-base combination, like the KILZ Siding, Fence & Barn paint, because it penetrates the surface you're painting better than a strictly oil- or water-based paint.

Q. The rooms in my home are small. Can I do anything to make them look larger?

A. Start by pulling your furniture away from the walls. A common misconception is a room will feel bigger with more empty floor space. Moving a couch, chairs or accent table eight to 12 inches away from the walls creates the illusion of depth by masking the floor space. Also, use accessories that draw the eye upward, like a plant on a high shelf or a framed photo above a mantel.

For more painting tips, visit www.kilz.com .