By MATT MAURY

Just look in any "home store" or "house and garden" magazine and you will see a number of ideas to change the environment in your home. There might be suggestions of changing the drapes, painting the walls a different color, or some other minor project. On the other hand, it might be a major remodeling project that is highlighted.

It is not that anyone needs to make changes just for the sake of it. But seasons change, lifestyles change, and families change - all bringing reasons to be creative around the home.

Let's start with the easy things. In December, many people decorate for the holidays. In summer, folks include more garden flowers inside - on tables and counters. At our home, we switch pictures over the fireplace with the seasons. A snowy scene hangs during the winter; a colorful boating picture, during the summer.

The first step in a creative change is to evaluate your lifestyle. Consider what you enjoy doing (reading, sewing, woodworking), what specific needs you have for your home (office, storage), and how you can change your home to maximize both. The next step is to evaluate your home, noting what space is used often, where you are most comfortable, and what areas are unused or uncomfortable.

The unused and/or underused space can be converted into something that is delightfully used! Creating more storage space is a generic desire most of us have for their homes, but it doesn't sound like a very exciting project. When you are able to be specific about what you want to store, there are many creative and interesting ways to go about it. There are stores and catalogs that have a variety of creative storage containers and organizers. And, there are firms that install closet and pantry systems that totally utilize the available space. When you are able to be specific about what you want to do at home, there are often creative ways for you to go about it. Here are a few ideas to get your thought process started:

LIBRARY - Curling up with a good book or doing some serious studying is a great way to spend your time. Installing floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, good lighting and a comfy chair can make any room into a cozy retreat.

ARTIST STUDIO - Natural lighting in a private space allows for maximum creativity. There may be a need for increased ventilation, plumbing, and electricity to make a spare bedroom into a picture perfect studio.

FITNESS ROOM- Why leave home when you can exercise in your own specially-designed fitness center? Hand pick your own equipment, install the audio/video enhancements needed for motivation, and save the travel time and membership fees involved with exercising at a gym.

SEWING AREA - Excellent lighting and the opportunity to leave projects undisturbed are the keys to this space. Fold-away ironing boards and roll-away worktables allow a small space to house lots of creativity.

MUSIC ROOM - Attention to acoustics will create a room that enhances listening to recorded music or playing live music. For those who really take their music seriously, a recording studio is an option.

WORKSHOP - Convert that corner of the basement to a woodworker's dream. A few walls, an upgraded electrical service, and the appropriate selection of power tools with sawdust collection devices will get a whole new group of creative projects started.

One caution on creativity around the home: Always consider the ramifications of an investment for that future time when the home will be sold. For instance, a BUILT-IN aquarium for tropical fish might actually limit the sales potential for a home, even reducing its value. Overall, though, most creative touches will enhance both the pleasure from and value of a home. (