The $1,000 Stretch: After

Please click on the picture at left for a larger image.

1. walls
A cheerful buttery yellow paint on the walls brightens the space. Painting the walls a warm color adds instant life to any room.

2. painting
A favorite oil painting propped on the mantel introduces coral and orange into the room's color palette and acts as a personality-filled focal point. You can add drama in any room by including one fabulous accessory, such as a painting, to catch your eye.

3. armchair
A worn-out tag-sale chair, used in the original family room, is paired with an old ottoman from another room. The two became a matched set with the help of slipcovers made from inexpensive canvas. When searching for fabrics to create slipcovers, shop discount stores and sales for high-quality fabrics.

4. carpet
A durable beige berber carpet replaces the old carpeting. The look is similar to that of sisal but is less expensive. Don't try to cut costs on the carpet - always purchase good-quality carpet and pad.

5. trunk
An antique trunk pulled in from the guest room to replace a formal square coffee table visually grounds the space.

6. sofa
This yellow-and blue floral fabric found at a discount store for $6 a yard inspired the color palette. The all-over pattern is a good choice for new seamstresses; it will hide less-than perfect sewing. Limiting your main color choices to two or three keeps it simple and clean but still gives you the ability to highlight certain pieces.

7. side table
A drop-leaf table moved in from the kitchen serves as a side table. The piece is nicely scaled for the area and provides room for displaying favorite accessories. Simplify accessories by editing them carefully; fewer items in fewer colors are easier on the eye and allow more attention on the main focal point.

8. fireplace
A layer of painted embossed wallpaper, applied with water-soluble glue, brightens the fireplace during summer months.

9. curtains and fringe
Ready-made sailcloth panels lengthened with trim replaced dark, room-confining draperies. Hanging the curtains above the window opens up the room and makes it feel larger.