We all have one. That spare bedroom where all the junk ends up. The bathroom desperately in need of an update. The chaotic home office. Living with such spaces day after day can become overwhelming. But you don’t have to spend overwhelming amounts of cash to make them vibrant, pleasing living spaces again.
In this slideshow, we look at how professional designers tackled five common problem spaces, using little money but plenty of creative techniques. The price for each project includes costs of materials only, except where noted. See if the transformations inspire you to take on a your own daunting project.
By Lisa Dixon
Office Clutter...
Before: This room in the lower level of a condo "felt small, cramped and cold," says designer Christine Suzuki. Books and photos spilled out of boxes on the floor. The tall, skinny closet, which was opened infrequently, hogged valuable space.
The owners needed more room for storing books, papers and other items, plus a large writing desk.
Sponsored Content
...To Functional Home Office
- Cost of redesign: $4,395 (including installation)
- Design firm: Christine S. Suzuki & Associates,Seattle, Wash.
After: Voila. Custom cabinetry worked wonders here. Designer Suzuki removed the white closet door and incorporated the depth of the closet into the home office design. The extra-deep space neatly accommodates a TV, printer and filing cabinet.
The shelving takes full advantage of the height of the ceiling, providing storage for office supplies and books. The red paint creates warmth and dramatically sets off the neutral color of the cabinetry. A leather writing surface offers an extra touch of elegance.
Sponsored Content
From Junk Room...
Before: This little-used loft had become a dumping ground for boxes, Christmas wrapping paper and other items. Out of sight, out of mind, or so the saying goes. But the owners wanted to transform this space into a relaxing sitting room for guests, with a small office area for their own use.
Sponsored Content
...To Cozy Retreat
- Cost of redesign: About $2,500
- Design firm: LB Designs, Salisbury, Mass.
After: Designer Lori Brasseur paired dark woods with deep colors to make the space feel warm and inviting. A new comfy chaise and bookcases create a nook for reading and relaxing. Breezy sheers topped with a smart valance take full advantage of the large windows. The existing sofa, fitted with a slipcover, is grouped with a coordinating chair on the other side of the room. A new wooden desk, not shown, fits neatly under a dormer window.
Sponsored Content
The Powder Room
Before: This space badly needed an update. Time to say goodbye to the floral wallpaper, yellow sink, white vanity and mirror. Could more sophisticated colors, updated accessories, and a clear design make a difference?
Sponsored Content
The Powder Room Reborn
Cost of redesign: $748
Design firm: LJS Interior RedesignsAfter: What a difference! The renovation didn't cost much, either. A gallon of light-green paint and a new vanity go a long way toward spiffing up this bathroom. Designer Lisa Skelley also added a wood-framed mirror with coordinating accessories. The white toilet and tile floor remain the same, but in their updated context, these bathroom essentials take on a brand-new look.
Sponsored Content
From Ho-Hum...
Before: The den in this newly purchased house featured a wall-length cabinet with large bookshelves and plenty of promise. But "the walls were white and the woodwork stained a boring, dark brown, making for too much contrast between the walls and bookcases," says designer Connie Thomas.
Sponsored Content
...To Appealing Focal Point
- Cost of redesign: $100
- Design firm: Interior Transformations, Lafayette, La.
After: Notice how the combination of three complementary shades of paint makes the cabinetry a more integral part of this room. Thomas primed and painted the woodwork a light ivory color, which contrasts gently with the walls, now a warm taupe. A coat of dark chocolate-colored paint sets off the back of the bookcases and provides a warm backdrop for the homeowner’s accessories.
Sponsored Content
From So-So...
Before: The owner of this home wanted to make her living room more inviting and more amenable to entertaining. "Her home was loaded with beautiful furnishing and accessories," says designer Lisa Skelley. So the task was to assemble various pieces from around the house into a more cohesive and welcoming space -- without purchasing extra items.
Sponsored Content
...To a Great Living Room
- Cost of the redesign: $0.
- Design firms: LJS Interior Redesigns Encore Decor, New York.
After: That's right -- this redesign cost nothing more than the creativity of the designers. Out went the white leather sectional, replaced by a smaller, more plush sofa, set at an angle. A comfy chair brought in from the guest room helps promote conversation, and a glass side table adds interest. A console table, originally in the upstairs hall, goes behind the sofa. A change of artwork and lamps, plus a large green plant, help pull it all together. (A footnote: This room was redesigned for the HGTV cable channel.)
Sponsored Content
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Advance on Light Volume Thanks to Big TechEquities rose in a mostly sleepy session as Mag 7 names led the way.
-
Where Starbucks Workers are Striking and What It Means For YouStarbucks Workers United organized a nationwide strike through Christmas Eve, impacting locations in nine states and growing until Starbucks meets demands.
-
The Best Places to Retire in New Englandplaces to live Thinking about a move to New England for retirement? Here are the best places to land for quality of life, affordability and other criteria.
-
Best Cold Weather Places to Retireplaces to live Some like it hot; others not so much. Here are the 12 best places to retire if you can't stand the heat.
-
15 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winterhome There are many ways to prepare your home for winter, which will help keep you safe and warm and save on housing and utility costs.
-
Hurricane Insurance Claims: 10 Things You Should KnowBecoming a Homeowner Hurricane damage? Know what’s covered, what isn’t and how to make the most of your policy if you need to file a claim.
-
5 Great Places to Buy a Vacation HomeWant a vacation home for remote work or a fun getaway? Here are locations with median prices under $400K.
-
10 Big U.S. Cities With the Cheapest Apartment Rentsplaces to live Apartment dwellers pay less than the national average in these cities with the cheapest rent.
-
The 10 Most Expensive Cities to Live in the U.S.Real estate From metro areas on both coasts to the middle of the Pacific Ocean, these are the most expensive cities to live in the U.S.
-
The 25 Cheapest Places to Live: U.S. Cities Editionplaces to live Have a look at the cheapest places to live in America for city dwellers. Is one of the cheapest places to live in the U.S. right for you?
