Casually Elegant Living and Dining Room

Roman Shades–$26
Roman shades are hung in the living room windows. The shades are the same color as the walls in order to keep the background neutral for the other colorful elements in the room. The fabric used to make the shades is an unlined crinkle satin which provides the right blend of formal and casual.

• fabric: Mill End Textiles

Couch–$124
Fabric paint was sprayed then rubbed onto a classic Victorian sofa giving it a funky new look, and it hides stains too.

• paint: Duncan Enterprises - Tulip Cool Color Spray - Tangerine FLSP2 and Black FLSP14 (1/2 teaspoon of black added per 4 oz. tangerine)

Seating Area–$117
Various furnishings from thrift stores and garage sales are blended together to create the cozy conversation area:

A new-used rug in the same neutral color as the walls was found for only $80.

An ottoman/coffee table was given new life with vintage velvet fabric and a unique floral embroidery remnant. To put this warm red and crushed orange centerpiece together cost a mere $8.

Two Asian-inspired end tables are added to each side of the couch, these were at a bargain at $20 for the pair.

Two re-covered arm chairs round out the seating area–another steal at only $8 for the set.

For a bold blend of casual and formal a $1 rice sack is used to cover the seat of a formal side chair.

Chandelier–$19
The homeowner’s existing ceiling fixture is given new life with some clever handiwork. New glass shades were purchased for the fixture. Enamel paint specifically used for glass was watered down to give it a runny, thin consistency. Varying shades of paint are dripped down the inside of the glass for a blown-glass effect. The glass is then baked in the oven so the colors will remain steadfast.

• glass shades: The Home Depot - SKU# 30721 810947
  
• glass paint: Plaid Enterprises - Folk Art Enamels - 4017 Lemon Custard, 4025 Cobalt, 4006 Engine Red, 4020 Hunter Green

Dining Table–$19
For a better fit in the dining room a second-hand round table replaces the square table. A dupioni silk table cloth was tie-dyed a rich shade of blue. The tassels on tablecloth were only slightly dipped in the dye to add depth and give the fringe a two-tone effect.

Get how-to instructions on fabric bleaching...

Dining Chairs–$65
Three dining chairs and a bench were re-covered in denim and then a pattern was applied using a bleach treatment. First, a workplace in the direct sun is found–the fabric is laid out on the work table. A plastic medallion found in the garbage was laid on top of the fabric then a solution of 50/50 bleach and water was sprayed onto the medallion and fabric. Direct sunlight helped speed the process along–when the right amount of bleaching is complete the process is stopped by rising the fabric in bleach stop.

• bleach stop (sodium thiosulfate crystals): Dharma Trading Company

Dining Room Window–$18
A valance was covered in the same fabric used for the Roman shades in the living room. For a casual look the fabric is cut into strips then ribbed so they will have frayed, slightly unraveled edges. The strips are then weaved together vertically across the valance; the strips are fastened to the back of the valance with staples. Two curtain panels in the same fabric are added underneath the valance.

• fabric: Mill End Textiles

Accessories–$35
Eclectic accessories in matching warm tones are arranged thorough out the two rooms. The homeowner’s artwork was displayed in unconventional ways – opposing sizes, varying heights, and disport groupings really showing off their collection to its full potential.

Total = $497