Contemporary Living Room Converted to a Child-Friendly Haven

Before

Wall Paint – $5
To begin the makeover the purple sponge-painted walls are covered in a soft taupe color. A dark purple paint is used on the accent wall leading into the hallway.

Ottoman – $20
The homeowner’s couches are rearranged to optimize the space. The ottoman is given a new colorful slipcover — the color palette in the slipcover will tie all the colors in the room together.

Pillar – $20
To block the view of the bathroom and to add architectural interest a floor-to-ceiling column is added to the hallway entry.

Windows – $38
The existing shutters come off the windows to add more light. Beautiful dark purple tablecloths are converted into drapes for both windows. For one window a three-fold screen is constructed from louvered doors; a vibrant green fabric is hung in each panel of the screen. For the other window a valance is made by connecting three baker’s rack shelves; they are attached together with screws then wooden brackets are used to fasten the valance to the wall.

• curtains: Home Goods – 008322
  
• metal shelves for valence: IKEA

Stereo Cabinet – $49
An ultra contemporary cabinet is constructed to house the stereo and CDs. The top piece is made from mdf (medium-density fiber board) covered in an adhesive product to give it a stainless-steel look. Mini-cabinets purchased at a home store help structure the cabinet and provide storage for the CDs.

• storage boxes: Target – 097010417
  
• stainless steel adhesive paper: Target – 002040815
  
• Tyco tape/foil tape: The Home Depot – 033656304505

Wall Unit – $134
To create a focal point in the room a large wall unit is built. First, a narrow console table is placed on the wall adjacent to the front door. A bookshelf is placed on top of the table, in front of the mirror. The unit provides more storage and disguises the overly large mirror. A few of the cubes in the bookshelf were blocked out with fabric on spring rods to give it a clean look.

• bookcase: IKEA – Expedit/80071319

Table – $21
A drop-leaf style occasional table is added to the wall unit–a piano hinge was used to make the large folding table leg.

• table: IKEA

Chairs – $10
Inexpensive secondhand chairs were given new life with pretty green paint and new upholstery.

• fabric: SR Harris

Rug – $106
Four small leather rag rugs were made into one large area rug by tying them together with strips of leather remnants. Not only do the purple leather remnants tie the rugs together they also add a big punch of color.

• rugs: Target – 066010018

Accessories – $97

• beaded lamp shade: Home Goods – 338962
  
• suede pillows: Home Goods – 086317

Total – $500