Elegant Cottage Reading Room

Before, Jose and Christine Parra needed help transforming their empty spare room into a space they could both enjoy.

Designer Kristan Cunningham shops a thrift store and finds discount wingback chairs that she covers with white slipcovers. A small side table is set in between the two chairs. She also slipcovers a simple table with two-inch foam, batting and fabric to turn it into an ottoman. The top is tufted with three fabric-covered buttons. A fabric skirt is attached with hook-and-loop tape to make it removable for washing.

Design coordinator Dave Sheinkopf uses the couple's family photos to make a collage on the wall. The wood floor is warmed up with a neutral-colored rug and the ottoman is topped with a serving tray that's been painted white.

A crisp creamy white and taupe color palette creates a soothing backdrop. The walls are painted a medium mocha color. A lighter mocha color is used on the fireplace along with white paint on the brick and mantel. The interior of the fireplace is painted with a heat-resistant black spray paint. The fireplace is also decorated with a black-painted iron screen.

Makeover Information

Furniture – $345
(thrift-store chairs: El Torito Shop, North Hollywood Thriftystore; coffee table used for ottoman: Ikea – Lack, 60011430; slipcovers: Sure Fit – duck solid wing chair cover, Natural 139726255)

Art and accessories – $330
(frames: Wal-Mart, JoAnn)
(floor rug: Cost Plus World Market – Chenille Leaf Rug, 000000343330)
(serving tray: Ross – 406005210978/ yellow spray painted off-white)
(screen: Mainly Seconds – White/green/pink spray painted black)
(accessories: JoAnn)

Lighting – $177
(shades: The Great Indoors – 19662; chandelier: Santiagos Thrift Shop)
(lamps and shades: Ikea – Rvsi Floor Lamps and Ek Shades, 70072376 & 700772376)

Fabric and Window Treatments – $71
(fabric used for ottoman, pillows and panels: JoAnn)

Paint – $41
(wall paint: Behr – Pecan Sandie 700C-3)

Hardware and Incidentals – $33

Project total – $997