European Reading Room

The Solution
Interior designer Brice Cooper and design coordinators Kelly Edwards and Ali Azhar paint the walls denim blue to give the room depth, accentuate the architectural details and contrast the hardwood floors. A formerly vacant corner now houses a bar-height bistro table, barstools and an oversize clock. The bookcases are moved up off the floor, making room for more seating. And no reading room would be complete without a couple of comfy chairs.

The Cost

Paint and supplies – $151

• wall paint, INTLTXFBS2GL, 022367441487, $18.51/gallon – Glidden
  
• white paint, INTLTXFBS1QT, 02236744143, $8.48 – Glidden

Table settings – $30

• napkins, Spring Tow Set/5 BLA, 417535005255, $9.99 – Linens 'N Things
  
• plates, small, Meadow Flo., square salad, black, $1.99 – Linens 'N Things
  
• plates, large, Meadow Flo., square dinner, black, $2.99 – Linens 'N Things
  
• cups, Acrylicdri 180X Tom, black, $2.99 – Linens 'N Things

Bar table and stools – $125

• black spray paint, 12 oz. black satin, 165912, $3.12 – Lowe's
  
• 24" bar stools, 249000550, standard natural, $16.99 each – Target
  
• bar table, closeout thrift, $61.59 – Salvation Army

Wall clock – $49

• wood circle, 718793160060, $15.25 – The Home Depot
  
• numbers for clock project, 04899375013 4" Nail on 1; 045899375020 4" Nail on 2; 045899375037 4" Nail on 3; 045899375051 5" Nail on 4; 045899375082 4" Nail on 8; 045899375099 4" Nail on 9; 045899375006 4" Nail on 0; 045899375013 4" Nail on 1; 045899375020 4" Nail on 2; 045899375075 4" Nail on 7; 045899375068 4" Nail on 6); $1.47/each – The Home Depot
  
• clock mechanism, $7.99 – Hobby Lobby
  
• construction paper, Folio antq 250G 3B DS 1, $3.94 – Pearl Art & Crafts

Shadow box – $13

• wood, 1/2" 2x4, MDF, 7178793151242, $6.67 – The Home Depot
  
• wall frame, closeout thrift, $5 – Salvation Army

Chairs – $175

• side chairs, closeout thrift, $80 each – The Ark Thrift

Coffee tables – $100

• wood veneer, 619-100-50 V Zebrawood P/S veneer, $41.60 – Wood World
  
• glue, 905-185-00 FM Titebond QT Fastdry contact, $11.75 – Wood World
  
• MDF tables, $10 each

Bookcases – $98

• wood, 1/2" 2x4, MDF, 7178793151242, $60.03 – The Home Depot
  
• puck lights, LT Puck Brs, 008938252119 1, $17.92 – The Home Depot

Lighting – $25

Window treatments – $100

• curtain rods, Cafe Rod Cold Quench Stl, 28-48", 068050042, $4.99 – Target
  
• curtain panels, Expression 84" panel, ALA 076657818831, $14.99 – Linens 'N Things
  
• black fabric, black stretch twill, 6003925, $14.67 – JoAnn
  
• black ribbon, 5/16 Blk Semaid Rbn, 6555023 1, $3.96 – JoAnn

Storage organizer – $50

• plastic wall organizer, letter wall pocket, 079916632018, $6.99 – Staples
  
• plywood, 273-002-03 1, plywood (25 Mil), lightweight, $19.50 – Wood World
  
• trim, 081999442750 356 Casing, $17.98 – The Home Depot
  
• box used as base, Cube Swing Door, 054241417, $24.99 – Target
  
• hooks, two-pack Hook Robe Double Chrome, 085031859, $1.99 – Target

Pillows and accessories – $80

• pillows, Spring STR, 18x18, 040175358247, $12.99 – Linens 'N Things
  
• rug, 60 Domestics 011970592, $29 – Marshalls
  
• black vase, 017628260, $10 – Marshalls
  
• greenery, Greenery Bush A5, 7928724, $6.99 – JoAnn
  
• white vase, med white long neck, 200090055, $11.99 – Target
  
• black art piece, closeout thrift, $10 – The Ark Thrift

Total – $996