Family Room Renovation for Less Than $500

Before: This living room can be made more inviting with minimal creativity and less than $500.

$51 - Drapes
Wire is used to hang the drapes in front of the sliding glass door, which makes for a clean and contemporary look at a bargain price. Three eye hooks are secured into the wall and the wire is threaded through each and tightened on each end. The drapes are hung from the wire with silver clip rings.

• drapery clip rings: Target
  
• drapery fabric: fabric outlet

$19 - Valances
The two back windows are dressed up with valances sewn to mimic a Roman shade look.

$18 - Paint
The homeowners' existing bookshelf is painted black and set on its side behind the sofa to divide up the two spaces.

$30 - Shelves
Two floating shelves are attached to the wall next to the television to hold electronics.

• floating shelves: IKEA - Lack

$43 - End Table
A contemporary-style end table is created out of painted plywood rounds, four glass bowls and three painted dowel rods.

• glass bowls: Wal-Mart

$31 - Slipcovers
The homeowners' two side chairs are updated with a more contemporary styling with beige loose-fit slipcovers. The cushions are slipcovered in an aubergine fabric. An ottoman is created out of a do-it-yourself occasional table — the legs are cut down to the appropriate height, the top is covered with foam and fabric and the bottom is skirted with more of the beige and aubergine fabric.

• linen fabric: fabric outlet
  
• upholstery nails: Wal-Mart
  
• red velvet: Jo-Ann Fabrics

$41 - Candleholders and Mirror
Three beaded candleholders are placed above the fireplace in front of a mirror purchased at a garage sale for one dollar.

• candleholders: Gabberts

$3 - Picture Ledges
Three picture ledges are constructed out of scrap wood and secured to the wall with small hooks.

$15 - Artwork
Gallery-style art is created out of stain-grade plywood. The plywood is cut into large squares and a center opening is cut the size of a 3x5 photo. The wood is stained a light color to contrast with the dark walls and the photo is attached to the back.

$205 - Accessories
Accessories include two new lamps, throw pillows and floor pillows and vases holding plant stems and stones.

• tan velvet: Wal-Mart
  
• table lamps: IKEA - HEKTO/ynka
  
• mirrors: IKEA - Malma

Total Cost - $494