Designer Ann Sundet and host Joan Steffend transform a stark white breakfast area with a burst of color and contemporary furnishings. The white walls are painted bright red and the windows are treated simply with metallic-looking cornice boards. A patchwork area rug is created from carpet scraps, affixed with hot glue and drywall compound meshing tape. Since the country-style dining table didn't fit in with its new surroundings, Sundet made a new one out of plywood and fence-post legs. Mismatched chairs have been repainted in contrasting colors and refurbished with new vinyl seats. The electrical components in the corner have a new home in a taller cabinet made out of plywood and steel rods. This puts the TV at a better viewing level and provides room for the stereo and CDs. Accessories bring the look together and include candleholders made from ductwork elements, silk flower arrangements situated on top of glass-topped pedestals and the contemporary piece of artwork that inspired the dramatic makeover.
Project: Cornice Boards
Steps:
- Using 1" x 6" pine board, cut two sides and a front piece to fit window; attach with nails. Apply black base coat.
- To create metallic finish, use a sturdy paintbrush and dip it lightly in metallic paint. Brush off excess on a paper towel and apply light sweeps of vertical and horizontal strokes to the board.
- Attach to wall with L-brackets.
Project: Carpet Area Rug
- Make cuts on the back side of the carpet using a right-angle ruler and utility knife.
- Run a bead of hot glue down each seam and reinforce with drywall compound meshing tape.
Project: Contemporary Dining Table
- Cut desired table dimensions out of 3/4" plywood and frame it with 1x3s for a more finished edge and to keep it from drooping.
- Attach 4" x 4" fence posts between 1x2s for the legs; reinforce with metal framing supports.
- Paint black and apply several coats of polyurethane.
Project: TV Cabinet
- Construct a cabinet out of 3/4" plywood, 12" deep and 36" across.
- Attach steel rods in between every other shelf for reinforcement.
- Add a 3/4" board to the back for additional reinforcement.
- Paint black and apply several coats of polyurethane to prevent scratches.
Itemized Design Elements
$19 - one gallon of paint (Behr - Red Rockies #2A255)
$28.92 - cornice boards (metallic paint - Ralph Lauren, Candlelight Silver #DS07)
$10.24 - area rug
$145.14 - table and chairs
$60 - wall unit
$142.44 - floral arrangements (discontinued: JoAnn - silk plants, Croton PPG 407-MX; Pier 1 - pewter plant stands, Medici #1637781)
$38.85 - miscellaneous (paint for chairs- Benjamin Moore Heirloom Gold #255, Behr Fable Green #3A61-5, Terra Cotta #2A25 -5)
$444.59 - Total Cost
)
)
