Elegant Cottage Reading Room

• 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. (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

• Design coordinator Dave Sheinkopf uses the couple's family photos to make a collage on the wall. (frames: Wal-Mart, JoAnn)

• The wood floor is warmed up with a neutral-colored rug. (floor rug: Cost Plus World Market – Chenille Leaf Rug, 000000343330)

• The ottoman is topped with a serving tray that's been painted white. (serving tray: Ross – 406005210978/ yellow spray painted off-white)

• Design coordinator Spencer Anderson revamps a plastic chandelier with white spray paint, crystals and new shades. (shades: The Great Indoors – 19662; chandelier: Santiagos Thrift Shop)

• Matching floor lamps flank the French doors leading into the room. (lamps and shades: Ikea – Rvsi Floor Lamps and Ek Shades, 70072376 & 700772376)

Fabric and Window Treatments – $71

• A striped fabric is used on the ottoman, a floral panel is used as a doorway divider and a Roman shade provides privacy on the door leading outside. (fabric used for ottoman, pillows and panels: JoAnn)

Paint – $41

• 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. (wall paint: Behr – Pecan Sandie 700C-3)

Hardware and Incidentals – $33

Project total – $997