Inviting Writer's Retreat

Built-in Shelves - $300

• The biggest expense in the room is the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves. The wood is all cut to size and stained before assembly. To attach all of the pieces, Burbridge countersinks the holes and secures everything with wood screws. The holes are filled with mushroom-shaped wooden caps, which are stained before they're put in place. Decorative trim on the front edges gives the unit a finished look.

Accessories - $289

• They replace the ceiling fan with a new fixture that better flows with the new vintage design. (ceiling fan: The Great Indoors - 34 08813 LX MDS)

• A potted palm in one corner brings in a tropical feeling.

Fabrics and Rug - $205

• Elephant-print fabric is fashioned into short panels for the back window.

• An area rug adds subtle color to the floor. (area rug: At Home in the Valley)

• Baltzer gives a 24" x 36" cork bulletin board a new look with fabric and a frame. She covers the board with batting and fabric and staples it on the opposite side. She then slips the board into the frame and attaches a few brackets to the back to hold it in place. The front inside edge is trimmed out with cording adhered with hot glue.

Paint Supplies - $154

• The white walls are banished beneath a coat of camel-colored paint. (wall paint: Mark's Paint Store - Benjamin Moore, Desert Tan 2153-50)

• Burbridge refurbishes a great-looking chair at far right he found at a garage sale. He adds more support underneath, spiffs up the seat with leather conditioner and rubs a coat of wood conditioner on the frame.

Project Total - $998