Beyond the Starter Home

Over in the dining room, all those boxes are gone and what remains is a spacious setting for a delicious meal or family gathering. The table now takes center stage, and freshly painted walls and new window treatments complete the look.

The most dramatic transformation happened in the office/child's room, which can now function as a work area or a bedroom or both. The childlike mural has been replaced by a soft neutral color, and new furniture pieces create a homey setting.

A new fence complements the bright grass and adds tremendous value to the home.

And a week and $215 worth of plants and flowers later, the porch is colorful and cheery.

Total cost breakdown for the Jacksons' place:

furniture $768
window treatments $255
lumber and lighting $355
landscaping $215
paint and supplies $115
decorative accessories $285

Total: $1993 — just $7 to spare!!!

Products from Pier 1:

New Grip plate stand for fireplace, 1960142

five bamboo shades for living room/dining room, 1851405

Products from Coaster Company:

two leather chairs, 8071
coffee table set for living room, 5421
two barstools for office, 5508

Products from Target:

two lamps for living room, 074000814
lampshades for living room, 074080515
iron framed mirror, 074110634
two pictures for living room, 074120094
bromeliad plant in clay pot for fireplace, 804080608
two candle holders, 054001057
two throw pillows, 060041179
seven valances, 068030398
six valance rods, 068050272
bamboo plate for living room, 054000954

Products from Lowe's:

five gallons of Ralph Lauren paint:

fireplace wall, Brompton Grey
living room walls, Devonshire
office, Fairy Wren
office desk area, Cottonwood

27 Salvia Plants, 51839
Sago Palm, 77867
one 15-gallon Flax Phornium, 201978
three 5-gallon Flax Phornium, 86172
two 2-gallon Flax Phornium, 106390
three 2-gallon Tropicana-canna, 222220
nine annual flowers 1 gallon, 51698
two purple fountain plants, 94349
soil for yard, 80642
bronze lamp for office, 140689
17" Leather Bell lamp shade for office, 202809