idea notebook B E FOR E
A Dramatic Living Room Redo—on the Cheap! How wallet-friendly fixes transformed an outdated space
—JOURDAN CROUCH
60 . COUNT RY L I V I NG .C OM . August 2009
Window “The bigger the window, the better—except when the design is dated,” says Ross of this one’s pointed peak (inset). So he squared it off with Sheetrock inside; outside, new cedar planks cover the work. Total cost: $175. (Linen curtains, from $49 each; westelm.com)
Open the page! Lift this flap for a play-by-play account of how Eddie Ross made over the entire room. “I found amazing steals!” he says.
PHOTOGR APHS BY BJÖRN WALL ANDER
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“The place was stuck in a seventies time warp,” says designer Eddie Ross of this Long Island, New York, living room. And while homeowners Chris and Jackie Keber didn’t exactly adore their Brady Bunch set, the couple had no intention of spending a fortune. So Ross focused on simple upgrades, rejuvenating the 350-square-foot room with minimal outlay. He painted the jarring marigold walls a fresh white and removed the drab carpet, revealing hardwood floors. For furniture, the designer shopped inexpensive retailers like Target and Ikea—and even hit a thrift shop, where he found the sofa at right. The Kebers’ reaction? “What was once an eyesore,” says Chris, “is now our favorite room in the house.”
B E FOR E Paint What a difference! Covering the overpowering yellow hue with crisp white created a serene backdrop, plus the illusion of more space. (Decorator’s White, from $15.99 per quart; benjamin moore.com for stores) Bookshelves “Provide visual interest by arranging some books horizontally,” says Eddie Ross. “You can also place accessories atop the stacks.” Coating the built-in unit’s interior with a pale blue added depth. (Skylark Song, from $15.99 per quart; benjaminmoore.com for stores) Chair Washable cotton slipcovers, like the one on this Ikea Ektorp armchair, make cleanup a breeze. (Slipcovered chair, $249; ikea.com) Planter White paint freshened up a plain terracotta pot. (12-inch pot, $8.97; lowes.com) Chaise Ross scored this astonishingly affordable, utterly stylish ikat seat at Target. (Santa Fe chaise in blue, $489.99; target.com)
“Bookshelves aren’t just for books. Use them to display your favorite things, and leave open spaces to make it all feel airy.” —Eddie Ross Lamp Grosgrain ribbon trim, attached with a glue gun, gives an off-the-rack shade a custom look. (Lamp with shade, $49.99; homegoods.com for stores) Sofa The price for this chic toile couch, including its matching armchair and ottoman? An unbelievable $225 at a thrift store. Pillows The little details that finish a room often wind up blowing the budget, but Ross shopped smart—and saved big. (On sofa: Pink, $12.99; pier1.com for stores. White, $12.99; homegoods.com for stores. On white chair: Striped, $16.99; homegoods .com for stores. Crab, $45; artandartifact.com. On chaise: Blue patterned, $16.99; home goods.com for stores) Carpet Neutral sea grass supplies texture, while color and pattern come from a small area rug that can be changed out seasonally. (Sea-grass rug, $549; home decorators.com. Similar striped rug, $59; qvc.com)