Budget-friendly home makeover ideas

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A new palette of materials creates a glow that blurs the room’s boundaries. High-gloss white marine paint covers the wainscoting, ceiling, and chairs. Walls are white plaster, and the shutters have been replaced with elegant Roman shades. An ebony stain on the oak floor and tabletop makes the sunny colors pop.

• See more of the makeover on Sunset.com.

• See more of the makeover on SouthernLiving.com.

• See more of the makeover on MyHomeIdeas.com.

• See more of the makeover on MyHomeIdeas.com.

• See more of the makeover on Sunset.com.

See more of the makeover on SouthernLiving.com.

This chair goes from floral to sophisticated with a smart upholstery update. Exposing the wooden legs and adding a nail-head trim make this chair conservative yet hip–the perfect combo for a new couple’s first home.

Wing Chair Fabric: Ottoman Leaf in Chocolate by Robert Allen (robertallendesign.com); 1-800-333-3777

• See more of the makeover on SouthernLiving.com.

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The young couple repositioned the bed against the larger wall to visually increase the room size and evenly redistribute the floor space. A little smart shopping and practical do-it-yourself ideas transformed the junk room into a guest suite that looks like a million bucks for much less.

• See more of the makeover on MyHomeIdeas.com.

When Susan Churcher moved into her 1950s home, she faced a decorating dilemma in the kitchen. It was a dreary space with dated cabinets and dark brown appliances. Long-term plans called for a complete remodel, but what could she do in the interim?

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Color was this kitchen’s quick fix. $30 worth of paint even spruced up the old appliances, achieving an entirely new look.

See more of the makeover on Sunset.com.

A fence encloses the yard and runs along the sidewalk and the driveway. Inside, an inviting path of flagstones threads through a cottage garden to the front door.

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Caroline made careful choices about when to save and when to splurge. In the living room, she slipcovered a beat-up leather armchair with inexpensive white canvas, and then paired it with a more expensive silk throw pillow. She also took extra time to paint the insides of her bookshelves darker than the walls to provide a contrasting backdrop for her creamware collection.

• See more of the makeover on MyHomeIdeas.com.

Instances like these abound throughout Jill’s home as testament to her frugal savviness. Be sure to get them all to inspire your own home.

• See more of the makeover on MyHomeIdeas.com.

• See more of the makeover on MyHomeIdeas.com.

• See more of the makeover on MyHomeIdeas.com.

See more of the makeover on SouthernLiving.com.

Give a random collection of art pieces museum-worthy treatment. A hodgepodge of materials and colors makes it look inventive and authentic, as if you had collected each piece over time. We’ll show you how to make your collection look this great in just three easy steps.

See more style updates on MyHomeIdeas.com.

Look around the house for things that share a common element. Maybe you have a plethora of white pitchers or silver picture frames. Group them together on a tabletop for an instant collection. Remember that odd numbers of items often look better together.