Have you seen the new issue of Country Living? The living room makeover featured on the cover is actually a project of mine!
Last summer, when I agreed to help our good friends Jackie and Chris turn their 1960s ranch into a cute, cozy Hamptons beach house, we definitely had our work cut out for us. Or at least we thought we did. You would too if you opened the door and stepped into this.
More Brady Bunch than beach house, no? But as it turns out, all this room needed was a a good coat of paint, simple upgrades, and smart shopping. After all, just because you're decorating a room on a budget doesn't mean it can't be beautiful. Check it out! (Click twice to enlarge.)
And can you believe the price tag on that fantastic vintage bird toile sofa and chair? $225 from a thrift store, right here in town! The pieces were in great condition, just a bit dusty. All it took was a good steam cleaning, and they came right back to life.
Getting back to the Before, more dated than anything in that room had to have been the window above the sofa. Nothing screams Marcia, Marcia, Marcia more than a triangular window on a ranch!
Sheetrock on the inside; cedar planks on the exterior, and presto chango! An inexpensive, totally transformative new look. Thank you, by the way, to Sarah Gray Miller and her talented team of editors for including me in the issue!
So often, I come across budget makeovers that end up looking...well...budget. My advice? Three things: (1) Paint is your best friend. And if you screw up, who cares? Paint it again. It's still the biggest bang for your buck. (2) Shop smart. IKEA, Target, and Homegoods are all great resources. Then add character with one-of-a-kind finds from tag sales, thrift stores, and flea markets. (3) Finally, have fun! Decorating on a budget definitely takes more thought, but in the end, it's so much for rewarding when you know it's money well spent. Good luck with your makeovers, everyone! And don't forget to send me pics! I'd love to see what you're up to.
Decorating your home can be a very fulfilling experience. When you think about decorating your home as far as the furniture is concerned, most of us begin with thinking about the living and entertainment areas of the house and how we imagine we want them to look.
Posted by: Theater Seating | May 11, 2010 at 04:59 AM
Bye Bye Bradys! Welcome to Eddie's World! So Hamptons--love it! ~Tracy
Posted by: daily decorator | August 13, 2009 at 04:24 PM
Great job! I love it. My husband and I are in Tahoe right now and I just saw the identical toile sofa in Dave's Used Furniture, impossible to miss on Highway 50 next to the discount market..$125. Perfect condition. The only piece in the whole place I wanted to buy, but it won't quite fit in the back of the Audi TT!
Posted by: Sarah Taylor | August 13, 2009 at 01:41 PM
love the combo of the bright pink and delft blues and whites- fab job!!!
Posted by: jessica claire | August 05, 2009 at 10:40 PM
You did an awesome job on that living room, Marcia...see ya!...lol Phenomenal as usual! I don't understand why you don't have a tv show yet...what up!
I ,so, agree with the paint thing. It makes a world of difference and with every coat it gets easier...
I recently did a makeover on a budget in my living room...You can see it here.
http://www.redesigndiva.com/search/label/LR%20makeover
Kisses!
Posted by: Kindle | August 05, 2009 at 04:35 PM
what a lovely peek behind the curtain! I loved this story when it appeared in country living but it was great fun to learn all the other details that went into it but didn't make it to the stand. thanks!
Posted by: the little big house | August 05, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Bravo Eddie! A brilliant transformation!! Hope you Jaithan are well.
Best,
Ronda
xoxo
Posted by: all the best | August 04, 2009 at 07:48 AM
Job extremely well done...you rock!
Posted by: carol | August 03, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Eddie,
I have been enjoying this issue of CL for the past week or so, and didn't even realize that the cover was YOU! How exciting and what a fantastic make-over! Your clever eye and your artistic spirit make you such a unique and wonderful individual. Both you and Jaithan amaze me with your talents.
hugs,
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie | July 31, 2009 at 05:48 PM
LOVE IT! That toile is to die for!
Posted by: abby jenkins | July 31, 2009 at 10:14 AM
I love it. You never cease to amaze me.
Posted by: Sarah | July 30, 2009 at 11:22 PM
Eddie - I love the makeover and REALLY love your ability to combine thrift store treasures with high-end style. Thanks, as always, for the inspiration!
Posted by: Miranda | July 30, 2009 at 01:01 PM
what a steal on that couch!!! eek!
dallas
http://dillydallas.blogspot.com
Posted by: Dallas Shaw | July 29, 2009 at 07:52 PM
Wow. The transformation is just stunning!
Posted by: Design Esquire | July 29, 2009 at 05:26 PM
Hi, Eddie! Congrats on your CL feature, that is one beautiful room now. You have been one busy guy, hope your summer has been fun. I love this transformation & I just may have to go buy this magazine now. Love it!
And Jaithan, can I ask a favor please?! My blog addy has changed, I'm now at my own self-hosted site, so if you could please update my link on your blogroll, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks a bunch!
http://southernhospitalityblog.com/
Posted by: Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality | July 29, 2009 at 02:15 PM
Marcia would be proud of this makeover! The bookcase makeover is my favorite..You are so right about paint being your best friend..I can definitely vouch for that..since I always have to design on a budget for myself...but I do get to live vicariously through my clients.
:)
Posted by: Mimi | July 29, 2009 at 01:39 PM
it looks amazing - really! your deal-finding skills are inspiring!
Posted by: Jennifer | July 29, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Me again! Loved your make over so much I got the magazine yesterday and posted on it today!! I hope this is a preview of your new show!!
Posted by: blue hydrangea | July 29, 2009 at 12:05 PM
gorgeous... what a fabulous sofa and chair find, who would have ever thought it came from a thrift store!
Posted by: paula | July 29, 2009 at 09:04 AM
What a beautiful makeover! And who is that gorgeous dog in the photo spread??? He is darling!!! Is that a Lakeland Terrier? When is your book coming out? Or your tv show? It's about time already! xx
Posted by: Mum | July 29, 2009 at 08:57 AM
Oh Eddie - this was my favorite story in the magazine for years and years - I adored everything you did here. the window, the sofas - it is so beautiful! love love love it!
Joni
Posted by: joni webb | July 29, 2009 at 01:41 AM
Just returned from Paris and checked out the post. Thank you for your all your great ideas and inspiration. When are you guys coming back out? We've got to make sure that you enjoy the fruits of your labor! Cheers, CK.
Posted by: CK | July 28, 2009 at 09:55 PM
I liked the yellow, but the white updo really looks a lot fresher
Posted by: Newburgh Restoration | July 28, 2009 at 03:48 PM
Eddie,
Has always the room is stunning! I cannot wait to see what treasures are new in your ETSY store tomorrow...
I have a question for you and any of your blog readers...
I'm hunting for a vintage garden architectural print, it can be an original or a repeat, and it can be of any garden. I'm sure there is a great website to find these or someone on Etsy that makes them but I'm afraid I can't hunt them down... it's for a hostess present... any help would be much appreciated... you can email me or drop by my blog and leave the comment there...
Posted by: Danielle | July 28, 2009 at 02:33 PM
Eddie, Eddie, Eddie... Great transformation!
Couch looks familiar -- the porch?
xoxo
Evy
Posted by: Evelyn Weiss | July 28, 2009 at 01:56 PM
Eddie, Eddie, Eddie... Great transformation!
Couch looks familiar -- the porch?
xoxo
Evy
Posted by: Evelyn Weiss | July 28, 2009 at 01:54 PM
So amazing! I am off to get the magazine to learn all about it! thanks for the great posts!
Posted by: Padgett Hoke | July 28, 2009 at 01:45 PM
Eddie,
Great post, you do fantastic work and thank you for living out loud!
Paulette P.
Posted by: Paulette | July 28, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Beautiful. We just moved from Atlanta to Bowling Green, KY. I wished you could come decorate for me! Simply love this make over.
Posted by: Kimberly | July 28, 2009 at 07:31 AM
I love the new fresh colour scheme. I could definitely relax in a room like that.
Posted by: Fi Phillips | July 28, 2009 at 04:18 AM
eddie
how do i add to these comments? you are truly a genius in everything you do! what a nightmare shot of the triangular window, i thought what on earth can he do with that? but then to scroll down, WOW!
love you both, continued success!
xxo
debra
chicago
Posted by: debra | July 28, 2009 at 12:49 AM
This is fantastic, I love this makeover so much. Also i love the blog it's one of the best i've ever read.
Posted by: Emily | July 27, 2009 at 11:56 PM
Genius makeover on a budget, especially the pillows, I just cannot swallow spending $300 + on pillows no matter how beautiful.
Posted by: Karena | July 27, 2009 at 11:33 PM
Nicely done! I recently posted about the difference a paint job makes...this one in white,too!
Posted by: Diann | July 27, 2009 at 09:51 PM
I had read and talked about that makeover with my Mom when she got her new Country Living issue earlier this month. We both agreed that the redo price was reasonable considering the hideous yellow in the before. I just did not realize it was yours Eddie! How funny.
Posted by: Stephanie Ganger | July 27, 2009 at 08:57 PM
I have nothing to say...but...
B E A U T I F U L! :)
Posted by: Katarina | July 27, 2009 at 08:45 PM
OMG...the Bradys moved out ! It looks fabulous...as usual....GREAT JOB.
LOVE IT !
Best,
Kary
My Farmhouse Kitchen
Posted by: Kary Gonyer | July 27, 2009 at 07:25 PM
It has the WOW factor......
Ciao
Posted by: Glenda | July 27, 2009 at 07:19 PM
Eddie- You are fabulous! I love everything you did with this home. The colors are fantastic. I told you, you should have been one of the judges on Design Star.
Posted by: Yansy | July 27, 2009 at 06:03 PM
Ah! Cannot WAIT to get the magazine. Love the transformation, as I do all of your work.
The white paint is literally a breath of fresh air, and you anchor it naturally. This is not a blue-and-white by formula.
By the way, gratitude is unceasing for your Twitter luncheons, fabulous blog posts.
Posted by: M | July 27, 2009 at 05:56 PM
You are so talented and this is amazing exposure!
Posted by: girl, inspired | July 27, 2009 at 05:13 PM
I loved this...you did such a great job!
Posted by: hanako66 | July 27, 2009 at 05:05 PM
That sofa makes me cry (in a good way). Fabulous work, as usual! come to my place for a similar redo anytime...
Posted by: Melissa D | July 27, 2009 at 04:39 PM
Love the room. I now must go pick up the magazine. Great work.
debi
http://www.personalityispreferred.blogspot.com
Posted by: debi | July 27, 2009 at 04:01 PM
Wow - Eddie this looks so cozy, and welcoming! Really looking forward to seeing it in person!
- Kate @ Gourmet
Posted by: Kate | July 27, 2009 at 03:40 PM
This has to be one of my favorite room makeovers. Ever.
Posted by: PamperingBeki | July 27, 2009 at 02:11 PM
What great inspiration... I'm redoing our 1960's ranch in Kansas City. It is a work in progress... I'd love your input! Paint has definitely been my best friend...greys, white, oatmeal and blues. You can see some of the photos of our kitchen on my blog : http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2009/07/home-diy-kitchen-update.html
The living room and exterior is next... here are my inspiration photos: http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2009/07/home-inspiration.html Any suggestions?!
Thanks,
Jenny Steffens
Posted by: Jenny Steffens | July 27, 2009 at 02:10 PM
GREAT MAKE-OVER, EDDIE!!!
And since you asked, here's my post of how I used paint to completely change a look -I painted my pine armoire and am so pleased with the results-I'd be honored if you'd stop by!
http://kristensbloglife.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-to-lighten-up-your-living-room.html
Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Kristen ~Pajama Mama | July 27, 2009 at 01:42 PM
I love it! You're a Design WunderKind!
Posted by: Mona | July 27, 2009 at 01:06 PM
You're such a beautiful cover girl.
Seriously, you guys are the masters of every domain, and offer great ideas and useful advice.
Love you both madly!
xo xo
Posted by: Visual Vamp | July 27, 2009 at 12:09 PM
I love country living and am happy they have featured your gorgeous work! I decided to give you guys a little blog award - I know you are not the type of blog that will hand it on, it is a "chain" type thing, but I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your lovely blog!
Posted by: Julia | July 27, 2009 at 10:54 AM
I saw this in my mag this month and was happy for you...good job and thanks for sharing so openly all your talents.
Posted by: Denise West | July 27, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Fabulous after! I love the pops of pink! And the styling of the built-ins is perfection - I wish I could get mine to look that good!
Thanks for sharing!!!
Posted by: inthetweeds | July 27, 2009 at 10:27 AM
thanks for the inspiration.
Wonderful, as always :)
Posted by: sheista | July 27, 2009 at 09:54 AM
Beautiful job Eddie...just beautiful. I actually love a great rancher... especially if they have been untouched by contractors!! They remind me of the Brady Bunch days...LOL...oh, those were the days!
Posted by: michelle | July 27, 2009 at 09:36 AM
Beautiful!
Posted by: Carrie | July 27, 2009 at 09:34 AM
great makeover!! love the couches! don't great finds like that just make you giddy?
Posted by: jerusalem | July 27, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Wow!
Posted by: Jacks | July 27, 2009 at 09:04 AM
When I saw this I was in love- the before and after is just amazing! I still cant believe you found a couch like that for only $225- just lovely!!
Posted by: LindsB | July 27, 2009 at 08:38 AM
Talk about a refreshing change. What a difference! Your solution for altering the window shape was brilliant, and I'm just DYING over your thrift store sofa!!! To find something vintage that is right in every way and is still in such good shape - in a thrift store? Ah, nothing feels better than that. (p.s. luv the "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!" reference - yes, I was there).
Posted by: Carey | July 27, 2009 at 08:26 AM
What an amazing transformation! The new color palette is divine. I would love to hear more about how you steam-cleaned that sofa. It looks great now but is it hard to do?
Posted by: kris | July 27, 2009 at 07:51 AM
Just saw this over at TTI. Well done. I cannot believe those three pieces were $225 dollars, you know where they hide all the good gently used furniture in the US, that is for certain! Be well, Eddie!
Posted by: The Blushing Hostess | July 27, 2009 at 07:47 AM
Looks great. Its amazing what you can find at thrift stores and flea markets - that sofa is beautiful!
Posted by: Wendy Dawson | July 27, 2009 at 07:38 AM
Dang, you're good, I love it!! I am rushing right out to buy Country Living. You guys need to get down here to N.C. and work some of your magic!!
Posted by: blue hydrangea | July 27, 2009 at 07:28 AM
WOW!! Amazing as always!
Posted by: lulu | July 27, 2009 at 07:27 AM
Great makeover! The color palette is just beautiful :)
Posted by: Dagny @ Beautiful Living | July 27, 2009 at 05:54 AM
I LOVE your advice tips. They are so true! I love paint and all the stores you mentioned and of course having fun is the most important thing.
I am in the process of re-doing my studio and I am having a blast!
Stop by my Blog if you get a chance and you can see all of my other before and afters!
Take care,
Aimee
Posted by: Aimee Boschet | July 27, 2009 at 01:05 AM
Super fresh! Love the "happily ever after!"
pve
Posted by: pve | July 27, 2009 at 12:32 AM
I saw this and snatched it off the stand right away. It was a fabulous makeover. You really worked wonders!!! Your detail to beauty while minding the pocketbook is truly a talent few designers can pull off.
xoxo
Posted by: seleta | July 26, 2009 at 11:58 PM
Love this makeover! Just wrote about it, fabulous ideas!
Posted by: melissa @ the inspired room | July 26, 2009 at 11:55 PM
I couldn't agree more with your budget decorating tips!! And I LOVE that room... the blue and white upholstery, the bookcase makeover and the window?? completely genius!!
Posted by: Tracy | July 26, 2009 at 11:39 PM
Great makeover Eddie! I love that sofa- awesome find!
Posted by: Monica | July 26, 2009 at 11:39 PM
Eddie, really great looking. Thanks for another terrific blog.
Posted by: Dana | July 26, 2009 at 11:09 PM
I should have had you do this at my house! It looks terrific.
Posted by: Mrs. Blandings | July 26, 2009 at 10:52 PM