Decorating on a Dime contest Winners

A little push from our call for Decorating on a Dime contest submissions was all Amanda Garrett and Stefan Rasmussen needed to finally tackle their Alpharetta kitchen, which was this years contest winner. Having contemplated the change for about a year, they decided that instead of opting for a complete overhaul, they would make changes that would have the maximum impactaccents like replacing the floor, adding crown molding and changing the cabinet hardware.

Their keys for decorating for less than $1,000 were simple: discount and determination. With the exception of the tile floor, which they bought at The Home Depot in boxes of 16-by-16 tiles, they scoured discount and bargain stores for components of the kitchen.

To begin, they simply refreshed the dark red textured paint, which was the inspiration for the entire room. They then tackled the floor, which was a big job and took several days to complete. Stefan had laid tile floors once before, but it was something new for Amanda. The effort was worth it, she says. I absolutely love the tile floors. It makes it feel like a home.

Next came the table, a Goodwill find. She sanded the wood and painted the legs black for a shiny and new-looking table. After the two big projects were completed, the focus became the accessories. They spent $70 on curtain rods and fabric from Pottery Barn Outlet and Outrageous Bargains.

They bought the slipcovers at Value City and then secured them to the current chairs and added the decorative ribbon. The sea grass rug beneath the kitchen table, from Bankruptcy Warehouse, provided a neutral color for the colorful chairs. The shades on the light fixture, from Outrageous Bargains, like so much of what now fills their kitchen, were a great find. It was amazing, Amanda says of the entire purchasing process. We just got lucky. But the biggest bargain was the kitchen island, which Amanda scored as a last call item at Ballard Designs for only $50.

Friends and family are impressed by the completed project. Theyre just amazed, Amanda says. They cant believe we did it all by ourselves. Amanda and Stefan spend more time in their kitchen now and, according to Amanda, the house just feels complete. And to those who are contemplating their own remodel, Amanda offers one piece of advice. Dont be afraid to try!

HONORABLE MENTIONS
Non-professionals

We want to thank everyone who submitted an entry to our Decorating on a Dime Contest. We received so many resourceful projects that we had a difficult time choosing a winner. Here are a few more of our favorites.

Tara Pudelski Francis,
kitchen, $754

This project started when I could no longer tolerate the boring, builder-white kitchen and desired to make it cozy and welcoming, Tara Pudelski Francis wrote in her entry. When a coat of red paint failed to give her the transformation she wanted, Francis used crown molding, fabric, tumbled marble and black accents to achieve dramatic results.

Michael & Pamela Wall, home gym, $980.22

The Walls started with an empty unfinished basement; four weeks later, they had a home gym that keeps them motivated to work out with its bright, bold colors. They used foam squares to create a unique multicolored ceiling and placed foam squares on the floor in a corresponding pattern. Their materials were purchased at Lowes and The Home Depot.

PROFESSIONAL WINNER
Pattie Trumbull, Design Inspirations Inc.,
girls bedroom, $900

Design Inspirations Inc. owner Pattie Trumbulls ladybug room was selected as the winning entry in the professional category. Trumbull transformed this girls room for a single father, who helped keep labor costs down by painting the room and installing the ceiling fan himself. A checkerboard pattern created with green paint added interest to the wall over the bed. Touches like a flower box and ladybug pattern theme turned the room into the ideal retreat for a child.

HONORABLE MENTION
Professionals
Mike and Velislava Vicky Paneva, bedroom, $862.80

The Panevas, natives of Bulgaria, used refinished hardwood floors, furniture from Ikea and the right combination of fabrics and accessories to turn their bedroom from so-so to striking. Vicky Paneva used her talents as a seamstress to turn fabrics into throw pillows, window panels, a bolster and more. One of the fun things about my profession is that I work with colors and fabrics and I enjoy sewing some of my projects, she wrote.