All too often the design solution for a spare room is to keep the door closed. But a couple with a two-bedroom condo in West Somerville decided to throw the door open and invite The Globe Magazine and two master of interior design candidates to overhaul their spare space for just $500…
The BAC designers - Becky Boyer, 29, and Melinda Cabanilla, 32 - used thrift stores and antique shops for decorative inspiration and ended up with 2 great pieces of furniture: a $10 walnut dovetail coffee table from the Goodwill store in Cambridge and a $100 credenza from Eddie's Furniture in Somerville. Other budget-friendly materials used in the room:
Tord Boontje Garland Light for $76; Fedora FLOR tiles for $6.99 a tile; and tinted fiberboard panels and veneer bowls by local designer Robert Pasersky of Open House Works.
Melinda explains the process behind this thrifty make-over: "He has a love for Frank Sinatra, she has a modern edge and they both love their dog, Tank. We were able to incorporate a little of everything in that room. If we had more time, I would have liked to visit an architectural salvage yard - instead we visited their basement. The wall mirror is actually a floor mirror with the stand removed and mounted to the wall. On a budget of $500 you have to get creative."
You can read the article here. We think they did a great job – especially adding the Tord Boontje Light and Benjamin Moore Metallic Glaze to bring some pop to the small space. Melinda's tips on using a metallic glaze: "The application is very precise and if you don't evenly apply it, can look streaky. Use a thicker pile roller to give a seamless finish and the room will have a glow that makes you want to melt into the space. I love the result, it looks amazing!"
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
looks great. those ladies can come hang out at my place outside cambridge!
view closertotheocean's profile
That coffeetable was $10?!#?
view Pixie's profile
what a great room!!
view kdkaboom's profile
I wish there were a few more photos of this - like, where is their computer now? I have a spare room that has a little pullout sofa - the hardest thing is making it look like a cute guest room but also having the computer/printer in there.
view Nikita's profile
Hi Everyone
I am one of the designers, Melinda. I wanted to answer any questions you may have.
Nikita: Their computer is now where it should be. In the office downstairs
Thanks for your comments so far.
And Yes the coffee table was only $10, AMAZING huh? Sometimes people/stores don't know what they have, but if you do, then you can come out ahead. Example the solid walnut coffee table shown. =)
view mscabanilla's profile
well done! may i ask the paint color? and is that throw from BB&B? lovely!
view selena's profile
This space is very cute and cozy. You guys did a great job. I'd love to have my office/clutter room look as nice :)
view Dia De Los DIY's profile
The throw is from Marshalls and the paint is Benjamin Moore, metallic glaze, celestial. The other paint is Glidden and matched to the metallic glaze color.
view mscabanilla's profile
hi everyone! i'm the other designer on this project. thanks for taking a look!
view beckyb's profile
These ladies did a great job - Its good to see more designers and homeowners who are into using pre-owned/vintage pieces.
I'm looking forward to seeing more of their work!
view bepsf's profile
Question for Melinda and Becky,
I'm moving into an apartment in Beacon Hill in September and I'm going to have to furnish and decorate on a serious budget. I'm so impressed by what you've found at thrift stores! Would you be able to tell me of some more good places in the Boston area where I can hopefully score some equally good finds?
view veronica.paige's profile
There is a great consignment shop in South Boston. Melinda might remember the name - I'm blanking right now! Eddie's in Porter Square is fantastic also. That's where we found the credenza. You never know what you'll find at garage sales, Goodwill stores, etc.
view beckyb's profile
Oh, and architectural salvage places. Melinda's a huge fan!
view beckyb's profile
Yah sure the name of the place in South Boston is Ryan's Antiques. AMAZING Stuff with great prices.
view mscabanilla's profile
I want to see more pictures of Tank. :)
view gryt's profile
veronica.paige,
Shhh... you can also find some wonderful things in Beacon Hill on the street- thrown out - most especially in September when seemingly everyone in Boston moves!
I used to call it "Beacon Hill shopping", sigh- I miss it! :)
view JG's profile