Some of the staffers at Southern Living have shared their own rooms as part of a big collection of "Budget-Friendly Room Makeovers". We pulled a few of our favorites...

...out of the 40+ photo slideshow.

Shown above, left to right:

1. Associate Home Editor Amy Bickers Mercer's living room before and after- the makeover includes a new sofa, custom patterned draperies and a striped rug. Note that the cat keeps its spot.

2. Photo stylist Buffy Harget's painting studio turned home office before and after - the makeover consists of a coat of white paint (including the floor), dark furniture and colorful window seat cushions.

3. Associate Decorating Editor Anne Turner Carrol's living room before and after - as part of the makeover, old carpet was removed and hardwood floors were installed and covered with a new rug. Green painted moldings and windowsills and a gallery-style art arrangement complete it.

Check out the full slideshow filled with many before and afters right here at Southern Living.

Images: Afters: 1.Southern Living , 2. Laurey W. Glenn/Southern Living, 3. Robbie Caponetto/Southern Living