Design on a Dime

Jeff and Mary Rafner are stumped about what to do with their large, disorganized living room. Though the room has a good amount of natural light and a sizable collection of mission-style furniture, it isn't working for them as well as it could. Sam Kivett determines the new design and what needs to be done, including rearranging the furniture, bringing in new storage pieces and introducing color on the walls.

Homeowners Anne Apra and Steve Millington are not pleased with the look of their master bedroom. Host and interior designer Sam Kivett arrives to outline the problems in the room, which include: a lack of color, mismatched wood furniture, unimpressive window treatments and a lack of lighting. After consulting with his design coordinators, he comes up with a cozy cottage design using pale purple, light green and a creamy white on the walls, furnishings and fabrics.

Newlyweds Doug Wilson and Weni Chang want to transform their white room that's filled with Weni's old furniture into a romantic getaway reminiscent of their European honeymoon. Sam Kivett meets with the couple to discuss their issues, which include a need to add color, storage, draperies, drama to an undressed window seat and updated furniture. Kivett meets with his design coordinators to discuss his plan for a romantic European-inspired space. Designer Summer Baltzer shops for fabric while designer Charles Burbridge updates the existing furniture with stain and stencils. The team is pleased when the project is completed for under the $1,000 budget and the couple is thrilled with their new bedroom full of Old World charm.

Mark Dragin is living in the first place he can call his own. With no one to help decorate and a tight budget, his living room is empty and bland. He wants an Asian-themed room in which he can be proud to entertain guests. Sam Kivett arrives to outline the problems: a need for additional seating, deep green carpeting, insufficient lighting, a lack of color and missing window treatments. Kivett meets with his design team to discuss an Asian-inspired design plan for Mark's room. Summer Balzer hits an import furniture store, while Charles Burbridge stocks up at a cane and basket supply store to build a unique room divider. With the addition of rich color, creative lighting and Asian accents, the team succeeds in turning a blank space into a stylish bachelor pad all for under $1,000.

Ande Richards needs to use her large, open living room for multiple purposes: as an office, a place to eat and a place to entertain, and she envisions the room in an exotic Asian style. Host Sam Kivett outlines the design dilemmas then heads to his office to discuss an Asian-style room with his team, Summer Baltzer and Charles Burbridge. They visit an Indian import store where they find much of what they need for the room, including fabric for the dramatic wall-mounted canopies that will section off the space. When finished, the new plan allows for privacy when working, intimate dining and an exotic space for entertaining.

Jim Bird recently purchased his first home and is ready to add some personality to his bland bedroom. He has several contemporary pieces that he likes, but also wants to match the Spanish style of his home. Host and designer Sam Kivett meets with Bird and decides to update the room with a Spanish look with a modern twist featuring wrought-iron accessories, new furniture and colorful fabric.

Larry Weissman's new town home is contemporary in style and the interior is blaringly white. He wants his dining room to be exotic and to stand out as a showpiece in his home. Host Sam Kivett decides a Moroccan-style room with a jewel-tone palette is best for Weissman's dining room and he and his design team set out to turn the bland and empty room into a fully furnished space full of drama and mystery, all for under the $1,000 budget.

Ogie and Alyssa Zulueta are in a quandary over their adjoining living and dining room. They want the space to be relaxing, free of clutter and suitable for entertaining. Host Sam Kivett arrives to outline their issues: the absence of a dining table and chairs, proper lighting, sufficient storage and a cohesive style--and the makeover must be complete on a $1,000 budget! Kivett meets with design coordinators Summer Baltzer and Charles Burbridge to discuss the specifics of his design plan and then takes the couple shopping to get a sense of their style. When completed, the combination living and dining room is both clutter free and a place in which the couple can proudly entertain.

Amy Grant and Rob Ahlers recently moved into a large loft and want to have defined spaces for the living room, dining room and office. Host and interior designer Sam Kivett arrives to address their dilemma and after meeting with his design team, comes up with colorful and functional design to suit their needs--all on a $1,000 budget.

Jeanette Cass has a classic style and a taste for antiques but as a single mother she also has a very tight budget. She wants her living room to be suitable for entertaining adults as well as comfortable for her 10-month-old daughter to play in. Host and designer Sam Kivett comes up with a plan that'll meet all of her needs.