Home Makeover on a Budget

Before: Far From Perfect

Leah and Chad Steen bough their first home at the height of Seattle's real estate market eight years ago. The early 1900's house had a front yard that consisted of some patchy grass and a parking strip. The previous owners even left the Steen's an apologetic note about the sad-looking state. Although the house was small, the high sticker price left little cash for decorating, but limits only bred creativity. "Designing a small space means you can be discriminating, and vibrant decor updates don't have to be pricey, just imaginative," said Leah.