Style Secrets from a Design Pro

Birmingham homeowner and designer Jill Boothby started with the basics when she decorated her own bungalow. Use her budget-friendly ideas, design advice, and lists of room essentials to create the home of your dreams.

Design Ideas for Living & Dining Rooms

Thinking of these two rooms as a unit creates a cohesive look for your home.

Photography Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Leigh Anne Montgomery, Article by Jennifer Kopf, Amy Bickers, and Jennifer Berno

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Upholstered Chair

A cozy chair is an ideal place to add a pop of your chosen accent color. “I had the upholstered chairs in the living room re-covered to change them from light blue and yellow to green and brown,” says Jill.

Tip: Reupholstering is often more cost-effective than buying new chairs, especially if you love the pieces you have but are just tired of the fabric. The same tip applies to secondhand purchases.