1. Go for the bold.

There's no denying that the toile wallpaper and fabric are the showstoppers here. That's why they're well worth the splurge. (These materials took the majority of our $2,000 budget.) Because the dining room is small, we avoided busy small-patterned wallpapers and opted for a large, standout print instead. The dynamic design and bright color rejuvenate the once-dull space and drive the choice of furnishings and accessories. We ordered enough of the matching fabric to use on chair seats, a table skirt, and window panels for a pulled-together look. Because the wallpaper and fabric are such focal points in the room, we kept the other accessories and furniture more understated.

• What it cost: $47 per roll for the wallpaper (we used six double rolls at $94 each), $60 per yard for fabric (we used about 11 yards), and $50 for drapery hardware