Saving style

However, the most inventive part of Bill and Kristy's renovation journey was scouring secondhand stores for furniture. The challenge? Seeing things for what they can be, not what they are, such as the space-age sofa and chair, which they bought for $70 and re-covered with discontinued grey auto upholstery fabric that they got at a discount.

Bill also discovered new ways to use other materials. For instance, the old cinder block clay fireplace in the living room was built out and parged with concrete. Parging is a sealing technique usually used on foundation walls, but it worked here and cost only $250 for the whole job.

Today, Bill and Kristy are happy they were able to complete the renovation and stay within their tight budget. "All it takes is a little imagination and keeping a basic design plan and budget in mind," says Bill.

Read more in Homes and Renovating