catskills

Christina Salway and John Moskowitz spent weekends from October to May renovating their 700-square-foot 1920s cottage - their first home purchase. A converted garage on the left is now a living room that has been enclosed with salvaged windows and glass-paned doors.

The decorating budget was tight, too. They spent $2,352 in total, acquiring pieces through Craigslist, thrift shops and yard sales, receiving free items from family and friends and finding things on the street. A vintage stove was bought on Craigslist. Two stools, a wood workbench and an old wood locker were found on the street.

A rattan daybed and ceramic lamp are from Craigslist. The coffee table, made of wood crates, was found on the street. Mismatched dining chairs were found on the street and given a fresh coat of white paint.

Artwork was bought on Craigslist and at yard sales and thrift shops. Old valises were stacked to make a hallway table. The guest bedroom has a bed and dresser from Craigslist. The quilt stand and patchwork quilt are from Ms. Salway's parents.