Dining rooms tend to be formal, elegant...and not used very often. If you have a small dining room, it's especially important to integrate the design into your living space, and nothing can be too precious for everyday use.

The comforters aren't stacked straight, and it's driving Thal Tembelis crazy. He scrambles up a step ladder and adjusts the plastic packages so they are lined up in the light like soldiers at roll call.

Eleven years ago, I took a lifeless fixer as my canvas and worked diligently to infuse it with vitality. Now, looking back, I can list five makeover strategies that helped turn a house into a home tuned for enjoyment.