Mother-in-law's touch transforms a living room

December 23, 2010 5:40 PM

Most would say it takes a lot of courage to let your mother-in-law make over your living room. Michelle Dailey of Merrick is a woman with just that kind of courage. She invited her mom-in-law, Alba Foreman of Manhasset, to redo the room for her, husband Joseph, and their sons Joey, 4 and Matty, 2. “They didn’t have a clear purpose for the room,” says Foreman. “The room had furniture that was too large — and too much of it — toys and exercise equipment.” The toys and exercise equipment have been moved to the newly redone garage that now is the “everything” room. “The boys know this is a no-toys zone and they respect that,” says Michelle, adding that the room, which is 17 by 13 feet, has become an adult sanctuary that is kid friendly, easy to keep clean and still allows for a romantic movie night for the two of them. “Our 2-year-old one day even got a coaster to put under his bottle before he set it on the table.” Now, that’s progress. Total: $4,577. — SYLVIA E. KING-COHEN