While I was riding the train this morning into Manhattan, I couldn't help but overhear two woman having a conversation while flipping through a Pottery Barn catalogue. The first woman said to the other, "I would love for my house to look like this but I just can't afford it. That is why I have done nothing to my apartment!" As the conversation went on, I learned she really has nothing in her apartment but a bed, a beat up old dresser, couch and tv. WHAT? There is no excuse not to decorate your home just because you cannot afford your favorite store or high end designer furniture!!!
If you already own a good quality couch, is given one or if you find an inexpensive one in a consignment shop. One solution is reupholstering! (I mention this in a previous blog, click here to view). Or add a slipcover for a quick inexpensive update or new look.
Second hand stores, Good Will, auctions and consignment shops are great places to find good quality furniture and home accessories that you can spruce up with a can of paint or adding new fabric to.
Another great way to cut corners is to purchase already made items and altering them to give them a more custom made look. For curtains you can add embellishments., such as, a thick border, in a contrasting but complimentary color, at the bottom or add a tassel or beaded fringe on the edge. For bookshelves, swap out the original back panel with bead board and paint it to match or in a contrasting color. How about adding mirror to the back of the bookshelf? Why not!
Below are pictures of pieces found in the Pottery Barn catalog and my suggestions for an inexpensive solution. Now, I just looked in two stores for this blog but remember, there are flea markets, second hand shops, auctions and a thousand other places to look for great bargains.
PB $1,200
IKEA $300
PB $700
IKEA$350
PB $199
IKEA $50
PB $250
IKEA $50
PB $650
PIER1 $350
PB $70-$100
IKEA $50
Just because you have Champagne taste on a beer budget, that should not be your excuse to do nothing with your home. Once you have found your inspiration and know what you like, there are many ways to get that look on a budget. Don't have the knack? Contact me, here, to give your home the look you want.
Agree 100%, Dennis! I'm all for finding a bargain! It does not have to be a particular brand to look good because particular brands can have their flaws too! I learned a very long time ago that if it's man made, it's not going to be perfect and I never forgot it. So, if it's made well & looks great...it's a go!!
ReplyDeleteYou know I agree! That is what my entire decor is , take a look, and recreate it best I can on basically a nothing budget. I have a very long way to go, but one day....
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