"The $642 Makeover Reveal"

We'll it's 2013 and it's back to the grind.  Let's do this!

 

 

I'm excited to share with you today a truly budget friendly makeover.  The entire project from start to finish was only $642.  While at home, I had the opportunity to do a quick makeover on my Aunt Sarah's upstairs sitting room.  She recently had the room repainted and was looking to give it a fresh update. 

 

 

 We were looking to do something light and airy and well, coastal....

 

 

I shared about the project recently HERE. So without further delay, here it is....

 

 

BEFORE

AFTER

As a courtesy to my clients I don't typically share prices and sources for items used in their projects, but my Aunt was thrilled to let me share with you guys how far you can stretch a few dollars.

I used this great Lowe's sunburst mirror to create a focal point on her small fireplace mantel.  We'll talk more later about this on my next post. 

Lowe's - $28.00

This small Kirkland's lamp was just the right lighting for my Ikea hacked end table. 

Kirkland's $19.99

 

 

 

 BEFORE 

AFTER

Seating was essential but the space was extremely small.  We opted for this mocha colored loveseat from Ashley that happened to be on sale at a local discount retailer.

Ashley Furniture- Darcy Loveseat  $319 Sale

BEFORE

 

AFTER

 

 

She already had two of these Target seagrass dining chairs and they were the perfect addition to the coastal vibe we aimed to create.

 

Target

 

 

 BEFORE

AFTER

 

 

The Ikea nesting tables and these gold sconces were also used.  For $12 each, they were a no brainer.

 

 

Ikea

 

 

For just $642 we created an entirely new room with a coastal color scheme, low priced retail finds, a few well placed accessories. Proving once again that design really can be within reach.  

 

Here's to a new year!

"Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda - Retail Regrets"

Because I'm a big time bargain shopper, I'm often faced with unbelievable "shopportunities" to get great deals on just about everything.  I've said time and time again that this is both a blessing and a curse.  It all comes down to having to decide whether to get it or to leave it, and often that's not the easiest decision to make. 

Today's post contains several items that I'm regretting not purchasing to this very day. 

Case in point....

• You may recall this pendant fixture that I blogged about HERE.  It was priced at $50 and I'm almost certain I "coulda" gotten it for $40.  When I think back, passing on this one was probably a huge mistake.   Especially considering that this similar option retails for just under $300. 





Lamps Plus

I can totally imagine how great it would look in the right space.  Like this one....

Photo Source

• Then there was the brand new (still with tags) Target lamp that I left at Goodwill ($7.99).  I know, I know, Goodwill again. 



 But seriously, if I "woulda" known that I'd come home and find the SAME one on Target.com on sale NOW.  I definitely "woulda" gotten this.



Target

Add to that the fact that Target has some really cute Mix and Match shades for less than $20....




Target



 

Target

Emily A. Clark Interiors



Totally missed the boat on this one.

• And, the biggest regret of them all were these two banana leaf dining chairs at Kirkland's.  I actually had a really hard time finding a photo since the product is no longer available, but they were a lot like the darker Pottery Barn version here. 







Pottery Barn

I was in Kirkland's browsing for some items for a client when a lady walked in to return two of these chairs.  I heard her say that they just didn't work in her space.  One was still wrapped in plastic and cardboard.  I didn't pay much attention until I realized that when they returned them to the floor, they were placed in the Clearance section and this happened to be the weekend when there was an extra 25% off all clearance merchandise.  After making my way over and checking the price, I realized with the discount they were going to be $42 each. 

Awhhhh, what "coulda" been.....



Pottery Barn



• Lastly, just before Christmas I ran into this oh so cute Martha Steward blanket/throw, originally sold at Macy's for $80. 





I actually passed it at one of my deeply discounted shoe retailers in South Carolina.   I was trying so hard to stay on task and stick to the Christmas shopping list, so I was determined to stay focused on the task at hand.  Unfortunately, the thought of the Kelly green pom-pom throw continued to haunt me far beyond the holidays.   

I'm pleased to report that this week I picked it up in the very same place I left it in December (very rare) and even better is was 30% off!  I paid just $17.00.



This is one deal that I actually got a second chance at and my Martha Stewart Pom-Pom throw has found a home in my morning devotional chair. 

So, don't live with the shoulda, woulda, coulda's of design.  If you see it and you love it and it's in the budget, get it.  You only live once.  Right?