The look for less

This photo is in the current issue of Better Homes and Garden.  All the items are priced, so I thought it would be fun to see if I could replicate the look for a lot less!  Their price $2353 mine $699!!!

The only item not duplicated are the curtains because they actually bought those at Target for $20!  I will compare the two photos and if you are interested in any of the items from mine I will provide the link in dark blue.

1- Theirs- watercolor $35 with an ikea frame for 20$.

Mine- My childs art work $0 with the same frame from ikea $20.

2- Curtain from Target.

3. Theirs- lamp from mghwhome.com $260.

Mine- lamp from Walmart $20.

4. Theirs- Nesting tables from belabor.com $491.

Mine- Nesting tables from Amazon $120.

5. Theirs- Rug 6x9 from shadesoflight.com $495.

Mine- rug 7'10"x11' from Home Decorators $213.

6. Theirs-Brass bowl from ethanallen.com $129.

Mine- Brass bowl from Amazon $38.

7. Theirs- Lime embroidered pillow from zinc door.com $110.

Mine- Accent sofa pillow from Etsy $41.

8. Theirs- Wingback highland chair rowefurniture.com $550.

Mine- Wingback chair from Craigslist $25 with

slipcover from Target $77 for a total of $102.

9. Theirs- Peacock pillow from company.com $130.

Mine- turquoise blue peacock pillow cover Etsy $44.

10. Theirs- Throw on chair companyc.com $115.

Mine- Carmel color throw from Overstock $61.

This really was a lot of fun for me and you can see how you can steal a look for 1/3 the cost!

Remember I am always available for design work!  I can save you money too! Email me here, or visit my website!

Inexpensive storage

photo via

These inexpensive cubes you can find at any home improvement or mass merchant store, can be decorative, yet very functional.  In this photo the drawers allow for hidden storage, but you can still make it interesting by adding art pieces.

photo via

These become very useful in the kitchen by allowing storage for plates, cups, and small appliances, but by adding a few candles, vase, and fruit bowl, it also becomes a decorative addition.

photo via

These cubes are perfect in a family room, and again the boxes would allow you to store items that are essential, but not necessarily something to look at.  The lamp and photos really make it look a lot more expensive.

Hope this gave you an idea to try!  See you Friday with an easy how to!!

Inexpensive Art

Postcards are an inexpensive way to make some art work!  Just mat on a piece of construction paper.  They make a bigger impact when you choose a group.

This is an old postcard I found at a flea market and used household aluminum foil for extra interest.

Here is one of a set of chinese postcards that came in a pack of 15.  The mat is mulberry paper.

These  have not been framed, but they are some cards I picked up on a trip that would be great framed in a square frame.

Please bare with me as I update my blog, and please feel free to comment if you have a suggestion.  Have a great weekend.