Recessionista Rental Redesign

Images courtesy: Peter Vanderpoel

Above is the living room I redesigned for my friend using mostly second hand furniture, which I showcased the before and after a few weeks ago here.  Why am I calling it a Recessionista Redesign? Because the total cost of the redesign was less expensive than a brand new sofa from Pottery Barn. Not only was it a great deal, but also earth-friendly and fresh...can't go wrong with that!

So here is the breakdown by item, location of purchase and price:
1. Console, Joseph's Coat in Falls Church (a thrift store benefiting shelters for abused women), $30 + $20 for Benjamin Moore custom paint. Total: $50
2. Lamps, Salvation Army, $10/both + $10 for 2 cans of low VOC spray paint in bright white. Total: $20
3. Lampshades, new from LampsPlus, $60/both.
4. Chairs, already owned.
5. Mirror, Craigslist, $50

6. Coffee Table, Craigslist, $35 + $10 for 2 cans of low VOC in bright white. Total: $55

7. Rug, new from Ikea, $199.

8. One framed artwork (all others already owned), Joseph's Coat, $5.

9. Pillows, borrowed for photo shoot.
10. Sofa, Craigslist, $120 + $49 for new slipcover in white from Ikea. Total: $169

Grand Total for the Recessionista Rental Redesign: $608

Why buy new when second hand is just as fabulous, stylish, earth friendly and easy on a Recessionista's wallet? 

My Ode to Neutrals

Welcome, Welcome...come one come all! Be prepared to be amazed, as evidenced below, by the shocking fact that I, yes I, indeed love neutral decor as much as bright and vivid pops of color. Hold on to your seats and observe the astounding images of my creamorific master bedroom...

My bedroom (notice the stack of magazines, this photo was taken awhile ago and now that stack has tripled...nice!)...

Photo courtesy Peter Vanderpoel

Yes, it is true that I hold in the belief that a bedroom needs to be restful and that an entire home cannot survive with electrifying decor, for the mere fact that it might cause one to have anxiety or worse need the vapors to calm their nerves. And please no need to faint for the next restful image...

My bedside table with flea market lamp, triangle pottery dish made by me (yes I dabble a bit in clay), and the beautiful framed flower image is the only thing I have from my Grandma Autumn and on the other side of the bed I have a photo of her holding my mom, so I feel protected at night with her surrounding me)...

Photo courtesy Peter Vanderpoel

Yes, yes of course I believe we need some color in our homes or the opposite calamity might occur and severe depression might set in, in that case you could find yourself crying over silly matters like your son wanting, yes lord forbid, you not to come to his school because he is now embarrassed to be around you. So to compensate this horrible affliction a bright sofa may be needed, as you can see below...

My living room, pre upholstery (the 2 chairs on the left are currently at the upholsters getting a fun make over), with my bright orange velvet sofa that I got off of Craigslist for $100...

Photo courtesy Peter Vanderpoel.

I know ladies and gentlemen, this is why we need both vivid color and touches of vanilla, yes vanilla, in our lives to keep us sane. I do hope that none of these images or me revealing the fact that I like neutral decor has caused any undo harm, please understand my intent was just to inform of the dangers of extreme, so farewell friends and good luck to you all in creating a peaceful, yet bright and happy home!!