There are some GOOD DEALS out there!

Hi Christine,

I have a question!

But first, thanks so much for your blog.  I have learned so much about decorating, and love your choices.  Thanks for your advice and also the links to products.

 

Here's my dilemma:  I'm stuck with an '80's forest green leather sofa in perfect condition, and a rather expensive red plaid recliner in my lower level room.  The only thing wrong with each piece is the color!  I really need to update the room.  You understand!

Do you have a retailer you would recommend for slipcovers?  Pottery Barn Basics are nice if I got the more expensive ones, but for that price I might as well buy new furniture.  Or, do you have any other ideas on the cheap?

Thanks much!

- Carol

Hi Carol,

I understand your dilemma, but you are going in the wrong dirrection.

1.  Do not slip cover leather.

2.  Do not slip cover recliners.

Why?  It will look bad.  Anyone that says it will look good is either trying to sell you a slipcover, or is simply wrong. The slipcovered leather will not only look bad, but will also feel strange. 

For the price of a decent slipcover, go to Craigslist or the Penny Saver, or (my personal favorite) neighborhood yard sales in high- end neighborhoods.  The value of used furniture is so incredibly low.  It could take some time and effort, but you can find more neutral furniture at terrific prices if you are willing to put some time into your search. 

Start laundering some funds from your budget to save for some nicer pillows to put on your new (used) furniture. 

Add new pillows, and a new rug....

The rug above is very affordable, from Dash and Albert.   When I was single, I purchased an off-white sofa from the Penny Saver for $35.  Sure, it didn't look new, but it also didn't look bad. By adding the great throw pillows, you pull the eye away from the sofa's age, and all people see are the pillows. 

I recently purchased a Century bedroom set for my grandfather for $200.  Do you realize how expensive a Century set is?  I once ordered a Century dining set for a client  that was over $40,000.  There are some good deals to be had out there.  Give yourself more than one day.  Patience really is a virtue.  (I know, I already told you not to get a bedroom set...  but grandpa likes it...  and it is an excellent quality.... Ignore that part of the story- focus on the good deal on Craigslist)

Stop thinking about what you paid for the furniture.  Someone else paid a lot for their furniture too, and now they are are selling it to you.

While you are shopping, keep in mind the rest of the room.  Look at this great sideboard:

See the before and after project on Design Sponge.

Finish off the look with some great curtains:

Think neighborhood yard sales in high-end neighborhoods.  I also once got four Pottery Barn barstools for $25 each.  A current style and color in perfect condition.  I also once purchased a Bosch stainless dishwasher for $200.  Practically new.  Sure, many days I don't purchase a thing, (and now that I have a daughter in swim team, I don't go at all), but if you are patient, you can find good deals.  Hey readers, tell us about your good deals.  What have you found out there?  Inspire Carol!

Jenni part II

Element Coffee Table $349

Scan Lounge Chair $500 (save $300)
Today's post is a continuation of yesterday's- I am trying to help Jenni furnish her new Boston apartment with only $6000. In this- I am still on step 1- which is the furniture itself. I want to keep this to 2/3 of the budget at $4000- so I have some money left to make it all look great with wall decor and accessories. Yesterday I was at $5420- too high. Today, Using CB2 as a source to lower some prices I have brought it down to $3787. Once you add shipping to that price- you will be around $4000. What do you think? Anything I should switch? Can you find some better deals for me?

Engine Stool CB2 $180/ 2 (saved $220) Reed Chair $240/ 2 CB2 (Saved $160)

Odyssey Gunmetal Dining Table $199 (saved $900)

Annex Slate Love Seat $799 (saved $400)

Queen Headboard West Elm $475

Scandinavian Designs 6 Drawer Dresser $645

Hudson Media Console West Elm $400

Jenni- part I

Hi Christine!!!

My husband and I are moving to Boston in two weeks, and instead of shipping our things, we have basically sold everything we own. Couches, bookshelves, art - it's all gone. We're basically starting over, and I'm terrified! Can you please help me? We have a tiny budget ($6,000) but an even tinier apartment - 720 square feet. We love West Elm but have an IKEA budget (story of my life). After Mark graduates from business school, we'll probably end up selling everything again for our next move, so as much as I'd like to start investing in decent expensive furniture, it's probably not time for us yet. Do you have any suggestions for where I should start? We want our apartment to be homey, colorful, and a place where we can relax after work. What are some of your favorite small-budget finds? I attached our apartment floor plan- any help at all would be so appreciated!!

Thanks,
Jenni

So- today I started shopping for Jenni, but, surprise surprise, I am spending too much money- I wanted to enlist some help. Below are some preliminary ideas- they total $5420. You will notice that it includes larger furniture pieces- but no wall decor or accessories. (Shipping is also not included in the prices- which tends to run about 15%. Sad- because I thought I was being so frugal when making suggestions... I want to get the larger furniture prices down to $4000- and save some money to make it look finished and fabulous. (Jenni- do we also need to include the mattress and TV....?) Where should she trim? Anyone out there have some great inexpensive sources? What should Jenni do?

Scandinavian Designs 6 Drawer Dresser $645

Queen headboard West Elm $475 in queen

Hudson Media Console- West Elm: $400

Stedham Sofa Scandinavian Designs $1200

Palecek Brando Lounge Chair: $800

Two dining chairs West Elm: $400 ($600 in leather)

Two Sundance Barstools: $400

Metal table base- glass not included: $1100

OK- so- please help me trim! What are your favorite sources for good deals?

Slip Cover Solutions

Hi Christine -
I came across your blog while searching for some decorating ideas early this morning and I have spent aaallllll day (literally- the entire day) reading your blog and soaking up your ideas and suggestions!! We'll be moving soon and I was looking for some ideas. I have realized I desperately need a new couch in order to make any design work well, but it isn't in the budget right away. The love seat we have is a hand-me-down, comfy & greatly appreciated, but it isn't the right colors and such, so I was wondering what your thought are about slip covers. To make it more complicated - I think - the love seat is a dual recliner. Do they even make slip covers for recliner love seats? I keep picturing the awful slipcovers from years ago that don't fit and "slip" off the furniture the instant you sit down. Any suggestions would be great. Brands to look for? Brands to stay away from?
Thanks in advance.--
Beth

Dear Beth,

Upfront- I want to say that I am bit of a snob. It actually helps me with my work.....

Anyway- I have yet to see pre-made slip covers that I like. They are sloppy and have too many gathers- and rarely really fit well. The two examples above are some that I found. The recliner slip cover fits in the picture- but do you really think it would fit your recliner like that? I doubt it.

I do, however, love a nice slip cover look- but they are custom looks- like the rest of the photos in the post. If you are a good seamstress- you might be able to make them yourself...

If you cannot sew (and your mom can't sew)- And new furniture is not in the budget- I would sooner look at yard sales and on Craig's list and consignment stores for inexpensive replacements before I purchased pre-made slip covers. If you happen to have just the right size and shape- the pre-made look might work for you. For all of you who have pre-made slip covers in your home, don't go get all offended. Especially if you are my friends... :)

XOXO

Christine

Photos from Country Living

I Stuck to a Budget!

Hi Christine,
I just left a comment on "Design With Christine" about my living room. I would love suggestions on window treatments and an affordable area rug...my budget would probably only be about $500 for both! We just had the 80's carpet torn up and refinished the hardwood Good job! The Floors look great! and bought some new furniture so my husband is going to flip if I spend too much more! :(Just for the record, the two mini ottomans are stand ins until I find a coffee table and I plan on switching the mirror and the print above the couch around...again, I need hubs to do that so time will tell if it ever gets done! Good deal- I am not liking that shelf above the print- e-mail me if you like when you are ready! Also- your furniture arrangement is not great. You seem to be lining the edges of your room with furniture- I can tell it is not a large room- but check and see if you have the space to have the sofa facing the two chairs. Go- move it- see if you have the depth. Any input about anything in the room would be greatly appreciated...it really needs something to liven it up a bit!
Thanks!
Peggy
ps...sorry for the iphone pics, I can't find my camera!

OK- I am really impressed with myself this morning- because you gave me a small budget and I stuck to it! I have to show this post to my husband! When going for a less expensive rug- stay away from polyester and olefin if you can. I know they are more durable than cotton- but if you can't afford wool- I still suggest cotton. It won't last as long- but who wants a cheap rug for a long time anyway? Also- don't sacrifice purchasing the correct size. (I see this a lot!) The 5 x9 is a lot less expensive than the 8 x 10... Keep shopping. Size is very important to your look. Don't sacrifice there! Your room is going to need at least an 8 x 10- this rug below by Dash and Albert is $344 in an 8 x 10. Notice that is has red- but not too much- that is what we need with your sofa. For your window treatments- I am going to make you sew- or bring your mother in to sew like I do. That is the only way to stick to budget on this job. However, I did find you a very affordable fabulous fabric. This Amy Butler print is only $8.98/ yard. (fabric.com) Hang them just below the crown molding. Line them and weight them. When you have more money to spend- add woven Roman shades. The fabric comes 45 inches wide. You will want two panels- but made with two widths per panel. OK- so I almost stuck to budget... However- I am close enough that you can just launder some money from your grocery budget and make it happen!