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?

Lauren's New Home Part III

Today's post is a continuation of the last two on Lauren's new house. I had a few more thoughts for her today. I found a new rug option for her today. From- Crate and Barrel- the Sash Rug has it all- It has white, terra cotta and blue. There you go- you can look no further.

Secondly- furniture. I did not like the way the previous owner used a sectional in that room. Ideally the furniture would frame and face the focal point- and the sectional put it more off center than I like to see. I would use a sofa and have it right in front of the fireplace/TV alcove. (I wold do a built-in for the TV.) This will give you enough room to walk around the sofa on both sides. Add some chairs that bring in texture like the ones above from West Elm. I also like the idea of using a white slip cover on them. Your white cabinets will stand out more when you paint your walls- and repeating the white will make it stand out in a good way instead of a bad way. Small slip covers are easy to wash and not terribly expensive to replace. Use a nice long sofa - take advantage of the size of the room. The one above is from Pottery Barn. Pull in some more pattern with throw pillows that pull on your wall color and rug colors.

I have been giving your counters some more thought- and this is what you should do. Use the Silver Siena slab on the backsplash. The white in it will work great with your cabinets- but at the same time will give you color and contrast. I would use your stone here to pull out your paint color for the room- a nice neutral warm gray- with a hint of blue. I woulld look at Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray, Oyster Bay and Sea Salt. Remember- everything else first- then the paint color.

For your counters- use wood. You don't have wood floors, or wood cabinets- yours is the perfect room for wood counters. It adds warmth and charm so much more than granite or other solid surfaces. Sure there's maintenance- but sometimes it is worth it. Houses have maintenance- let's face it.

You have a tiny little three pendant light in your family room. What is up with the size of that? The nice part is you have the wiring for a better sized fixture- like the pendant light above from Lamps Plus.

Find a nice narrow table for your dining area- and bring in some warmth using a bench on the window side and then a couple of upholstered chairs on the other side- like the ones below from Crate and Barrel. You could go red and bring in some red accents- or keep it more neutral and go brown leather.

For your barstools- I would go backless. You want something that will slide under the bar and get out of the way. The stool below is from Sundance.

Congratualtions on your new home Lauren. Don't go off making your own decisions now- just do what I said to. :)

XOXO

Christine