Creating Designer Rooms with a Real World Bank Account

I've taken a little break between posts (sorry!), but I've been looking for the perfect picture to start a series of postings on creating designer-done rooms on real-world budgets (RWB).  At this point the perfection seems to have become the enemy of the good - so I've settled on a living room designed by one of my favorite designers, Phoebe Howard, to demonstrate.  Granted, you don't have Phoebe Howard's incredible eye or assistance, but it's still possible.  

Suppose you wanted this look and feel.  What makes it hang together is the consistency of the dark wood, blue/white theme, the balanced (but not matchy-matchy) tables, matching lamps, and texture variation (subtle but there).   Here's how you could achieve this on a RWB:

1. Light blue rug - large - make sure you fill the floor.  If you live in the NE, head over to Building 19 (an old warehouse shopping experience for sure, but great rugs for the price!) and pick one up for $150 or less (you may need to visit more than one store to get just the right one).

 

2. A blue couch can be ordered with custom or stock fabric from Ballard Designs for $1200 or less including delivery, and depending on fabric choice - Husdon Upholstered Setee w/Spa Blue fabric - with foam-core, down wrapped pillows.

 



3. Two matching low-slung arm chairs with complimentary fabric - $900 each such as this one from Hooker Furniture:

 

 4. Try to find an antique Amish or Shaker style chair, but if you're in a hurry, you can get a new one for $208 at oakdiningtables.com  

5. Accent Tables - pick two similar sized tables up at a used furniture shop, flea market, or your parents' attic. One round, one square-ish. Depending on your spacial requirements, you should aim for tables that are about 24" - 36" across. You should be able to get both for $100.  If you're in a hurry, go to your local unfinished furniture store, and have them stained.

 

6. Lamps - You can find any number of affordable table lamps that are similiar to the one shown in this picture.  LampsPlus.com is one source (search under ceramic table lamps) and you'll find many that are similar.  You may be able to pick a great set up at your local Home Goods Store.

7. Window coverings - While you don't always need to spend a fortune on window coverings, when trying to ecomomize, this is NOT the pace to do it.  That said to get this particular look, you needn't break the bank.  You can find these cotton/linen panels at places such as Pottery Barn, but you should also check out availability at Halfpricedrapes.com (one of my favorite destinations for well-made, affordable drapes, window coverings, and hardware).  For the straw roller shade, you can find affordable options at Ikea, or Budget Blinds.  Be sure to get the black or ebony curtain rod and finials.  Details matter.

8.  Accessorize with a plant, a stack of magazines, and a small group (3) of vases on the table and you're all set.

Item	Cost
Rug	$   150.00
Settee/Couch	$1,200.00
2 Chairs	$  1800.00
Shaker Chair	$   208.00
Accent Tables	$   100.00
Table lamps	$   400.00
Window Pannels	$   300.00
Straw Blind	$   200.00
Coffee Table	$   600.00
Accessories	$   100.00
TOTAL	$ 5058.00

In the end, you've created a designer-style living room for $5K!

Would love to hear your comments, suggestions, requests.  Send me a picture, and I'll try to find affordable sources for you....your custom shopping list!

'Till Later..

S

Exceptional Interiors

I just received an updated blog posting from Hibitually Chic that highlights designer Veere Grenney's London flat  - which is the personification of GREAT design... click the link above and take a look at the great pictures!

Next time I'll talk about how one achieves this level of 'greatness' on a RWB (Real World Budget)...

Sarah

Cornerstones of Great Interiors

Regardless of style preferences, I think great interiors should be both functional and beautiful.  They should help facilitate your life and serve as your cocoon, helping you to feel your best.

Whether your style preference is traditional, transitional, or modern (or other), there are some common threads that run through all of them. 

Beautiful, comfortable interiors:

• are free of clutter
• are balanced
• have a focal point
• employ a simple color scheme
• have appropriate and sufficient light

This room by Phoebe Howard, one of my favorite designers, is a great example of these principles.

Another more modern example...

And kids rooms...


 


What's your definition of exceptional interiors?

I was meeting with a client yesterday and we got to discussing budgets. She wanted to know what a "Real World" budget is. Good question, so I thought we could discuss this on the blog.

In so many of the design magazines, we see beautiful pictures of rooms where there was no budget at all, or cost $30,000 to decorate. That's simply not the reality for most of us. But, more often than not, you can achieve similar results of beauty on a fraction of that budget.

So what is a "Real World" Budget? Of course it depends on the room, but lets use a living room for example. You should be able to decorate a living room for $7,000 - $10,000. Here's how I'd break it out:

• Paint/Wall paper                 $500.00
• Rug / Flooring                 $1,000.00
• Couch                           $2,800.00
• 2 Chairs                           $800.00
• Ottoman or Coffee Table    $600.00
• Side Tables                      $300.00
• Lighting                           $700.00
• Table/Floor
• Sconce/Picture
• Art & Accessories             $400.00
• Window Coverings          $1,200.00
• Design & assistance        $1,200.00
• TOTAL                         $9,400.00 
  

Certainly there are many ways you could pare down this cost, but this can serve as a realistic guide that could result in a beautiful room.


Let us know your thoughts and what questions you have that I can help answer.

Til' Later
Sarah