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