where to shop for your home
Our guest post with Jenny Slingerland, interior designer extraordinaire continues...
Now that you have an idea of what you're looking for, it's time to go shopping! Don't be afraid to take your inspiration board with you when you're out shopping. It will help you in selecting your items as well as keep you on track. Take any existing fabrics and pillows with you that can help in coordinating with new pieces.
Sometimes the best pieces come from the most unexpected places. I love trying to find vintage and antique pieces on Craigslist. Warning: just because something says it's antique or vintage, doesn't necessarily mean it is. You can usually tell right away when you click on the picture, but beware of people trying to get more money by claiming it as an antique or vintage. That being said, I have purchased several pieces through Craigslist and then had them refinished but in many instances the items were in good condition and did not need any work.
Another great place to try is a local thrift store. "One man's trash is another mans treasure." In addition to furniture pieces, you may find great accessories. Keep your eye open for picture frames that may just need a can of spray paint. Keep an open mind when you go and take your time, some of those treasures are good at hiding.
I took a trip to my local HomeGoods and snapped a few shots of some items that I felt could work in my room. I made a point of posting the prices, so you can see how affordable redecorating can be if you are wise in where you shop.
I felt the large area rug at $199 was an especially good deal. They also have a great selection of ceramics that would fit anyone’s budget. My favorite find? The gold vases. I would have them turned into a fabulous pair of lamps.
Here are a couple of examples of the unique pieces you can find on Craigslist. Be sure to include key words in the ‘search for:’ box to help you narrow your search. I search under "French" and "Antique / Vintage" to find the mirror pictured above.
Here’s a chandelier I found at a local antique shop with a lot of history and charm. The price is more than I normally like to spend ($1300) but it is such a statement piece, that it may be worth the money.
Last minute shopping tips:
Don't go to a furniture showroom and buy the "5 piece collection." Just buy one or two pieces and then mix it up with other styles. The different styles and finishes will add interest to another wise mundane room.
When you're deciding on the fabrics you want, mix it up! Different colors and textures offer depth and dimension to any room. For example, a more modern leather sofa can be softened by accenting it with French linen and velvet throw pillows. That same sofa can be glamorized with sequence and ruffled damask pillows. Be sure to play with different patterns and colors. A bold stripe paired with a floral and a variety of solids, will add interest to the room.
Mix old with new. Don’t be afraid to combine what may seem like an odd pairing of furniture styles, you’d be amazed the character and charm it gives a room.
If you're like me and enjoy changing the look of a room every couple of years, it's smart to invest in a couple of neutral pieces to anchor the space (i.e. a sofa and arm chairs) and then add color with the pillows, curtains, and accessories. Then when you're ready for a change, switch out the pillows, accessories and even paint the room to give the room a totally different look.
Designing a room or home can be a daunting task, but by creating a plan and attacking it piece by piece, it will start to fall into place beautifully. Be patient and don’t expect to find all the right pieces at the same place at the same time and most importantly, have fun!
Finally, here are a few of my favorite online resources:
• Great for EVERYTHING: Oly, Pieces, Jayson Home & Garden, and The Well Appointed House.
• French flair: Eloquence and The Paris Apartment
• Eclectic mix of furniture and accesories: Anthropologie and Room Service
• Affordable home decor: ZGallerie
Happy shopping! :)
08.10.2010
Reader Comments (5)
I LOVE those white lamps. Were those found on Craigslist??? Is there anyway I can get the link to those. Fabulous!!! Loved the post!!! Thanks for sharing your "secrets". ;)
Thank you again!
Homegoods is one of my all time favorite stores to get those unusual things that I need. I love to go to auctions, but you must go early to look over items and go with a list! It can be easy to purchase items that you don't really need....but sometimes you get some real treasures.
Ashley,
The lamps were on craigslist! I think they must have sold because when I checked back to get you the info I couldn't find them. Craigslist is one of those crazy places where you have to act fast or it's gone! Keep checking craigslist in your area, I'm sure something fabulous will pop up!
Jenny
hey Angie- i met you briefly at a show you were at in Vegas last December, I am from Orem, Utah and I stopped in to purchase some of your baby-month cards...
anyhow, thought you deserved to be recognized with the versatile blogger award...
http://rhodesingeneral.blogspot.com/2010/09/versatile-blogger-award.html
much blog love!
***
jane