master bedroom redo

Immediately after I bought my home, I had to paint almost every room in the house. One of the rooms I painted was my master bedroom. I chose a soft pale blue, which unfortunately, came out like a baby boy's room blue. I should have known it wouldn't be relaxing and/or soothing with a name like "Chinchilla Blue."

I know what you're thinking. At first glance it's really pretty. Well, check it out in action:

*Don't mind the dog on the bed. She has a part time job in the winter as Santa's helper...or at least I like the dress her up and think so.


After living over two years with my bedroom looking like this (above). I decided I had waiting long enough, and I wanted my room to somehow transform into this (below).

or this...

Looking back they are all pretty much monochromatic--which is my style everywhere else in the house--layered with texture (fur, tufting, raw woods, etc). 


So which one did I pick??

This room screams (quietly) luxury, and relaxation with a lot of grown up sophistication. Everything I want in a master bedroom. 


First things first-- paint. My husband chose a soft gray which actually dried white, but in the darker hours you can pick it up. Also, where we didn't do a great job taping off the ceiling and there are smudges you can definitely see that it's a light gray.

At first I thought I should just repaint the room a darker version of this since it looked white, and my daughter's room is a blue-ish white, and my hallways are a creamy white....seeing a pattern? BUT!!! The room did look bigger, and we did have splashes of color brought in with these babies!

(Don't look at my cardigan and pillows that are on top; I was trying to decide on accent colors). This long dresser and another tall chest (not pictured here) were purchased at....a thrift store of course. Total for the set: $139. They were in ok shape but were a turtlely wood varnish mix that wasn't in my grand picture. Not a bad price since shortly after we bought them I saw this on One Kings Lane:

Price tag? $2,450 on sale for $1999.

bird mobile

I was prepping for a blog post for later this week and I came across the same mobile that I have in my daughter's nursery! 

baby's room: not too girly nursery

I thought I'd show everyone one of my favorite rooms in my home. When I found out that I was having a girl, I knew I wanted to do a clean room that wasn't too girly. I like pink, but I don't LOVE it. I also was overwhelmed with how babyish the bedding and overall inspiration photos were out there. 


For baby bedding, I looked for weeks for something that said girl, but that I wouldn't hate after a couple of weeks. I also wanted something that would grow with my daughter. During a trip to Eastview Mall, I stalked the beautiful displays at Antropologie and came across this beautiful "fabric" well they were tablecloths, who am I kidding, in the sale bin. I grabbed the 2 they had left and I was loving the direction I was off and running with. The bottom of the tablecloths had this wide black ticking stripe which originally drew me to the fabric since I had bought a smaller black ticking stripe fabric from housebeautiful.com. I also snagged 2 small etched mirror frames which I thought would be great for shadow portraits of her and I.

After I had the fabric and the mirrors, I put together an inspiration board with things I had seen on line that I thought would be snazzy for my little one.

So where did I go from here? My mom bought me the Jenny white crib from JCPenny.com on sale. I found these beautiful paper dolls on etsy.com for 8 that I had my neighbor (Creative Framing) cut a custom mat into an Ikea frame. I also had a custom sketch my doggie done from a random artist on etsy.com and I bought some cute cards from Barnes and Nobles that I had matted and put in the smaller frames of the same Ikea line. 


My grandmother gave me an old arm chair that hard DISGUSTING fabric. I found an affordable seamstress online who unfortunately isn't working anymore. *I MISS YOU KATHY* I had Kathy sew a slip cover for the arm chair with the black ticking strip. I also stole an ottoman from my mom's house that I had slipcovered as well (sorry mom). 

The curtains I bought not on sale, boo, from Target for $19 a panel. They are this adorable eyelet white fabric. I bought $1 ribbon that is black grossgrain from Michaels to use as tie backs. 

The rug is a jute 8x10 that I bought online at bellacor.com. TIP: whatever company you are buying from online, go to retailmenot.com and type in the vendor. I usually find some sort of "FREE SHIPPING" or "10-25%" coupon code that is successful.

I went back to Antropologie and bought oval glass pulls for the built-in lower cabinets. I also picked up these adorable bird plates that I showcased in the bookcases with acrylic plate holders from Michaels.

For extra storage, I bought some wicker baskets to line the top shelves from Christmas Tree Shop. I love that place! 

I purchased a tulip chandelier from ebay. It was kinda cute the way it was, but I decided to spray paint it white and although it took 4 cans to get complete coverage, the overall look is gorgeous.

Lastly, was a mobile. Everything on the market was sooooo juvenile. I decided for functionality I would purchase crib toys that light up and play music, but I would invest in a piece of art for the mobile. I decided on this beautiful carved wood (I thought it would bring another layer of texture to the room) bird mobile. I almost purchased it from an independent vendor, but luckily went back to the Antropologie website and found the SAME one for 50% less! Score.

Here are some progress photos to hold you over until I reveal the real deal.

Total for fabric/table cloths: $50

Total for mirrored frames: $20

Total for paperdolls: $35 (8 qty)

Total for doggie sketch/alternative art: $25

Total for custom mats: $35

Total for chalkboard paint, wall paint, trim paint: $75

Total for paint/chandelier: $65

Total for plates/knobs: $50

Total for 8x10 rug: $119 + free shipping

Total for crib: $99 + free shipping

Total for curtains/ribbon/hardware: $76

Total for slipcovers/baby bedding: $70

Total for baskets: $15

------------> $734

NOTE: I ended up using accessories, lamps and tables that I had in my attic.

Final reveal to come.

my kitchen

Speaking of before and after, I thought I would share with you my kitchen transformation. When I bought the house, it was easy for me to see the bones and possibilities:


Open - the overall scale of the kitchen was really open especially for how old the home was. 


Flow - had the standard triangle flow (stove, sink and fridge all form a triangle).


Utilities - gas option (there was an electric stove), and air duct already in place to the outside.


There was a "kitchen nook" with an unfinished piece of laminate that was so bulky the fridge would only open half way. I consulted with an hvac contractor and I actually had that nook removed and shaved the wall down to create a 6-foot wall opening into the dining room.

To add more counter space and storage while I saved money for the overall transformation, I added a used butcher's block counter, and some cheap shelves.

I also painted the cabinets white to lighten up the whole kitchen. The old cabinets were the center color of the laminate floor that is still in place. A really weird green/brown that was extremely dated looking. I added silver knobs and pulls that I bought used off of craigslist. All in all it was a great quick update when I moved in and actually did the job for about a year. 


After a year, I saved enough money for new appliances, flooring, cabinets, hardware, etc. The process began by taking out EVERYTHING.

After demo, the cabinets were put in. I chose to go with Home Depot cabinets. I called every couple of days until they told me that they were having a sale on kitchen cabinets. Turns out that the custom cabinetry was actually cheaper than the in-stock ones. I chose to stay with white in a very simple design. 

I wanted to still keep the kitchen light and airy so I decided to add clear knobs, pulls and cup pulls.

Total for cabinets: $1500 including delivery

Total for hardware: $150

Next hurdle? The flooring. I chose to go with a laminate flooring that had texture and looked like a stone tiling. I decided to not go with tile all together because of the neighborhood that I live in. I would never see that money back. Besides, the flooring did the trick and I think looks bea-u-t-iful!

The flooring here looks really beige, but in real life it's a white mixed with a blue-grey, and beige veins.

Total cost for flooring: $500

For counters, I chose a formica laminate WITHOUT the edging that runs along the back wall of the counter which saved me approximately $300. I also chose a square edge to keep with clean lines and the modern traditional twist. 

Total cost for counter tops: $250

For the back splash, I decided to bring in a white subway tile, but pair it with a dark grout. I love the look and for cleaning it's perfect. 

For the sink, I chose to NOT keep the double sink since I knew I would be purchasing a dishwasher. In order to compensate, I made sure that it was really large and deep. Overall, I'm happy with my choice. I also chose a bridge faucet to bring some traditional elements back into the kitchen. I decided that since I love to cook and this was MY kitchen I'd throw a splash of pink in there!

Total cost for faucet (fixtureuniverse.com): $115 + free shipping

Total cost for pink light (lampsplus.com): $100 + free shipping

Total cost for back splash + grout: $150

Appliances were one of my favorite buys. I found a gorgeous stainless steel range at a Ukrainian run appliance store in the ghetto.  Downside? It had a gauge in the side which would obviously be covered up once installed.

I added a range hood where the previous owner had a microwave with exhaust fan. I went to Mr. Second's in Webster, NY.

For the dishwasher, I found an Electrolux stainless steel, digital model at Appliance Warehouse in the Village Gate. I had to find someone with a truck to move it, but it was too pretty to pass up. 

Lastly, the fridge I purchased at Home Depot on sale. 

Total cost for range: $400 CASH + free delivery

Total cost for dishwasher: $250

Total cost for fridge: $820

**All costs were final after delivery, taxes, etc. It's important to note, I opened up both HOME DEPOT and LOWES credit cards to save 10%. Everything I purchased, I waited until it went on sale. Lastly, you can get FREE 10% coupons for Lowes at the post office. Just ask for a moving envelope and there is always one in there. Home Depot accepts them as well.

FINAL REVEAL

Great job eh? Not bad for the price mentioned. Please note, that the protective cover isn't pulled off the range hood and paint wasn't on the walls at the time. I'll post finished photos soon after it's cleaned and accessorized.

So what was the total cost?

$4235 for goods mentioned

$75 for wall paint and trim paint

$1500 for labor outside of what was included in the costs mentioned above

------------> $5810

scandinavian design before and after

So sprucing up the slipcover wasn't as stress-free as I originally thought. After the first wash with the directed amount of bleach, the slipcover came out spotty and actually looked YELLOW! At this point I really was worried that maybe my "great find" was a dud after all. 

I decided to put caution to the wind and threw the slipcovers back in the washer and poured an insane amount of bleach. NOTE: insane amount to me was approximately 3 cups. I didn't add anymore detergent...mostly because I was running low and I knew my daughter's hamper was overflowing. The result? Well, see for yourself! Clean, white and no shrinking. 

BEFORE

AFTER

Beautiful right? Just a tip; if you pull your pillow covers, slipcovers, sheets etc, out of the dryer while they are a little bit wet, pull them taunt and the result is wrinkle free. 

buffets and sideboards

I've always struggled with the benefit of a buffet and/or sideboard. For someone younger who lives in an older home in the city, my house is fully equipped with a formal dining room. I try to encourage my family to sit and eat in there, but I'm sure like most of you, dinner usually takes place in the living room on the sofa (oops). 


This baby I found on craigslist might change my mind though. It has skinny legs which makes it feel less heavy. In fact! I would say that this could be a really cool dresser-since most buffets and sideboards have tons of storage. Chrome detailing on the drawers modernizes this retro piece.

If I haven't sold you yet, the price is $60!!!! 
sale-w9jbv-2517824128@craigslist.org

craigslist finds

Unbelievable deal! $70 for a set of 5 upholstered parson chairs. Some of you might be thinking that the blue is a little much, but I actually think that these could be a total statement piece! Check out my inspiration photos to give you an idea of what I'm talking about!

sale-eqtfu-2510558903@craigslist.org

Small side tables that are interesting enough to hold their own are always difficult to find. This one has gold inlay on the top and has open legs that make the table feel light and airy. At $45, it's a little high, but if it fits the space then I would say the price is worth it. Note: the seller what's name and phone number when you inquire. sale-pspze-2511741516@craigslist.org

Spindle details on these nesting tables are gorgeous. The layering of nesting tables can be a great accent to neutral colored furniture. These ones are listed at $110. I'm almost sure you could try and talk it down. sale-cgg97-2496391912@craigslist.org

scandinavian design

Today, I took some time off of work due to a hellish schedule earlier this week and I decided to swing by one of my favorite thrift stores and what did I find....?

This beauty! Great clean lines, high upright back that's overall extremely comfy. This chair actually has a very well done slipcover in a off white twill complete with zippers-underneath-a disgusting orange corduroy. Price tag? $19.99. Of course I bought a quart of bleach-who knows where it's been-but can't wait to show you the cleaned up version.

welcome rochester, ny!

Let's get down to business. Who am I and what is this about? I'm a 26 year old mother, wife and career driven woman working in the boring corporate circuit. During my  mandatory 40 hours a week at work, I secretly obsess over interior design at an affordable price and thought I'd actually do something about it...SO why should you care? Well, I have an amazing eye, and if you value great design with a thrift store price, you'd might want to check it out.  


What can you expect to see here:

• Amazing furniture and home good finds; I'll post where and how much
• Refurnished furniture 
• Before & Afters

Hope you enjoy