On a mission

In our family room, we have these beautiful built in cabinets.  I have really struggled with making these look the way I want.  I have looked at magazines and websites for inspiration.  I have seen a lot of different styles that I like, but re-creating them has me a bit overwhelmed.  The other challenge is finding things to add to it that fit in my budget.  I have found that I have expensive taste, but a meager budget. 

The style that I like the best is a combination of a lot of different patterns, heights, textures all grouped together.  Perhaps a bit eclectic.  Hard to describe (which may be why I am struggling to replicate).

I decided that I would just start looking for different pieces that I liked and start adding them to my collection.  With a little tweaking, perhaps I can make it my own.  So, this morning I headed out on a mission to find a few great pieces.  I left with $13 in my wallet.

During the trip, I found 6 iron candle holders ($3), a wood plate??? with 3 decorative balls ($1) and four wooden plate charger ($1).  I found a lot of other things that I loved but the price was just well beyond the cash in my wallet so that was all I ended up with.

Here's the before:



And here's the after:




One shelf is all that I was able to complete, but I really like that one shelf.  I have 5 more shelves to go (for that area of the family room).  I haven't figured out what to do with the candle holders as they are really too tall for this space.  I think they'll end up in the bathroom.  I still have three more of the plate chargers.  I don't know if I'll use them or not, but we'll see.

I think I'll try to tackle a shelf a week.  By making my purchases at a garage sales and mixing with what I already own, I'm sure to come up with a really unique look on a budget.

6 comments:

Shantel said...

That looks really good. and what bargains! I love antiques. Not things that look like antiques - the real deal. So i go to thrift stores alot.

Familia Morales said...

Looks great! I like your style. There's a store in Springdale/Tontitown I absolutely love, and you can find stuff for pretty good prices, it's called Oops. You should check it out.

kelgrandy said...

Wow, it looks great! Good job looking for deals and finding something so cute. Next time I want to redecorate, I'll have to bring you with me. I have the same problem you do- my mom calls it "champagne taste on a beer budget."

Rachel said...

I love the new look--it looks really great! And, the price for everything was even better! Way to go!

Jen said...

I love it!!! One thing at a time is the way to go.. that way it isn't too overwhelming!

Nicole said...

It looks great! Good job.