I recently had a client with an empty room and a minimal budget.
The carpeting was in excellent condition and the paint color was a nice neutral.
I did suggest that the dated window covering come down. When the clients budget allows, simple panels will shine until then a clean look is fine.
Media cabinets can be pretty expensive. My solution was to take an IKEA “Kallax” bookcase and turn it on its side. The television can sit right on top and baskets can later be added to control dvds and video games. The side tables also were a great deal from Ikea.
I found the two chairs at an upscale consignment shop and the coffee table was found at a Habitat for Humanity thrift store. It just needed a bit of clean up. Amazingly the glass top was in perfect condition!
The sofa is also a basic piece from Ikea. By keeping the furniture neutral the homeowner can change themes and/or colors on a whim.
Wanting a cool palette during the hot summer I kept my colors choices in the blue and green family. The raffia fringe on the $5 pale green pillows reminded me of a hula skirt.
The beachy painting is from Ross, the mercury lamps were found on clearance at Kirklands and the blue and white ceramic vases on the media console came from Target. Together, they help create a soft nautical touch.
Sea grass plant baskets also came from Ikea. The sea grass tray (on the coffee table) and the side table (between the two chairs) came from Ross. A bag of shells and the hour glass were purchased at Marshall’s.
As the clients budget allows she can add in a few other pieces of accessories and furniture to the room. But for now the couch is pulled away from the wall to create a cozier feel.
I wanted to keep this sweet rolling tray from Ross for myself.
While I myself liked this rolling tray placed directly behind the couch, the client liked it against the wall. Since she lives there she won. 🙂
I had a $700 budget for this space. Given the amount of large pieces that were needed for the room it often requires a bit of a hunt and a elbow grease to create the perfect look.
Do you like nautical decor?
Laura
Here in New England, nautical or beachy decor isn't so much a choice as a necessity! DD has been working on transforming her bedroom from lime and turquoise to lime and navy by repainting bureaus and tables white and adding stencils of lighthouses and anchors. Some of the pieces she's transformed have been in our family for 100 years!
Very nice! I like the way you have designed it so the family can switch it up easily for different seasons with a few accessories.
I have a question though. Where does she plug in the lamps on the end table. I see the cord tucked up under the table but I am figuring that is for photo purposes. Does she run it behind the couch to the outlet or does it run under the couch to the other end?
I love furniture out from the walls but then have to figure out what to do with the cords.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful work. And I love the budget!!! Great job! 🙂
Looks amazing. I love those thrifty chairs, they are fabulous.
You amaze me Laura…it just goes to show what one can do on a budget with your ingenuity!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
$700.00 dollars? That is really incredible!
It looks really elegant. I like that the home owner can add to your selections or change themes.
Nicely done!
Love it! Ikea to the rescue again…..I took my daughter “homecoming dress shopping” (yes, you read that right) last weekend and I told her if she picked out a dress quickly we would still have time to go to Ikea. She bought one of the first dresses she tried on:) Girl after my own heart! Guess mom HAS been rubbing off on her after all!
xoKathleen
Absolutely beautiful -wish I was sitting there, reading a book, right now! I really need to check out the Habitat for Humanity store.
What a great job, Laura! I like nautical when it's not too Ho Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum!
Wow, you did an amazing job on a very limited budget! Perfect to grow with or leave as is!!
I never thought much about nautical decor, but since I bought my cottage on the seaside, nautical style has entered my life without me willing it, and I love it!
You did a great job on all of these rooms with a TINY budget! Very well done!
It really does look nice and 'put together'. I love the contrasting pillows. Some simple curtains will add a lot, too. Very nice, my friend! Hugs!