Thursday, August 26, 2010
Shop Like a Design Blogger: Meditations on Life + Style
Today I'm thrilled to welcome Dayka from Mediations on Life + Style. Dayka is an interior design student in Atlanta and her blog is a wonderful and thoughtful collection of ideas gleaned from the classroom and from her own (seemingly bottomless) creativity. I am particularly fond of Dayka's posts on thirfting and repurposing old, inexpensive items to look like something new, fabulous and much, much more expensive.
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Averill's Friday feature is one of my favorites, so I was thrilled when she asked me to be a part of this series! For those of you who don't know me through my blog, Meditations on Life + Style, I'm all about Rescuing, Refinishing, and Reusing, so I decided to use my time here to share sources that will help you do just that!
1. Shop your local thrift store/yard sale/auction--the more obscure, the better! Thrift stores are a treasure trove of valuable goods, and you wouldn't believe some of the things people throw out as trash, just waiting for you to come along and give it new life! Secondhand shopping won't be a goldmine every time, but you'll never believe some of the fabulous finds and deals to be had behind those doors. An easy update for any room? New lamps refinished in a custom hue, and most thrift store have a great selection for less than the cost of a night at the movies! Some of my favorite online resources include Shop Goodwill (Goodwill's online auction) and Housing Works, which is based out of NYC and provides services and housing for people living with AIDS. Giving back and great loot? Where do I sign up???
2. Hardware. Changing hardware on a piece of furniture is a the quickest way to give it a fresh look before you even think about refinishing! There are tons of really great novelty hardware fixtures out there for sale, and stepping away from traditional selections will really give your dresser (desk, nightstand, etc.) a one of a kind look. Two of my favorite online spots for hardware are Van Dykes and Atlas Homewares. With reasonable prices and a huge inventory, these merchants won't leave your updated pieces naked. Right now I have my eye on these . . .
($1.99, Van Dykes)
($8, Atlas Homewares)
3. Habitat ReStore. Sometimes walking in here feels like I've died and gone to heaven, but like Forrest Gump said, you never know what you'll get. This Habitat For Humanity owned resale outlet sells reusable and surplus construction materials to the public and uses the resale profits to fund home construction programs in local communities, so shopping here also feels good. You can find french doors for as little as $40, windows, tile, light fixtures, furniture, house numbers, paint, tools, door hardware, appliances, along with a million other things, but the selection can vary. If you're doing some renovating on a budget, make this a place to stop. Click here to find a local Habitat ReStore in your hood.
4. Jo-ann Fabrics or Hancock Fabrics. If you're not lucky enough to live in a major city with a design center (or district), don't fret! You can still find some beautiful special order textiles at your local fabric store, and combing your purchase with weekly coupons can often make your finds a steal! Hancock also has a pretty good remnant table where you can find up to 10 yards of fabric for as low as $3/yard--perfect for updating a chair, making new pillows, upgrading a bulletin board, or switching up a lampshade. It might not be Donghia, but don't thumb your nose up at it either!
Annie Selke Links--Slate ($54.99 + 50% off coupon)
Robert Allen Floored--Sandstone (currently on sale for $20.99)
5. Ikea. If this hasn't been mentioned before, it's probably because it's so obvious, but just when you think you've seen it all at Ikea, they blow your mind with something new. Even if there's not one in your area, there is an online selection that's thorough enough to let you get in on the action without breaking the bank in shipping costs. Trying to achieve a House Beautiful look on a beer budget? You HAVE to visit Ikea! Here are two of my latest obsessions . . .
Maskros Pendant, $89
Vava Pendant, $69
Hope this is enough to help you get started creating a home you'll love without sacrificing your wallet! Thanks for inviting me over, Averill--I'm truly flattered! Enjoy! :)
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18 comments:
Most of these sources are new to me. I'm loving the images of hardware shown here. I'm off to visit Van Dykes!
thanks again, averill! i'm actually not at SCAD, but the workload seems like it could be from there, lol! anytime you need me back, i'm here. :)
Thanks for the tips Dayka! ;)
I had no idea Habitat for Humanity had that shop - what a great idea, for a great cause. Lovely guest post!
Great tips!
I enjoyed your guest Averill and have to agree. The Re-store is one of my favorite stops. A treasure always awaits.
-Rene
Great post! There are two Habitat ReStores in my city and I have yet to visit. After reading this post that is obviously where I need to be!
It's so nice seeing Dayka over here! And thanks for letting us in on your hardware go to. I love the brass knobs! ALso, I need to check out my restore. I have one a few minutes away from my house and have never been!
Awesome post! I was looking for a new source for hardware.Thanks!!
Die -hard thrifter here! And thanks for the tip on the Robert Allen fabric - Love!!!
I have a JoAnn's right near my office, and when I was working on our nursery I was in there almost every day! I've scored great deals on holiday decorations there, too, since I usually don't shop for them until 2 wks before the holiday!
I bookmarked those hardware websites as well. Thanks for the ideas!
I love these resources! Off to check out her blog too.
xo,
cristin
Dayka, awesome tips! Changing knobs & pulls, isn't that true? It can totally update the look of cabinets & cupboards. And happy weekend to u & Averill!
Great resources I will have to go and check out her blog. I love new resources and new blogs to be inspired by,Kathysue
I love learning about new places to shop! WEEEEE
Such great ideas...really loving the hardware and the Ikea picks!
Dayka, popping over from your blog to this one to say I've missed you and love the tips you've shared!
Dayka and Averill, thanks for sharing! Love the budget tips--it's good every once in a while to be reminded of what you can find at a bargain at everyday places like Joann Fabrics, Ikea, and Habitat reStores.
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