the look for less

I love a good bargain.  But who doesn't, right?  That's why I always devour the latest 'High-Low Style' from online mag, Style at Home. I love seeing how they recreate rooms on a budget.  They also happen to pick the best spaces, too.

Which do you think is more expensive?

Enter room one.

And room two.

If you guessed room one, you're right!  But the difference in price may shock you.  We're talking almost $25,000 in difference.

The first room weighs in at a hefty $31,165.

The second, a much more reasonable $7768.

But this high-low exercise is a great example of why people hire a designer to achieve the look they want.  Not everyone can toss $30,000 at a new room (OK, for realzies, most of us can't).  But a couple thousand is much more realistic when looking to redo a room. Whether it's stowing cash for a rainy decorating day or using your tax return, you can expect to pay a good chunk of change to achieve the well-dressed, layered look you see in the mags.  And like most things, there are always the highs and lows, as we see here.  Hiring a decorator or a designer may be a great idea, to stay within a defined budget and to recreate a look.  In fact, designers PREFER when you come to the table with a look or a vibe that you're dying to try.  It makes our job so much easier, and it's so much fun to hunt down the best deals out there.

So with that, I think I can do you one better.

Lucite Chair $79

Orange Overdye Rug $385

Pink Bergere Chair $750

Orb Chandelier $299

x bench $179 

Gourd Lamp $45 

Painting of a woman $100 

Black Desk $116

turquoise box $39

gray shelf $149

black/white drawing $40 

Paris prints $135 

curtains $39 each (2 panels)

bronze stool $200 

My copycat of the copycat is still less, by way more than half, coming to a grand total of $2594!  What a steal!  For an entire room re-do, that's a fantastic price.  Although, serial DIY'ers like us balk at that price, it just shows that you can definitely get the look you want for a lot LESS than you think.

Mom and I are constantly looking at products for client projects so we always have our eyes out for the trendy pieces and timeless pieces, at the best prices.  If you'd like help creating your dream space, or recreating something you've seen in a magazine, we would love to help! We provide services from sourcing products and look-a-likes to full room redos.  Contact us for rates and pricing.

If you are looking for help with your home, we'd love to work with you! Contact us for a listing of our services and prices. 

Nancy and Bethany