Hey Guys!  It’s been a while since I’ve posted an update at the BCP but things are moving along.  Just to give a quick update in case you’re new here, my son, Amir, started his first time home ownership with a fixer-upper.  You can see the progress here, here, and here.  We’ve been chipping away at the decor process little by little and room by room.  This has been truly a fun process, because he’s pretty much giving me carte blanche with decorating but he’s also given me a very strict budget, which I totally understand because he still has some much needed structural work to do (such as new windows, front door and the outdoor back area of the house) and not to mention a bit of landscaping.  Thrifting a house into a home is what I’m (and this blog is) all about, so I knew it wouldn’t be an issue.  I’m so excited to share with you how the house is looking and I must say it’s looking pretty darn good.  No need to do much talking, so let’s dive into how it’s looking.  I’m going to start with the living room and here is where we started.  It’s kind of awkward because of the one window next to the fireplace.

Here is the new look of the Living room.  The huge television covers the fireplace,  and yes it is off-centered but that’s where he wants it (who am I to argue.. hahaha)…  I”ll ignore that part (for now) however, the decor was kept, again to a minimal.  I really love the new look and contemporary feel of the space.

I wanted to use more of a naturalistic look because of the lamps, drapery fabric and blinds.

All while decorating, he kept reminding me.. (minnnnimal) lol… especially not a bunch of pillows on the sofa.. (uggghhhh.. I love having pillows)…

The picture frames were all Goodwill finds at different times and different locations.  The cute little head vase was a $2.00 find perfect to use as an incense holder.

Off the living you step into the Dining room which started out as this ( I know… mint green overload).. looks like one big gallon of pistachio ice cream.

I stumbled across this mid-century Chromcraft glass tulip table at a thrift store with intentions to use it in my kitchen, however it was too big, so I decided to keep it for him.   The table set the style of the room and it now has a mid-century feel with a bit of afro-centric vibe for a masculine look.

Amir prefers a minimalist look because he doesn’t like clutter.. (big challenge for his maximalist mama) but I rose to the challenge and accomplished a look he enjoys for his home.

Again custom made drapery really accents the decor and provides that pop of design style.  (I’m really patting myself on the back with his drapery – because I truly looooove them!)

All the items (excluding the rugs and custom made draperies) were purchased from thrift stores, yard sales and estate sales.  But I will admit that the fabric was bought on sale for a great price.

The art piece by Larry Poncho Brown, The Blackness, (which is the man) was one of my favorites that I displayed in my home for years, and the woman is a signed and numbered lithograph I bought at antique store last year.

The metal gazelle wall hangings were bought at a thrift store for $5.00/pr.

Although I pondered the idea of a china cabinet, we realized he needed a bar station instead.  This cabinet was found at Restore Habitat and it’s perfect for his space.

The vintage tabletop bar caddy, linen napkins, and barware were purchased at an estate sale by Pieces of Time.  I love shopping Pieces of Time estate sales because 1) their professional service 2)they have such wonderful items  3)and fair pricing.  They also allow you to shop the sale on line where you can pay and pick-up later.  They’re located in New Jersey and you can find a listing of their sales on www.estatesales.net.

The remaining items were purchased at various thrift stores I ventured in along my journeys.

Here I used pictures from an outdated calendar to add more art to the wall.  The mid-century cabinet was purchased from a yard sale.

Between you and me, I’m still amazed that he’s managed to keep this plant alive.

Below is a print called Rent Party by Frank Morrison.  It was hanging in their bedroom at my house.

The kitchen (in the backdrop) will be featured in part 2 of the decor tour.

Next up is the foyer.  Once the walls were painted a bright white and flooring put down.   We just added a new light fixture, rug, and mirror to keep it simple.

 

So everyone, that’s it for now.. next up I’ll show you the bedrooms, bath and kitchen for the final home decor project.  I hope you enjoyed the tour so far.  I really want to congratulate Amir for pulling this off all while he paid off his home.  I’m truly happy to have been able to find items to help him decorate his home with design on a dime process.

Here’s a sneak peak into the master bedroom…. I can’t wait to show you this room.

There you have it… as you see (again) beauty doesn’t have to be costly.. I wish you all continued success in thrifting your house into a home!  As always – Happy Hunting!!

CIAO!!