Finally Spring is in the air and it’s usually the time where everyone begins the notorious Spring cleaning.  I’ve finally gotten on the bandwagon and decided to take on a few changes I’ve been wanting to do and started in the Living room.  I haven’t done much since 2016 and I’ve been inspired by many decoristas and decided to address some design dilemmas.  Since the room was painted a couple years ago and painting was not an option (not to mention I hate painting) and I also had to stick to a strict budget.  Dilemma #1 new window treatments, #2 new light fixture, #3 storage for my music and #4 stereo rack unit.  I also wanted to rearrange the furniture which helps in giving the room a new look as well.   Here’s how the room was looking.  I’ve moved the stereo around some but no matter where I placed it, it was just completely off balance and has been for some time, and I wanted a more modern way to display it.  I’ve searched the Pinterest boards looking for inspiration pictures and NONE are out there.. it seems that it’s become a bit obsolete to have a separate stereo system these days.  But, let’s face it, I’m not letting go of this system because the sound is impeccable.

The past couple of weeks I’ve been out thrifting looking for items to address those dilemmas and found these items.  I’ve been looking for some type of credenza to store my massive collection of cds.  I found one on the marketplace however it fell through.  I decided to venture to my favorite raddy place (because – hey- you never know).  After all, I did find my brass etagere there.  Well that trip was a big score because I found this buffet.  At first I thought it was going to be too big, but once I started opening the doors and drawers, it was perfect for storage.  It’s a 1930’s hand carved piece and was in fantastic condition. The carved details reminded me of the chaise I have in the room.  The price was $90.00.

My idea for the stereo rack was to get another brass etagere (silly me.. I wish I had gotten both when I bought the other one- I could kick myself a million times).  I came across this one last year at ReStore Habitat and purchased it for my son, but he couldn’t use it.  I put it out for the yard sale last year, but no one bought it so it went to storage.   After several searches, I couldn’t find another brass one so I surrendered and pulled it out of storage.   ( I didn’t include this cost in my makeover total spent).  

But I did get lucky and found this light fixture at ReStore Habitat. I had been going back for a few times hoping I’d find something and this one caught my eye.  It was $35.00 and pink ticketed, which meant 75% off.  Yes.. do the math… $8.75.  BINGO!!!

The fabric I chose for the new treatments was a pattern I used on these pillows.  The fabric store had a big sale and I got lucky because the whole roll was just enough I needed for 4 panels.  The total cost for the fabric was $60.  I also snagged a few decorative items for  about $40.00.  I set the weekend aside to get “shyt done” and Amir came to get the ball rolling for me.  He installed the new light fixture and hung my curtains…(he’s become a pro at it heeeeheeee)..

I began to rotate the furniture and re-style the space.  I retired some artwork I’ve had hanging for the past 25 years.  Not that I hate them but I just wanted something different.  I have to say I’m quite pleased with the new look of the space.  So, let’s take a look at how my design on a dime Spring re-fresh looks:

I love the new window treatments.  The pattern is Spring-like with the big french tulips with a touch of chinoiserie.  The colors are a great blend with the fabric on the furniture pieces.  The blue and white ginger jar was a $5.00 find (included in the $40.00 decorative items)

 

These two masks were scored on the marketplace for $20.00.

The jute rug was “suppose” to go in the family room, but some how it landed on the wall instead of the floor and the stereo system looks much better on this rack.

I moved some other decorative items around and I’m completely satisfied.

The head planter became a bit more flamboyant with a mask I picked up from my New Orleans trip last year.

 

I moved the botanical prints from the bedroom and the peacock is gracing this room

 

The light fixture is satisfying my “I want something differentness” without breaking the bank.

I created the little black box from pieces I had around the house.  A trophy my husband won was in the box and the brass pieces came off the back of the dining room chairs.

Glad I kept the box and brass thingys because the box can store my incense overflow.

The wooden cat was $1.00

and that’s all folks.. there’s my $200 budget re-design on a dime!

Have you done a home refresh for Spring or planning one for the Summer.?  If so.. Happy Hunting while you thrift your house into a home!

CIAO!!!!