shoestring sophistication

7/24/12

Some Teasers...

I've got a few teaser pictures for all of you! I've been having some computer issues over here, but hope to start sharing some more projects soon!

I also wanted to thank all of you for your emails and comments recently. I know a lot of you have made your way over here from pinterest:) So addicting, right? I will be sure to answer all of your emails soon!

For now....enjoy:)

Floral pillows from SewSusieDesigns. Striped pillow covers from Ikea.

Dog Silhouette prints from SarahMDorseyDesigns

And be sure to check out her blog, too! Talk about amazing projects, ideas, and inpiration!

Here's what we've been up to lately. Lots o' weddings, bachelorette parties, and fun in the sun:)

Destin, FL family vaca.

Bachelorette party for my friend and volleyball teammate, Steph!

And one from her wedding this past weekend...

He doesn't seem too thrilled, does he?

We've had some fun nights out with my bff lately:)

See, I really have been busy! I hope to be back soon. I need to get this silly macbook fixed...

6/25/12

Dining Room Chair: Before/After

Well, HELLO!!!! I'm ready to get back into this blogging thing. It might take me a while to get you all caught up on the updates we've made

around the house. I'll start with a small craigslist makeover.

I bought this table and chairs on craigslist for $150...

However, I didn't need the table. So, I sold it for $100. That means I got 6 chairs for 50 bucks!

That floral bed sheet really wasn't working for me. So, I turned to my handy dandy paint sprayer and put on a few coats of white semi gloss paint.

I topped off the seat with some beautiful dwell studio fabric. And for approximately $80, I have 6 beautiful new dining chairs!

I'll be back soon to show off another craigslist steal!

Have a great day:)

12/28/11

FLOOR TILE!

I can't believe I can actually start talking about my kitchen/dining floor tile. I've been waiting for this day for 2.5 years:)

I ran all over town today picking up samples. I quickly realized that I never should have spent hours upon hours browsing online, because nothing looks like I thought it did in person. Nothing.

I did find some viable options though and realized that because this is not our forever home, this floor tile does not need to be the clean, sleek, modern, expensive tile that I have always dreamed of. A simple and neutral tile will really upgrade this space and there is no need to break the bank. Here is a pic of some of the tiles I picked up...

And up against the gray cabinets...

I think I like this one the best, but I still can't decide...

I am trying to balance a lot. Compromising my style with what will be good for resale is a big issue. All of the tiles above range from $3.50/sf to $.69/sf, but most of which are between $1-$2/sf. After comparing all of them next to each other, I would not spend more than $2/sf for any of them.

A couple questions for all of you out there...

1. I find myself drawn to white grout, but realize that I won't be able to keep it clean with 2 large dogs who enjoy going in and out of their doggie door all day.

Like this example from jennasuedesign.blogspot.com

What color grout would you recommend for a beige/gray tile that is easy to keep clean?

2. I am drawn to more modern tile, but am not willing to fork up the money for this space. I would like to find some inexpensive porcelain/ceramic tile that comes in 12 X 24 in order to give the space a little bit more modern feel. Do you have any suggestions for where I might be able to find something like that?

Hope you all had a Happy Holiday:)

11/19/11

Am I late to this party?

I stumbled over to zincdoor.com, Laylagrace's "mod alter-ego" website.

I. am. obsessed.

If you haven't checked it out, it is a must. Obviously the prices are a little out of control. Okay, a lot out of control, but the pieces they have are simply amazing. I am particularly fond of the lighting options, mirrors, and GORGEOUS pillows. Expensive, but oh so pretty to look at.

Click here to visit Zinc Door

***UPDATE***

(unrelated to Zinc Door)

I couldn't help myself. I broke out some Christmas decorations...

It's a little bare. Time to go shopping:)

Have a great day!

11/15/11

Deals, Deals, & more Deals

I was browsing the internet on my lunch break today and because so many sites are blocked, I had to get creative. I looked at a few websites that are outside my normal home decor realm and came across so pretty great deals.

First up, Home Decorators:

Julia Side Chair $90.99 (originally $199)

Recycled Nestled Table Set $161.99 (originally $399)

Reflections Westport Cabinet $132.99 (originally $379)

Parsons Office Chair $48.99 (originally $149)

Soho Delfino Dining Table $181.99 (originally $329)

Julia Tray Table $97.99 (originally $199)

Martha Stewart Living Larssen Sofa $449.99 (originially $999)

Dimension Rug 5X8 $244.99 (originially $499)

From QVC.com:

Liz Claiborne New York Chainlette Jacquard Throw $18.12
(comes in coral & navy too!)

From Target.com:

Pedastal Accent Table $34.98

From Ballarddesigns.com:

Driftwood Mirror $199 (originally $299)

Good deals right?!

11/8/11

Seeing....Stripes?

That's right...Stripes. Not spots. I am on the hunt for some headboard fabric. Once again, here is the inspiration picture for our master bedroom...

kerrisdaledesign.com

I am digging the stripes. However, the wall color in our master is gray and it will be staying as so. I like the drama of the headboard and the contrast it brings to the space, but I am afraid the stripes will look "circus-y" in a room that already has gray walls. I have also tracked down the fabric used for this headboard and it is a little pricey. Here are some of the options I am considering...