Friday, April 30, 2010

A Space You Love? Yes, You Can!

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Via House & Home

Today I just want to show three cute interior shots that all have something in common. They are all very "doable". Most people these days tell me they would love to hire a designer but that they just don't have the money. I get that. I really get that. But what I want to break down in these 3 images is that there are some nice things mixed with some seriously cheap things. Take for instance the first image. The color scheme is bright and cheery which distracts you from the fact there is a paper lantern hanging above the dining room table, photos tacked to the wall and fabric remnants which have been framed and hung above the sofa. These are all super fun, super easy and super CHEAP things the owner or designer has done. They didn't stop decorating because there wasn't a big budget for accessories. From what I can tell, the sofa, throw pillows and floor lamp are the only "splurges" I can detect.

via House and Home
via Decor Pad

Now, let's analyze this little kitchen. There is nothing high-end about this space at all but you react to it don't you? You immediately think, I'd like to hang out there and have a cup of joe with my bff. Why? There are cheap cabinets, cheap hardware, cheap artwork and a cheap counter top. Well, it's because they are using some current trends to their advantage. They changed the things they could. Gray paint, a zig zag rug, a fun print, a vintage TV and a retro chandelier. They are having FUN with their decor and it shows. Just because you can't gut and remodel your kitchen doesn't mean you can't love it. This is probably $500 vs. $50,000.

style at home
via Decor Pad

Now this space reads as expensive but it's not. The nearly all white color palette is sophisticated, modern and anyone can do it. The black and white photography, simply framed, the only punches of color coming from the throw pillows and flowers and the white candelabras- all so easy and so cheap. Just think how much money you would save when you gave away your kids and pets (which you would have to do)! Anyhow, my point is that fabulous spaces are not always expensive spaces. I encourage everyone to bolster their sense of confidence when it comes to having a well-designed room. You don't have to be rich to enjoy your home. I promise! And if you are completely lost, please feel free to call your friendly interior designer (moi). Have a great a weekend people!

26 comments:

  1. I need an "IM SO SORRY" print for by my front door to apologize for the mess any visitors will encounter once entering my house. The toddler tornado lives in my house and leaves a wake of destruction as he moves through the room.

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  2. I love photo 2.... that retro TV rocks!

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  3. Amy, I knew I loved your style. I used the same H&H photo last month. What a great breakdown of how simple and inexpensive design can be. Designers are often the first ones to forget that. Happy Friday!

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  4. Yeah, great that tv. I love retro!

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  5. Great post. I am always clipping pics of interiors that inspire me. I can't afford to replicate them, but you can always find a way to get the same "feel" out of a room. Such a valid and helpful thing to point out. Thanks.

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  6. I LOVE these! I love when inexpensive things can look high-end and really classy. Especially that kitchen -- love all the fun touches!
    Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and for your sweet comment! Love yours and can't wait for more!
    xxoo Josie
    http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

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  7. Oh that's cool! I love all three photos, it's amazing how you can create such a lovely space without spending lots of money. Thanks for sharing the tips, keep them coming :)

    All things nice...

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  8. These have something else in common...they all rock! Dying over the purple room with the Suzani touches!

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  9. I've always loved that first photo with the framed Suzani fabric. It would be easy to reproduce this look. I think the fact that it is a large scale feature makes it more interesting too.

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  10. Thank you so much for this post! Lately I've been wanting to be in love with my home (versus just having a place to sleep). This was so inspiring!

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  11. I LOVE the yellow TV and chevron print rug in that kitchen. So adorable!!!

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  12. Love the purple! What a fun room! Have a great weekend. xo

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  13. What a lovely room. I ust discovered you bog and love it. I am a follower :-) Would love for you to visit my blog at www.mydreamcanvas.blogspot.com.
    Have a great weekend..Anu

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  14. Hey, great post - I will probably be in the same predicament in a few years time and I will be returning to this post for help ;)

    I think some of the cheap elements such as tacking photos to a wall or designated board actually adds to the chrm of the room, but I guess it really depends on the style you're seeking? :)

    Thanks for sharing, have a great weekend! xoxox
    Sarah @http://www.inkandbelle.blgspot.com

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  15. I think we could sum it up, that it is not important how big the budget is, but more how creative the mind behind it is. ;)

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  16. Really great breakdown, so funny about the kids and pets!

    Have a great weekend,
    xxx DJ

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  17. I totally agree, Amy. So much of the stuff I see on blogs is all about the inspiration, realistically, not gonna happen. Now, more importantly, let's talk neon! Seriously?? How AWESOME is that? Oh, I hope you get to do it, I think it would look sooooo cool! Vegas, baby!

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  18. Wow, so chic and fab!

    Happy weekend :)

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  19. I love when you can get amazing stuff and not pay a fortune! It is all about creativity!
    Thanks so much for sharing. Great post!

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  20. I love,love all three, but the first room is my favorite. Thanks for putting a smile on my face.

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  21. This is great to show people that they can do great design on a budget. Love this post great images, Kathysue

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  22. please do more posts like this! I get wowed by the big picture, and have a hard time breaking it down to the individual (cheap and doable!) elements! The kitchen especially is helpful with living in rentals: rug, print, and possible a cheap fixture from craigslist!

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  23. I totally agree, all it is, is about deconstructing the design of the room and realising that it can be recreated or parts of it copied for your own at considerable less expense.

    It's all about the inspiration! :-)

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  24. You are sooo right!
    Sometimes it's just something simple that holds it all together.

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  25. Oooh -- love those candles!
    -Jordana

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