High/Low: Pagoda Mirror

One of my favourite features of Style At Home Magazine, is their monthly High/Low column.

As someone that loves a great deal, I test myself to see if I can pick out the which is which. Sadly, even their low items are outside of my comfort zone. Instead, I cruise the resell classifieds.

I get such a thrill when I find something that is a phenomenal deal. Clearly I can’t buy everything that I see, as much as I would like to, especially when I think it is something that I can make a few bucks on.

Here is my version of High/Low, with a Pagoda Mirror, but unlike Style at Home, I am going to list the high and then the low…

HIGH:

1st Dibs (crazy pricing)

CircaWho (better, but still pricey)

Bombay & Co (not exactly the same, but the same look, currently at 50% off – Canadian dollars)

 

LOW:

Mine, found in online classifieds

The real McCoy my friends. Same as the 1st dibs and Circa Who version.  I was so excited when I found it.  It requires some repairs which are underway…stay tuned to see what I do with it.

Rustic Console and other changes

I heard you, loud and clear, the blue console was too blue, too small and just didn’t fit with my space. Hey, I’m willing to share my fails too *smile*

I needed something big and bold that would hold my tv and my blankets and some decorative items. I used two plans that I found on line and created this baby. Total cost for the wood was $96, plus stain and some Kreg screws, about another $15. I couldn’t buy this for that amount.

I haven’t added the X’s to the sides yet as I don’t have a saw that can cut the correct degrees, so I have to figure out how to do it with a circular saw, another day.

Let’s have a look at the before and after, you will agree I’m sure that after is a whole lot better.

I’ve found some great deals on new to me items in the last little while…

Yesterday I was at my local Sally Ann and found this rug for $19.99, brand new. At Ikea it is $159 for this size! (CDN)

My old Ektorp sofa was bought second hand and I got 3 years out of it before I had to replace it. I found a new Ektorp sofa with a Risane slipcover for $180. I love the slipcover with it’s tailored finish and the linen colour goes perfectly with my new to me scoop arm chairs.

And finally I found this Chinese cork sculpture at the Goodwill for $4. It is so pretty and I don’t know how they are able to cut the cork so intricately.

 

I keep saying it, but one day I really will get to the painting. In the meantime, I’m enjoying the changes and the thrifty finds.

Vintage La Barge brass and glass table

Finding great vintage pieces always gives me a thrill. This La Barge coffee table is no exception.

I played around with the idea of cleaning the brass, but after two attempts at home made recipes, I gave up. I realized that it would take more effort than I am willing to put into it, so the patina stays :)  I did give it a good cleaning with warm soapy water, and it made a difference.

Are the hoof feet charming and unique or just creepy? I can’t decide.

When I picked it up, the lady that was selling it realized that she had priced it way lower than she could have got, but was good enough to honour her listed price; otherwise I would have been one ticked off woman.

The glass table top is in pristine condition, which considering that it’s probably from the 60’s is pretty good. The family obviously took good care of it.

And did you notice my carpet? Its the same one, I just got the genius idea to flip it over. Ok, so maybe not genius, but it’s subtler this way and cheaper than buying a new carpet.

I looked around online and found the sale price from $500 to $2400. Mine is for sale and I wonder what this market will handle. I have a couple of designers (one of them works with THE Sarah Richardson) that I have been selling items to this past year, so it will definitely get passed by them first.

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Don’t forget to set your clocks back tonight before you go to bed.

New (to me) kitchen table

I found this set on Kijiji the other day and picked it up tonight after work.
It is an older set but in great condition, from the Martha Stewart line. I like the backs of the chairs.
It also came with a table and hutch, but I don’t have any use for it, so it will go back on Kijiji.
Here is the ad

The thing is, it’s not quite my style.  I adore country chic or whatever you want to call it, but only in small doses for my own home.  Therefore, I’ve come up with a plan, ha ha, of course I can’t leave anything alone.
The entire set was only $200.  Steal!
My plan is to paint it and upholster the backs of the chairs, but leaving the design exposed. The table top and seats will get a darker stain. 
Here is my inspiration

What do you think, painted, or leave it white and darken the table top and chairs pads?

Looking forward to spring

While searching Kijiji I came across this outdoor dining set for $99.00. I practically ran to pick it up :)  It’s a little rusted but it will get a fresh coat of black when the spring finally reaches us. The owners originally purchased it at Restoration Hardware, many years ago.
Did I mention how envious I am of those who have their spring flowers poking up?  Well, I am.
Last year I had my patio restoned and this year I am going to be focusing on creating an oasis there.  I have big plans.  I will be making some large planter boxes which will get some nice evergreens. I’m going to plant ivy to try to cover up my fence. This is a new venture for me as I don’t know much about plants, but I’ll learn.
Here’s a reminder of how it looked after I had new patio stones laid.
I stopped off at the fabric store today and found some great outdoor fabric to recover this set and make some cushions for the new table and chair set. There was a sale on!  $6.00 / meter (or $5.50 / yard)! 

I will start making the cushion covers as soon as the snow melts, which at this rate could be June :)