so during these times, we have to be smart on what we are spending our money on. and it's no news to me, that design might be taking a back seat. but i thought i could share w/ y'all some ways i try and beat the system....thanks to my site meter (a site that lets me track where my readers are coming from), i was able to find my dream desk (well, part of it)!! i am so excited to show y'all my vintage chrome sawhorse legs...as i am sure y'all know, i have been longing for this desk forever. one day, i saw i was getting hits from craig's list and to my dismay these beauties were in the ad...but they were located in atlanta. so thankfully, my super sweet mother met up w/ the nice guy and the exchange happened making me the proud owner of my dream desk. i am now scouting out the local habitats for a glass top....but for $150, my desk is a lot easier to swallow than the 1st dibs price tag that i couldn't even begin to touch.
alternative ways to great design is definitely not a new concept but i think its fun to retouch on ways to be creative. in case y'all don't know or are just tuning in- i am a fanatic thrift store shopper/ habitat scourer/ yard sale junkie (as well as fellow bloggers like eddie and my design hero ruthie sommers). if you cringe going into these kinds of stores, this method is not for you...but if you are willing to get dirty, be patient, and look past really ugly fabric- you will be shocked at what you find. especially if you are a name dropper...hickory chair, baker, taylor king, dwell studio, circa lighting are just a few i have found in the past month. the only problem is, if you want it, you better buy it then. i am still sad about a camel back love seat i left last week...it had great lines and chippendale legs. i immediately envisioned the cover of the first domino (i adored that sofa). when i went back two days later to try and get it (thinking if it's there, it's meant to be), well it wasn't....
so don't get discourage when money is tight....you can get the "look"- whether's its craig's list, ebay, or thrift stores...it's out there- you just have to be willing to find it!
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20 comments:
How did the site meter help you track this down?
when i clicked on referrals, i had a bunch of people coming in from craig's list (in the ad the guy had mentioned my blog to show what the desk could actually look like)
oh! well congrats! it is great looking. I want one!!
Jane
Wow what a small world. Who would thought a post would have bought your dream desk to you. You have a great mom who went to go pick it up. Can't wait to see it all finished up.
I didn't know a sitemeter existed. I just signed up myself! Cool.
How did you add it to your site? I am not finding instructions for google/blogspot. I'm not good at this stuff, LOL
Lucky! I love your new desk, I can't wait to see pictures of your new finds. I love hunting too, it's just finding the time to do the makeovers that is hard for me.
Hi! I love your site and read it every day. I wanted to comment on your post for today. Not only do I love your dream desk, but I cannot echo enough how great design can be found in rummage sales, thrifts shops etc. I just started a small business with a friend of mine that does this very sort of thing! You should check it out... www.refinedstyle.net. I look forward to reading more of your blog.
I love that you are a thrifter as well. To me the fun is finding and searching for that special thing that will be just right. Going directly to the showroom to get something can be a bore and expensive!
Awesome find, show us shots when everything is complete!
I'm sure you don't want to give away your secrets but I'm dying to know your thrifty sources in the area. I can never drag myself out to the Sea Island Habitat but I'm sure it's worth it. My best luck is always craigslist, estate and yard sales.
what luck! and yes, thrift shopping is the best. I personally haven't tried out the local Habitat store, but everyone I know who has been in has scored some great deals.
I need to e-mail you! I'll try to fit that in before the day is done.
Congrats, congrats! It makes the find that much sweeter since it's 1)less expensive and 2)more creative than walking into the showroom and picking it out. You are makin' it!
I could not agree more! Half the fun of decorating is searching and searching for that perfect piece and then creating something amazing from it.
I cant wait to see how your desk turns out- I am 100% jealous of it already!
Love your blog....So fun! I love this desk! I too love to thrift, the hunt is so fun, although sometimes frustrating when you don't find anything. I always find fun things when we are low on extra money, like the set of 8 Serge Roche style dining chairs that were only 1,200...
You could also do a fun lucite top on the desk and then do lucite shelves on the wall with chrome brackets....
WOW! That will be a great desk. West Elm has one that is similar as well - the saw horse work table - and its a reasonable price. Good luck with the top!!
How Wonderful! I am excited to see it completed! I love to explore through flea markets, thrift store, and antique store. There is always something in there I want.
Right now I am searching for a chair(s) to match the one I bought at Scott's this month (http://alifesdesign.blogspot.com/2008/10/scotts-recap.html). I even put a 'wanted' ad on Craigslist. :) No luck yet, but I am enjoying the search.
I am obsessed with sitemeter, it's so cool!! It has changed my blogging life.
Congrats on a great find..you have to show us when it's complete!
oooh that desk is so fab!
it wouldn't be too expensive to get the legs made up. i was trying to find a crome table with a marble top. they were all around $15,000, yes $15,000. found a few in magazines, tracked down the interior designers and they had them made custom order.
i got one made myself. cost me $1550 for the frame, and $1600 for the marble. problem is, cost me $400 to move it from house to house when i move as it is so damn heavy! find a good metal and steel manufacturer.
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