Look for Less

Hardware to go with Brass Hinges & Other Affordable Options

Hardware to go with Brass Hinges & Other Affordable Options

I mentioned a while back that my parents had begun renovating their 1990s builder grade home (which is basically in original condition). It'll be an on-going project, but they have started renovating the 90's kitchen and it already looks like a completely different space! The old oak cabinets got a fresh coat of white paint and we painted the small island a contrasting gray to mix things up (Sherwin Williams Functional Gray). My parents chose to hire a professional painter to tackle the cabinet makeover, which I believe was a wise choice. Painting kitchen cabinets is not a quick weekend project and the paint will peel if the cabinets are not prepped correctly (been there, done that). If you choose to DIY, make sure you take the time to clean, sand, and prime the cabinets and allocate mutliple days for the whole process (it took their professional painter about two weeks with drying/curing time).

Designer Look for Less: Gold Hammered Coffee Table

I come across so many good deals that I want to share with you guys, I thought I would start including mini designer looks for less of one item - a high end version and it's more affordable dupe. This is especially true for the above bronze hammered cocktail table. The higher end is stunning, but the lower end version is only 1/10 of the cost!! The Zinc Door version has a deeper, richer brass finish, but for the price of the World Market coffee table, it's really hard to complain. What do you think?

Designer Look for Less: Aqua + Navy Dining Room

I have this affinity for bistro chairs. Maybe it is due to my love affair with all things French or just because they are so darn pretty. Every time I sit in one at a coffee shop or bakery, I feel so fancy. Who wouldn't want to feel that fancy every time they eat a meal at home? (This girl would!) I stumbled upon this gorgeous breakfast nook design by Amie Corley. It could also pull double duty as a dining room if you have a small space. The soft white walls, pops of Caribbean aqua in the plush throw pillows, and punches of bright blue in the upholstery and Parisian chairs look cheery while still being sophisticated.