Home Sweet Bargains

In May, right before we left for Dallas, we moved to Kalas Village, just down the street from our old house. We had planned to live in Kalas Village, the seminary community housing, all along; however as they built new houses, we were on the waiting list. Consequently, our old home never really felt like "home." We were in transition and kept a lot of things packed up in boxes. There was a lack of decor in our old house and that made me really antsy to move into our new house. Then, we moved right before we left for the summer to go to Dallas. When we returned, I finally got to begin decorating our home. I've spent the last month doing just that and it really does feel like home. I can't wait to share some pictures with you! I've been having fun finding bargains to fill in the gaps. I've had amazing luck! Here are some projects/bargain finds that have made our home a little more, well, homey. 

- Our great friend, Blake, actually built us a kitchen shelf out of pallet wood. This was the piece I was waiting for. I organized everything else around the fact that I wanted to display my dishes. They're just so beautiful and I love the rustic/industrial look it gives the kitchen when dishes/pots/pans are on display. I just said that I needed a shelf and Blake was on it. We painted it Valspar's "London Coach" and it was good to go. 

- I needed something to hold my magazines. I knew I wanted it to be something more exciting than just another old basket. I found a vintage fruit crate at a "Repurposed Soul" event and snagged it for the magazines. The best news is, all the profit that Repuroposed Soul makes off their merchandise goes to support "Waves a Mercy," a mission organization in Haiti. Check them out on Facebook if you get a chance. Their stuff is phenomenal and popular around where we live. 

- Jute Rug. I was looking for a good, durable, neutral rug to hang out in the kitchen. I looked all summer in Dallas and just couldn't find the right one. I finally found a jute jewel at Marshall's in Nicholasville. I knew it was *the one.*

- Napkin Rings. I've been looking for at least a year for good napkin rings. I didn't want normal silver or beaded rings, although there's definitely nothing wrong with those. I just wanted something unique -- something that would fit in nicely in my home. I found numbered napkin rings (1-12) and couldn't resist getting them. After all, they were only $5 (originally retailed at $20) from the Crate and Barrel Outlet in Dallas. 

- Ralph Waldo Emerson Quote Duo. I've been waiting to do this project since March. I found it on Pinterest, all credit due to Chelsea at ohmydeerhandmades.com. I finally got around to doing it. Thanks to Hobby Lobby and their awesome discounts this project was around $8. 

- Dipped wooden vases. I've been looking for some inspiration for my downstairs bathroom. A bathroom is a bathroom is a bathroom, right? Wrong. This is our guest bathroom. It needs some TLC. These dipped wooden vases serve as inspiration pieces as I begin the bathroom as my next decor project. They were an amazing bargain. Originally retailed at $40 and $30, I got them both for $12 from Kohls with Kohl's cash from my mom. Perfect. 

-Gold dipped feathers. These beauties were a must. I've seen them around on Pinterest and knew my home needed them. They literally cost $2 to make and they're such a statement. I made gold feather garland out of them and hung them above my gallery shelf in the living room. They're fun and classy and they bring out the gold in our frame. What can I say, I love them. 

-Wine bottles. These weren't a new project but I must mention them. Old bottles make really awesome and unique taper holders. Really, the tapers fit right in. A great way to upcycle!

Whew! That's a lot. But, I've loved every second of it. I've also discovered that my taste is a lot more modern than I choose to believe. I often think of myself as a shabby chic type of girl, but this house is anything but shabby chic. Much more classic and modern. So, I've even learned a lot about myself and my design style along the way. Well, enough of my ramblings. Enjoy some pictures!