Craigslist Deja Vu

Lately during my usual peruse through the local listings on Craigslist, certain images have been jumping out at me as familiar. I have seen these pieces before, but not because sellers keep listing the same junk over and over again, in hopes that some poor sole will finally take it off their hands. No, this Craigslist deja vu is the result of people being unaware of the treasures that are taking up room in their garage, or gathering dust in the basement. The reason I feel like I've seen these items before, is because I HAVE! I've seen them in GORGEOUS interior pictures featured on blogs, Pinterest, websites, and magazines. 

Below are listings I've recently found on the Cincinnati area Craigslist. I've linked the source to it's original page, but apologies ahead of time if the items have been sold already. You snooze you loose people! 

First up, this fantastic 9x12 blue and white geometric print area rug going for $350. 

This rug is the same pattern found in the living room of none other than interior designer Emily Henderson. 

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I am OBSESSED with Emily's style, and if you haven't drooled over her bright refreshing design work I'm not really sure what you've been doing with your life. The woman can style a credenza like her life depends on it, but at the same time make it look so effortless you are immediately overcome with the confidence to try it in your own home. #LikeABoss

My second find is this tufted leather sofa, that also includes two chairs and an ottoman listed for $450.

You already know I'm a sucker for anything tufted, but pair it with the images below and you can pretty much appoint me driver of the leather furniture bandwagon. 

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Next up is this oh-so-dapper claw foot tub with a $200 asking price.  

You guys don't even understand how badly I want this in my bathroom. We have a built in shower/tub combo, so that's not happening anytime soon, but just LOOK at how breathtaking this tub could be with a sleek black paint job. 
Don't even get me started on those faucets and brass hardware. 

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Speaking of brass, check out this glass table and four chairs which are a steal at $50. The table is just meh, but l'm totally digging the shape of those chairs. There could really be some potential lurking underneath all that plaid. 

Look at how these brass chairs are seamlessly paired with a wooden table for a beautiful contrast. 

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Now envision those Craigslist chairs, reupholstered with different fabric, and you could easily accomplish this same look in your own space. 

Fabric/Fabric/Fabric

Having to click away from a gem like this makes me wish for all the space and money in the world. It leaves me feeling a like an explorer though; constantly searching for that diamond-in-the-rough hidden among all the rubble of cheap tables, overstuffed couches, and wicker bookcases. 

As Seen On Craigslist - Pink Tufted Side Chairs

At some point you guys are going to start calling me the "crazy Craigslist lady".
Which is pretty much just one step before "crazy cat lady", except cats make me itch...so that would never work. 
I swear, I am aware that there are more websites out there besides www.craigslist.com, and that you actually CAN purchase furniture from inside a store, instead out of someone's living room or garage. 
But seriously, where is the sport in that? Hunting is so much more fun :) 
And just look what my latest kill find is! 
In my previous As Seen On Craigslist post, I designed a room around a blue chaise lounge, and before that a stunning pink sofa. Well the pink passion continues, because my recent prowl brought my attention to a set of vintage pink tufted side chairs going for $200. 

Not only is it more pink tufted magic, but it's DOUBLED the pink tufted magic!!! 

When I scope out furniture in thrift stores or on CL I always pay attention to the lines. Is the overall shape fantastic? Does it have a solid build? If the fabric or finish is the only reason you don't like a piece, that can be changed. 

Good bones are key. 

In this case, it was the shape of the back as well as the legs that grabbed my attention, and overall, I really do like the pink color. When you first hear "pink chair", your head may go straight to Hello-Kitty-teenage-bedroom-bonanza. But pinks can totally be done in a chic and sophisticated way that you can love well into adulthood. 

With that in mind, check out how I envisioned these side chairs would look in a bright and shiny new setting! 

rug / sheepskin / coffee table / pillows / vases / lamp / side table / curtains 

I'm really into the dark blue walls lately. I balanced the deep color by bringing in neutrals with the curtains, black and white rug, warm wood tones, and leopard print pillows. Also, pink and chartreuse? Match made in heaven! 
As Eric pointed out, this isn't a very "manly" room, and he would TOTALLY sit down in one of those chairs. 
*cue eye roll*
Whatever you say Eric, it takes a real man to pull off pink :) 

Cincy Craigslist Browsing

It's been about six months since my last post about the great findings that Cincinnati's Craigslist has to offer. So what better time than the present to dive right in?

GERONIMO!

I've included the item's link, but you never know how long these listings are going to last.

First up are these purple pieces of perfection. I swear it's a miracle that every piece of furniture in my home isn't covered head to toe in tufting. For $600, you could have a pair of purple Crate and Barrel Tessa Chairs, originally 1K each. Pretty great deal if you ask me. 

Next up is this dresser for $65. Six drawers just begging for that hardware to be polished to a shine, or replaced with something a bit more your style. How great is that wood grain pattern in the middle though? Kind of reminds me of chevron...but not really...but still in a good way. 

Space feeling a bit tiny or cramped? One solution is...say it with me now! Big. Ass. Mirror. This mirror in particular would be great because that frame is plastic, so it wouldn't be nearly as heavy compared to if it were solid wood. Paint the frame a crisp white to go anywhere, or even a bright and surprising color! $30 and it's yours. 

My heart LONGS for the space to put an adorable little bench. Somewhere you can park your bum to put your shoes on, just littered with adorable throw pillows. Le sigh. For now I'll just dream of this bench that's listed for $45. I'm picturing it with a complete makeover. Spray paint that boring black frame, and cover the bench with fabric for an instant upgrade. Below are some combos I'm particularly fond of: black leopard with gold, bright floral with plum, or a more neutral animal print with dark navy. 

To me #MCM does NOT mean Man Crush Monday, but Mid-Century Modern! 
Personally, I can't get enough of MCM dressers, and this one for $120 is no exception. I'm envisioning leaving the drawers the natural wood, but painting the frame white. Maybe letting those legs pop as the main feature with an accent color. Hardware could easily be switched out, or left as is depending on their condition. 

Right along with my bench obsession, is the desire for a settee. This settee, for $65, is just too cute for words. I'd have to see exactly how "green" the fabric is in person, but that could be reupholstered, and the frame painted. 

No lie, I've been checking this desk out for a while now. I'm not even sure why. Maybe it's the legs, or the really wide drawers. Something about it is calling to me, and for $50 (and if I ever get my own space in the office) it very well may end up being mine.  

And for $60, I could get a retro little 70's pink egg chair to use while sitting at said desk! 

I've never bought a rug on Craigslist, but I wouldn't rule it out. These would 100% need to be checked out in person, since cameras can do all sorts of crazy things with color, and they may not be anywhere close compared to how they actually look in real life. 

That being said, if this 8'x11' oriental style rug is as gorgeous as it appears in the pic, I'm completely won over. First off, $50 for a rug that size should be illegal. Seriously. Secondly, if your space is pretty neutral and needs a boost of color, this rug is your soul mate. Go! Go now and make this beauty yours!  

Last on my Craigslist scavenger hunt are these three Persian rugs. Ranging in size and design, from left to right they are priced $500, $450, and $550. Considering their large size, and the amount of artistry that must have gone into making them, I personally don't think the asking price is too outlandish. 

And that's the whole shebang! 
Well, for now at least :) 
Anyone else out there find a sweet Craigslist score lately??? 

As Seen On Craigslist - Cobalt Blue Chaise Lounge

Last month I brought to your attention THIS incredibly pink and glorious sofa I found on Craigslist. Even though deep down I knew there was no way it was ever going to make it into my home, I created a mood board anyhow to show how I would style it.  

That little project was extremely satisfying; taking one fantastic piece and designing a whole room around it. The fact that said piece was a Craigslist score made it even more satisfying, since we are ALL about saving some dough around here. 

So when I happened upon ANOTHER incredible find, I didn't think twice about creating a mood board to show how this new piece inspired me! 

This month's "As Seen on Craigslist" find is a tufted velvet chaise lounge, being sold for $200. 

Cobalt blue is such an incredible color. Cool, classic, and can easily compliment any neutrals you may have or bring that pop of color your space has been craving. 
Just take a gander at these next few photos to see how much personality a blue chair could bring into your life. 

source / source / source / source 

Is cobalt blue your favorite color yet? I know it's creeping into my top 5 list. 

Here is my take on a bright blue chaise lounge! 

rug / accent chair / end table / floor lamp / light (this is such a great price, I would buy it and paint it gold) / curtains

I'm not even sure I could pin-point what my favorite part of this room is. Of course the chaise is bold and beautiful, but isn't that rug just to die for? Traditional style meets a combo of fuchsia and purple. And don't even get me started on how perfect that leopard accent chair is. Subtle pattern, yet so full attitude and spunk you just can't ignore it. 

Just envision yourself sprawled out on that chaise, diet coke in hand, relaxing in the shade of your perfectly healthy (because you're amazing and don't kill plants like me) fiddle-leaf fig tree......paradise! 

Nesting Tables Go Glam

So it has officially been a month since my last blog post. 

....

woops. 

Honestly, after plowing through so many projects before our party last month, we just haven't been that concerned with our To-Do List. That and our summer has been INSANELY busy so far. I think every weekend we have had something or another planned, which resulted in us blinking and BOOM it's basically August. 
Our community always has a huge picnic the first weekend in August, and as a kid I remember thinking how summer vacation was pretty much over after that. The Coldwater Community Picnic was the last "hoorah!" before we all had to go back to school. Well CCP is NEXT WEEKEND, and even though I'm not in school, and my schedule wont change at all no matter what season it is, it's still a bit sad. 

But enough dwelling on the end of Summer, here is what we accomplished during our vacation! Eric and I took a trip to visit our great friends in Delaware, then met up with my family in New Jersey. We spent a couple days exploring NYC, and then took a train and ended the week in Boston. 
It was an absolutely fantastic trip. I'm already planning another trip to NYC, and Eric definitely wants to go back to Boston.

My family is a crazy bunch of Segway professionals, don't try this at home. 

Once we got back, and into our normal routine, I was able to finish a project that has been neglected waiting patiently for me up in our guest room. 
Eric has been hauling these little nesting tables with him throughout college, our apartment, and now they have found themselves in our living room. They're a set of three, and actually have worked quite well as end tables. Their light oak color though did NOT match our current vibe, and were just begging for a makeover. 
I didn't snap a "before" picture, but I found this image online, and it's pretty close to what they originally looked like. 

After I lightly sanded them, they each got a coat of KILTZ primer. I found that a combination of using a brush to get into the tight corners, and then rolling over the tops and legs gave me a nice finish. 

Another couple coats of Simply White by Benjamin Moore, the same white we've been using on all of our trim, and these uninspiring wooden tables were looking pretty sharp!

Fast forward a few weeks, and I finally brought them outside for one more light sanding, and to be sealed. I first sprayed the largest and smallest table with Rust-Oleum Clear Gloss, but had other ideas for the middle one. I wanted to mix up the table tops so when they were stacked together you had some visual interest. After trying (and failing) to draw a herringbone pattern with a gold paint pen, I decided to spray the top of the entire table with Rust-Oleum Metallic Gold spray paint. 

I taped the top off with paper so no extra gold could drift onto the legs, then gave it a few even coats of paint. Once it was completely dry, I finished up with a few coats of the clear gloss to seal everything. 

I love love LOVE the pop of gold you see when the tables are all nested together! This has turned into quite the glam corner between the tables and my updated gold and white lamp.  

Now they don't look so out of place compared to the rest of the living room. 

It really does feel great to scratch another project off the To-Do List after our little hiatus. Hopefully it won't be so long before we can do it again! 

A Teal Transformation

Before I get into the meat of this post, I want to again thank everyone who came to our house "cooling" party over the weekend. It was such a fun night and I am still just tickled so many of you took the time to visit our home! We're so lucky to have such great family and friends, love you all!  

OK, back to business.

A few months ago, Eric and I picked up these Rast chest from IKEA for our bedroom. I wanted matching nightstands, and the extra storage these provide is an added bonus. 

Of course I couldn't leave well enough alone, and soon started formulating a plan to give these unfinished dressers a glam new look. 

The paint color I chose was Beta Fish by Behr. I fell head-over-heels for this deep teal and knew it would be perfect in our bedroom. 

The whole process was easy enough, and took 3 coats of high-gloss paint to get the coverage I was looking for. 

Since I knew I wanted to swap out the wooden knobs the dresser came with for something a bit prettier, I filled the holes and sanded everything down nice and smooth before painting. 

These little beauties came from the Ohio Valley Antique Mall. I LOVE looking at the vintage hardware they have, and I was able to snag a 20 count bag of these pulls for only $8! 

Before and after! Another example of the incredible power of a fresh coat of paint. 

These bring a smile to my face every time I walk into our bedroom. This space is now another step closer to looking like the mood board I shared in our last bedroom post. 

I think the next project in here will be to tackle that stenciled wall. Honestly, I have no idea how that will go, I've never done any wall stenciling before. But hey! There's a first for everything.  :)