Ok so let's be straight here. Design is no longer like it was in 2007. The economy has tanked, and consumers are no longer in "consumption, high-gear". This poses a bit of a challenge to my industry of all things fabulous and fantastic while donning a cute bag and stilettos creating design magic; but a challenge is always welcomed in my corner. As my budgets deplete, and my clients watch every dollar spent, I am forced to become a whole new designer;... (insert cyclone wind tunnel, notable red cape, snazzy fedora hat, flattering leotard with a big "D" expertly embroidered on my chest, and dare I say tights?) One of my favorite quotes as a testiment to this new mentality is from Brian Flynn Patrick of Decor Demon:
So in this NEW day and age of the F word being thrown around like a cheap pair of bongo wedges from Mervyn's, clients are demanding high style, for the price of food stamps, and a WIC block of government cheese. Barbie herself would shutter in her footsteps if forced to drink boxed wine, and shop at Target. Can you even imagine Barbie on a budget? Gasp!
In my opinion, and yes it is the GOLD standard, tested and approved opinion, design changes peoples lives. When a client sees their room or house transformed, magic by design occurs. A well appointed home does not have to cost a lot, but it is amazing to see how much it can uplift and change the inhabitants that live there. You function better, entertain more and live to a higher standard. Don't beleive me? Spend one weekend de cluttering and painting one room in your house. As an added bonus, put out a vase of fresh flowers. I guarantee you will feel different.
So in an effort to show you that design is possible and doesn't have to be expensive I designed the following room, top to bottom for three times less than an average room cost. Enjoy!
$449 - calvinklein.com
Design provided by AB HOME Interiors through polyvore
Design provided by AB HOME Interiors through polyvore
Need design help from an experienced design professional with over 12 years experience? Want to work with someone who listens to your needs and sticks to your budget? Call our office for a design consultation that will change the way you live and think about your home. Contact us @ info@abhomeinteriors.com or call us @ 615-750-2763
Like decorating but don't know where to start? Want to learn the insiders secrets, tips and tricks? Sign up for Design Strategies 101!
(August classes are almost sold out! Sign up today to reserve your seat)
Are you a designer in the Nashville area looking for mentorship in a nurturing environment? Want to learn the ins and outs to the business that school didn't provide? Sign up for Designer Bootcamp to learn the skills necessary to be a true design professional!
Don't forget to follow us on twitter!
And become a FAN on our AB HOME facebook fanpage!
This is great!! Very affordable :)
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend, sweetie!
Great post. I am designing my entire second guest bedroom with inexpensive finds from Ikea. I love that the prices are great and everything is so modern :)
ReplyDeleteLove your room idea! I don't know why I am so drawn to Union Jack pillows, I'm not even English! I just love them. xo
ReplyDeleteLove your board!
ReplyDeleteYou rock! That quote is completely hilarious. And I love the room.
ReplyDeleteTrust me. I'm a believer. And living proof it can be done.
ReplyDeleteI love the colors you chose. Tangerine and turquoise. Mmmmmm
I've noticed this in my area for the past couple of years, Amanda. But those, like my current client, who feel more confident about the decisions made with me on board are still around and will still call. These folks may not have a lot of money, but they have enough to make their homes comfortable and something they want to come home to. Sometimes that does involve Target {gasp!}. I do find though that I tend to work with clients who are within the same {or just slightly higher/lower} income bracket as myself. That might make a good topic for Band of Barbies!
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, the lamps you are showing here remind me of two I saw at Marshalls yesterday. I just loved them and right away pictured them in my master bedroom. The problem is justifying $100.00 when I have a pair of lamps that I've only had a few years and they work fine. The second problem is that I can see myself heading back there this weekend and buying them!
As my friends from NYC say "down is the new up".
ReplyDeleteI hope you get that, great post.
cheers
Susan
So great! Love those drum tables and room and board is such an amazing resource!
ReplyDeleteFantastic post, darling!
ReplyDeleteLove that ottoman!
xoxox,
CC
this was a great post, i loved it :)
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda, thank you for checking my blog.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this post. I'm in a phase where I want to change my career and do something I have passion for which is interior design. And, it's always good to hear people who has more experience. Thank you,
Fabulous job, Amanda! I agree, I'm not a pro, but our house looks really good on a budget, using stuff we already have. Putting it together is key, you have just done a stunning job! XO!
ReplyDeleteLove all your ideas here! What a great blog you have!!!
ReplyDeleteLuvs!
I love your whole design, particularly the Union Jack pillow! Great tips for decorating on a budget — it's tough! I think I'll finish my bedroom at under $1,000 and my boyfriend's at under $500 but it's definitely tricky... I'll take all the help I can get :) Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous design and witty banter. Love everything!
ReplyDeleteLoved your post. Food for thought for my week ahead. I am loving the mirror. I hope Target Australia has similiar lamps!
ReplyDeleteWow, great room ideas you pulled together-and the colors are sublime! Here in the East Bay Area, we've finally been blessed with many similar stores(finally!) such as West Elm and CB2, while standbys such as IKEA, Z Gallerie and Crate and Barrel outlet have been around for a few years. Got some deals last year when Z Gallerie in Berkeley announced they were closing and put everything 40 percent off. Few weeks later, they decided NOT to close and prices went back up!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI love your blog. Very cool room design, too! I just saw those lamps at Target. Love how you used them...and the pillow from graham and green.
great. Look forward to being your newest follower.
xo
Heather
Amanda, my dear, we are truly two birds of a feather! "Budget" is such a nasty word, isn't it?! However, like you, I have come to accept that these hard economic times call for the creation of new measures to accommodate the needs and "budgets" (there's that nasty word again! ha) of my design clients. I agree with you that it is completely possible to mix the expensive with the inexpensive and end up with a fabulous outcome! You did an amazing job on this room! Thank you for sharing your insights and sources! As always, I appreciate your entertaining writing style and natural wit! You make me smile every time I read your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration, Amanda! I love seeing what your affordable picks are. It's a good reminder that you can get high style if you find the right pieces - and it doesn't have to cost a fortune!
ReplyDeleteHope you had a wonderful weekend!
What useful ideas!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Amanda.
ReplyDeleteSo I guess the trick here is to know where to look, right Amanda? It's possible to do everything according to the budget; you just have to learn where to get the affordable items. :) Btw, the turquoise chair goes really well with violet ottoman. Good job, Amanda!
ReplyDeleteHοwdy! Thiѕ is kinԁ of off toрic but I need somе guiԁаnce from an
ReplyDeleteеstablisheԁ blog. Is it very hard to set uρ your оωn blog?
I'm not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I'm thinking about makіng mу оwn but Ӏ'm not sure where to begin. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Many thanks
Look into my webpage: louie simmons steroids
Choose Newports Online
ReplyDeleteMississippi birth data files are housed through county or parish public record information offices. These offices guard the non-public information contained in just about every individual birth record. This is ensure privacy these concerned so to prevent serious crimes along the lines of identity theft Cheap Marlboro 100'S Cigarettes Online.
All people born in hawaii of Mississippi possesses a Mississippi birth record housed in your county or parish health of their birth. These records are accessible in the particular person named at the birth certificate Cheap Cigarettes Nearby Cheap Carton Of Newport Cigarettes, their immediate family along the lines of their parents and / or spouse, and even their designated 100 % legal representative Marlboro Cigarettes Size, if you will find one.
No a particular else may viewpoint anyone's birth log. Again, this is almost always to ensure privacy preventing illegal intrusion not to mention theft of sensitive private information. If you are born in Mississippi and require a copy of a Mississippi birth record like a birth instrument, you may affect the vital statistics office to enjoy it sent back to you.
I have read this a통영출장샵rticle; it is very informative and helpful for me
ReplyDelete