Lets do this!
JANUARY 14th, 2024
We are all on a budget, or at least we should be. The amount that most of us spent during the holidays, as well as the current sticker prices on grocery staples, has me seeking out a fainting couch... but a second-hand one, because, like I said... budget.
When it came to styling this space in my office, I needed it done quickly and cheaply. So, I set a little goal for myself: I needed to do it for under $300, and the work needed to happen in less than a day.
Did I absolutely NEED this space designed? No. But for me, if there is something that is visually disturbing, it will upset my focus. Considering this space was in my office, I would be annoyingly displeased and make everyone around me miserable until I felt more settled... so here we are.
Let's first look at the problems that I needed to solve with this space. I needed more storage, more lighting, a lower profile piece of furniture because it is in this awkward nook behind the door. Due to the limited budget, I knew I needed to either look at Facebook Marketplace or one of our local auction houses.
We are lucky to live in an area that has many auction houses within a 30-mile radius. If you are not familiar with the process of purchasing from an online auction, here is a helpful tutorial that will walk you through the basics. This write up is more for industrial-sized auctions, but these rules and guidelines are the exact ones I have learned through years of participating at local auctions both in person and online.
Out of sheer luck, I stumbled upon a wicker dresser and FELL IN DEEP ROMANTIC LOVE... I mean, look at her. My '90s girl heart was screaming with delight. And before you call me a grandma, know that wicker is making a comeback for 2024, so I am on trend...a grandma, yes, but a trendy grandma.
I also struck gold when I saw these lamps the same day while meeting a friend whom I am helping design her office. They were tucked in the way back but heavily discounted due to a bent switch and some minor scuffing on the shade. I have encountered larger monsters and slain them, so I happily paid the discount rate and hefted them out to the Jeep. And when I say hefted, I mean it. They are HEAVY. I bought the pair for $180 with tax, so I am counting this as $90 since I will be putting one on the dresser.
I snagged the wicker dresser for $56 at auction, which included the sales tax and a 20% buyer's premium. I made a reservation for a pick-up time and retrieved my new little friend.
Money total so far:
Dresser: $56
Lamp $90
Total: $146
Now, for the decor. I headed over to my favorite local thrift store, Valley Mission Thrift, located by the Food Lion if you're a local Stantonian. Trust me, it's the best-hidden gem around here.
When I'm thrifting for a specific space, I start by considering colors. Then, I move on to thinking about height, space, and intrigue. Thrifting can be challenging, mainly because it's hard to stay focused. A little trick to try is to carry around your inspiration photo on your phone and just keep looking at it as a reference while you shop the store.
Right off the bat, I stumbled upon a cute basket that works perfectly because of its brown natural fibers, which are present throughout the office. Next, I was on the hunt for a stack of books with neutral browns. I hit the jackpot when I found four beautiful hardback books that fit perfectly into my color palette. Additionally, I picked up a lovely sterling gravy boat with an interesting shape and two glass candlesticks. Remember, metallics can refract light and bring brightness to a dark space, while glass is a wonderful option for limited styling space as it does not visually occupy much room.
I came back home, we hauled it upstairs and I began to stage it.
I think it turned out beautifully. I got some much-needed storage AND it is now a delightful, happy, space.
To watch how this entire look came together head over to the my instagram page to watch part 1 & 2 of the adventure.
If you are looking to re-create this look in your own home but cannot find the pieces to bring it together, I have sourced a few similar items that can be purchased new. Shop the look by clicking the image below or by visiting my LTK.
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