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Decorating With What You Already Have

by on 13 Comments

In my Making Your Dream Room a Reality series, I spent some time talking about how to work with what you already own. When redecorating a home, a room, or just a tablescape on a budget, having an eye for new uses for old items is particularly helpful.

My blog friend Tiffany from Songbird Tiff has provided us with an excellent example of having such an eye. Check out her Pottery Barn knock-off dining set. It sure is amazing what a can of paint and some elbow grease can do!

Catalog browsing is good for producing a strong case of “The Wants”. When I saw a table and chair set in the Pottery Barn catalog I knew it was exactly what I wanted.

The problem? I’m cheap frugal. (What’s the difference?)

The solution? A can of paint and a few hours.

This is the set I feel in love with from Pottery Barn. It’s wood, it’s black, it’s perfect.



This is what I already owned.



Over a year and one house later, I’m still loving my Pottery Barn knock-off set.


Cost break down:
paint $8
stain $0 (left over from a previous project)
paint stripper (spray can, safe for indoor use) $7.50
sand paper $1 (dollar general)
Total: $16.50

Do you have an inspiration photo that you could use to turn something you already own into your new favorite furniture?


Tiffany can be found blogging about eating well, thrifting, five crazy animals (plus one crazy husband!), and creating a cottage life on a outhouse budget at www.songbirdtiff.blogspot.com.

Thanks for sharing your fantastic makeover, Tiffany!

About Lindsay Ballard

Lindsay Ballard is a former college mascot turned political geek turned roller derby playing, DIY fanatic.

Lindsay chronicles her projects, design ideas, and lifestyle tips here at Makely, where she shares tutorials and inspiration. Her DIY designs are bold and graphic, while her spirit is fun and full of color.

Lindsay lives outside of Austin, Texas with her husband (Tom), children (Zack and Emma), and dogs (Duke and Jill). She plays roller derby for the Rockin' City Rollergirls out of Round Rock, Texas.

Comments

  2. plaidjenn says

    It turned out nice. I have wanted to do this to our kitchen table (got for free from the in-laws), but I've been pregnant, so no paint fumes for me. I wondered what kind of paint you used – spray or brush on, and enamel or latex? How is the durability. I painted one of the chairs to test it out, but it's chipping!!
    Jenn C.
    plaidjenn@yahoo.com

    Reply

  12. Cozy Little House says

    I spend my evenings after my shower on the bed with my newest magazines. And most are either about decorating or gardening. Then my favorite pages go into a notebook so I can drool over them properly. Love Tiff!
    Brenda

    Reply

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