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You are visiting: Home » Decorating/DIY » Decorate Your Home » Decorating With What You Already Have

Decorating With What You Already Have

by Lindsay Ballard on September 4, 2009 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.

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Comments

  1. southerninspiration says

    September 4, 2009 at 7:24 am

    Wow, that looks fabulous!

    suzanne

    Reply
  2. plaidjenn says

    September 4, 2009 at 7:50 am

    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
  3. Elizabeth @ Southern Comfort says

    September 4, 2009 at 8:53 am

    I love the idea of re-using things are already have to make your home more beautiful! Great inspirations! You are doing a great job lindsay, keep up the great work.

    Reply
  4. Katy says

    September 4, 2009 at 8:58 am

    I tried the same concept but with outdoor set I've had for years. Loving the result… I'm also cheap – I mean frugal 😉

    http://eatdrinkanddecorate.blogspot.com/2009/07/warm-welcome.html

    Sweet blog you've got here!! Enjoy following you!

    Reply
  5. Nadir @ Hodgepodge says

    September 4, 2009 at 9:01 am

    Beautiful dining set!!! I have one pretty similar that I'll be trying the same thing on, just w/ different paint.

    Reply
  6. Aura says

    September 4, 2009 at 9:10 am

    I wish I could wave a magic wand and turn everything in my house into Pottery Barn furniture!

    Reply
  7. Anny says

    September 4, 2009 at 2:23 pm

    I love the detailing on your chairs more. Pottery Barn prices are ridiculous!

    Reply
  8. Kelly says

    September 4, 2009 at 7:36 pm

    I was wondering the same thing about the paint…

    Great post.

    Kelly
    http://tearinguphouses.blogspot.com

    Reply
  9. Hudson Goods says

    September 4, 2009 at 10:02 pm

    Half the furniture in my home is black and I love it!

    Reply
  10. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    September 5, 2009 at 10:11 am

    I alwways enjoy reading about Tiffany's projects. She does a great job with frugal projects. 🙂

    Thanks for sharing this post, Lindsay. 🙂

    Reply
  11. MaRiN says

    September 6, 2009 at 7:41 pm

    I love your blog more and more each time. I love your wonderful, money saving ideas! Your table looks great.

    Reply
  12. Cozy Little House says

    September 7, 2009 at 4:16 pm

    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
  13. PHARES CAUSEY says

    September 19, 2009 at 10:41 pm

    I love it and your blog! I am new to blogging but I am learning!
    http://pharescausey.blogspot.com

    Reply

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About Makely

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.


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