IS SHABBY CHIC DEAD?

We will get to that question in a minute....

Finished cleaning the condo which was about as fun as a sharp stick in the eye. 

Everyday was a new list of things to do and replace.  

We had to interview a new cleaning service....which happens to be one of the biggest thorns in my side about rental property.  
I can't be there to personally inspect after and make sure my guest find a clean home.

  AND.... as a designer I WANT MY PILLOWS IN THE CORRECT PLACE.  

Is that too much to ask?

Apparently so.  Every time I get there it is "pillow chaos" and I get slightly annoyed.

While I was out shopping for cleaning supplies I found myself in a thrift store.....funny how that happens :) and stumbled upon a sofa that would be perfect for the condo.

The one we have is as comfortable as a bed of nails. 

Actually I found 2 that would work.

This one was in great condition....300.00.  
It was sleeper though which I have had before.   Not a fan.  Plus used mattress....yuk. 

It was a pretty good match with my pillows.

But then I saw another one that was 250.00 and on sale for......175.00!  Are you kidding me?

For real.  So I got it.

I know what you're thinking....WHITE?  
In a rental property.  
You are a crazy girl.

Yep....people have actually used that word to describe me.    
See that orange blanket on top....it can be used as a big throw.  

For that price I can get it cleaned every year.

OK....on to the reason of this post.

I walked into this store one afternoon.  Sounds like I was doing a lot of shopping huh?  
What can I say.

They had some of the prettiest painted furniture.  

Unusual pieces that in their original condition I might have looked at and thought...nah.

I love how they added a new top to this one.

I was very impressed with his work.

You know what I love....a modern room with one cool painted shabby piece in it.

Or maybe just bleach it and paint the hardware?

 Make a new top for a nice iron base.  
I need somebody to do stuff like this.

So the answer to the question is no.

Any ONE of those pieces could fit in a room like this......just one to stand out..."capish"?

Of course I got all inspired and wanted to paint something but then I got back and had one of these....

Which is pretty refreshing after a hard day of cleaning shopping.                                             And all gumption flew out the window.

We drove home yesterday and while I was looking at magazines, not paying attention, I heard my husband say these words...."I think I made a wrong turn because this does not look familiar".  

WHAT?

As my head snaped up. 

 Yup....it was true and it took us an hour longer.  So I had to drop the magazine reading and pay attention.  Another thing is that my husband gets sleepy the minute he gets behind the wheel.

He starts yawning every five minutes [big noisy ones] unless I entertain him by looking up strange things like why walrus have grizzly whiskers...

Guess what?

I am participating in the One Room Challenge again!

It starts this Wednesday and you can go here to find out how to link up! 

Linda from Calling It Home has rounded up a very talented group.....like how I included myself in that :)......to complete this challenge and I can't wait.

Better check in on Wednesday to see what is happening.

Sunday....Monday....yep.  You better enjoy every second of this day.

Sherikyfreaky

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The "shabbiest" of chic!!!

I friend of mine got a really good deal on a builder "track" home last summer in the north Georgia mountains.  She asked me if I would help decorate it in exchange for some relaxing visits.  I am all about the "barter"[although, I don't do chickens!] and especially for a fun place to go.  Now....you know the budget was VERY small....but that is right up my alley.  As I have learned from reading so many blogs....the thrill of the hunt and finding a bargain is the "high" we want!  So, off we go like heat seeking missiles to see what we can find.  Our first stop is Goodwill.  We needed at least 2 couches, and we scored at our first stop.

I am sorry to say that I do not have a before picture of this bad boy.  This was last August way before I started documenting my every move in search of a "blog" post! But I will tell you it was 300.00 and in great shape except the cushions.  We high tailed it over to the fabric store and found this in the remnant area. The body of the sofa was kind of an ultra suede so this chenille was perfect.  After it was all over we had about 500.00 in it.  Of course the pillows helped [kind of like the LBD when you add the pearls and shoes!]
Next was Scott's, Homegoods, and Target.

Here is one of the bedrooms.  We got the old ceiling tile squares, and the trim at a flea market up there.  All we did was screw the tiles in place and nail the trim around it for an instant headboard.  Got the end tables and old chair at Scott's.  Most of the bedding is Target....from their Shabby Chic collection, except the pillows which along with the lamps are from Homegoods.

The egg prints came from Scotts, and we just put them in frames from Michaels.

The chest and mirror from Scott's, with the drawer missing.  I believe the lamp came from JC Penny.  I can't believe I did not put a big bunch of wildflowers in that bucket!  Shame.....the picture would have been so much better.  Next time I am up there, I will take some better ones.
This last picture is the kitchen.

The light, table, stools, and prints all from Scott's.   It is the best "one stop shopping" place I know.  The window valance was a piece of hickory we found out in the woods.  The valance came from Walmart.  That was definitely smoke and mirrors!!!
I really believe that lack of money on these projects is the "mother of invention"...as they say, don't you?

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