Comments on: Mini home makeover wish list

By: Pam

Pam — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 03:41:28 +0000

There’s a coupon on the internet right now (I’m on my iPod so I don’t know how to link it!) for BOGO enlargements on the HP instant machines at Wal-Mart. We went to NYC recently and I got a great shot of Manhattan from the Empire State Building. I got two 16×20 prints for $10. I printed one for my husband’s office and one for mine. I got some black wood poster frames for another $7/each. You are clearly a good enough photog to make your own wall art!

By: Caitlin

Caitlin — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 21:10:16 +0000

I agree with the others about keeping your eyes peeled in consignment and thrift stores, and checking Craigslist for things like the pantry and kitchen island. For wall art, I have really good luck at discount stores like HomeGoods, TJ Maxx and Marshall’s–I found a great removeable wall decal for $6 that everyone thinks I painted myself! They have great pictures and mirrors also, sometimes framed. I also love this is a twist on Kacie’s suggestion for framing fabric: http://www.purlbee.com/swatch-portraits/2007/3/2/swatch-portraits-materials.html

I’m bummed about the IKEA chairs, too–I love the shape and they look like they would work well in our small living room! Oh well, we’ll keep looking.

By: Karen

Karen — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 19:15:54 +0000

Thanks guys. I did plan to sit in them before buying, but if they’re as uncomfortable as you say, I’ll probably keep looking. Boo. I really liked the look and size of these chairs! But I want to be able to use them.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:30:59 +0000

I would have to concur on the chairs. They are really uncomfortable. Some friends of mine have a pair and I usually opt to sit on the floor instead. You should definitely make sure you try them out before ordering. And who knows — you might like them.

Do you by any chance read http://www.younghouselove.com? I’ve gotten some great ideas from their blog. It’s amazing how a few easy DIY projects can make a huge difference.

By: Kacie

Kacie — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:09:34 +0000

Thrift it, girlfriend! I have seen many similar pieces to what you’ve posted at thrift stores for just a couple of bucks. Sand it down and repaint or stain it and you’ve got yourself a one-of-a-kind bargain for way cheap. It’s worth it to find pieces on craigslist or thrifting!

For wall art, I suggest using your camera and making some artsy pics of your fam or even landscapes. You can do B&W prints or keep it in color.

I think I saw on HGTV they found some really cool fabric, maybe it was a placemat or maybe it was just fabric, and they framed parts of it in clusters. Looked kinda good actually.

Some things are worth it to have new, but some things really can be thrifted or repurposed in some way and are better than you could find at a store somewhere.

By: jonathanwthomas

jonathanwthomas — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:55:17 +0000

I’ve tried that specific chair in our local IKEA and it’s cheap price masks an uncomfortable reality – that the chair is very uncomfortable. I would actually recommend the Poang chair as they’re crazy comfortable and a little cheaper.