budget shopping #1

when looking for furniture on a budget, i always try to LOOK BEYOND THE SURFACE! whether on craigslist, ebay, consignment shops, flea markets, or ikea... i always look at the shape of the piece. i concentrate on it's bones and make sure there is no unfixable damage.

here's the deal. paint (and some wood filler) can do WONDERS on a piece of furniture. yeah, it takes some effort, but you can transform trash into treasures with some paint and hardware changes. what's great about it? ANYONE (yes, YOU) can do this.

i have a few pieces stacking up to paint in my home. some for me, some for a client. it's so fun to see the pieces and know they are going to look reborn after taking dip in some paint. for some reason, i have put this painting "to do" on the back burner. THEN i saw this.

{before}

{after}

the ever so talented jenny (from little green notebook) has a client who picked these side tables up at home goods here in boston. (yes, i saw them in person at the store! i am VERY.MUCH.SO REGRETTING not purchasing them!). she gave them a lovely paint job and added new hardware. this makeover is BREATHTAKING! i want this table in MY room!

jenny, thanks for sharing and motivating!

while hubby is on call this weekend, the rollers are coming out and attacking this piece...

(found at brimfield, $20.00)

i know it looks scary, but that's what {before} pictures are for! i have BIG PLANS for this baby!

email me your DIY furniture makeovers and i'll be sure to share them!

2 more days until the giveaway ends!

mark your calendars, peeps! the winner will be announced on saturday. don't miss your chance on these nate berkus pillows. they're too great to pass up! go HERE to check out the giveaway details. ENJOY!