Pottery Barn Knock-Off Idea

Ever since I started this blog, I've wanted to recreate and post tons of ideas, but I just simply don't have time to make them. So, I thought I'd just share the ideas I have and let run with it if you feel so inspired.

I see things all the time and think, "I could make that!". The trouble is finding the time. Generally, the only pieces I get to redo are ones someone either wants or I need and we can't afford the original.

This particular idea is one I've had for a little while because it's so easy! Ready?

via Pottery Barn

Plant basket, burlap, and hanging light kit...knock-off for around $25 versus PB @ $179.99!

Here's the materials list I'd get:

Black hanging basket for around $11.87.via Pinterest

Burlap via Amazon

$3 p/yd!

Pendant kit via Lowe's.com

Chain to thread cord through in order to hang basket from light cord. $8.98 for 10' but could probably get by with less at Lowe's. It would need to be adhered to the fixture cap at the ceiling and again at the end of the chain to the basket chains.

A simple lamp parts would suffice, but you'd have to take apart the top of the pendent kit to retro fit it with a metal ring like this:



This image clip was taken from the original pottery barn picture above so I can't get it any bigger.

Some hot glue and a halogen round bulb from Walmart ... and you've got yourself a beautiful chandelier that no one will ever know you didn't pay a fortune for (unless you tell them)! I actually like telling them and watching their faces:) Aren't I a stinker?!

Like what you see? Let me know! Become a follower and support my blogging:)

Dining Rug Decision

On occasion, I hate being on a tight budget. Just once, it would be nice to just go buy what I want. Most of the time, though, I love the challenge it presents and the creativity it brings out. Obviously, something has me tied in knots. It's this: making a decision on the dining room rug. Ugh! I stopped and looked at a High Point outlet just up the road and they had a couple of nice options at good prices, but I'm not sure they're what I want. Then, the sweet sales lady informs me they can also order from a huge catalog. Excited, although leery, I immediately cut to the chase and ask if the prices were discounted like the ones there in the store. She said they should be very close. Yippee! I got the catalog and managed to pick out three before little guy informed me time was up. So, I gave her my number and she promised to call with the prices. Two hours later, I'm staring at the sheet of paper I've just scribbled them down on...completely depressed. I knew I was in trouble when she starts with, "You have fantastic taste!" Oh, boy. Two out of three were around $4-6K! Good grief! What happened to the discounts?

So, I hit the rug outlet right across the road this morning. They have some really nice very traditional options at really good prices ($300-$450 for an 8'X11') but that's still a little steep for right now. I can say without hesitation the hubby will veto that until the kids are more responsible (i.e. moved out!). Time to get creative. The main issue is coming up with the style. As much as I love that rug from HDC (Home Decorators Collection), it's just too stylized and if I ever want to change things up I'm out $500-$600.

A)



"Lyrical" from HDC.
Isn't it great, though?

 So, here's two the two other options I've narrowed it down to:

B) Seagrass...my old standby... in a basket weave pattern with a 1" border. I love seagrass's simplicity, texture, casualness and ability to go with ANYTHING. I gotta say, this is probably what I'll go with, just because it goes with ANYTHING and I know from the one in the family room they can hold up to my three boys and a dog.

"Sunbrella Bordered Seagrass Rug" from Ballard Designs

Or ...

C) Just a traditional wool Persian style in VERY muted blues, creams, browns and greens....very versatile. Haven't found the exact one yet I like, but it'll probably be along these lines:

"Gabrielle Persian-Style" from Pottery Barn
shown below in a room as well:

What are your thoughts? Want to take a vote again? Let's do! Send a comment with the letter of your choice. I'm definitely leaning with B, but still not sure yet. There's a considerable price difference between the seagrass and the others ($200-$300) and that could end up making the decision for me, but I'm trying not to let that be the deciding factor. So, what say ye?! A,B, or C?