Favourite Furniture Fridays: Courtney Lane

Hi guys! I'm Courtney. I'm an interior design student in Seattle, and I blog about my love for design over at my blog, Courtney Lane. I was so happy when Tiffany asked me to come over and share my favorite piece of furniture with you guys!

The piece of furniture I'm showing you today is something I recently bought at a thrift store and am making plans to majorly update this summer!

I'll be honest, I'm not a huge DIYer. I know, I know. A blogger that isn't a DIY guru, what? I do like to do crafts, but usually when I see a DIY project that has more than 3 steps, I quickly decide to do something else. 

But every once in a while, especially in the summer when I'm free as a bird, I get in the mood for a bigger project.

When I saw this sewing table at the thrift store, it was love at first sight. I had recently been given my own nice sewing machine for Christmas, so I definitely didn't need another sewing machine. But it was definitely a plus that this one was in good working condition too. But I saw this desk and had visions of keeping my sewing supplies in the drawers and just having an extra work space. I loved how the machine could fold down into the desk too if I needed more room! 

Then I came back to reality and realized I should check the price tag. I guessed it would be closer to $100 dollars and then it would be out of the question. But...score! It was only 35 dollars. So my mom and I hauled this cute thing out of the store and brought it home.

My plans for this sewing table are still coming together, but so far I know that I want to paint it either an antique white, a light gray, oooor a fun color. {I really narrowed it down there, didn't I? Ha}. I also want to switch out the handles for some cute Anthropologie ones like one of these styles:

 

Library Pull or Bubbled Glass Handle

I am so excited to get started on this project when I'm out of school in June. I already love this little desk but I know I'll love it even more when it gets transformed :)

Thank you so much for having me today Tiffany! 

  

No thank YOU darling, for sharing this beautiful piece with us! What colour do you guys think Courtney should paint this baby? I'm leaning towards grey...or maybe a turquoise? Go check out her blog NOW! You won't regret it. 

Wanna participate in this series? E-mail me at thedesignerlifestyle@gmail.com! 

Reader Question: Vintage on a Budget

Recently, Maris from rushsweetly messaged me the following question:

"Hello there! :) I'm moving into an apartment this August and I have a budding fascination with all things vintage. I've considered purchasing a simple yet feminine white lace duvet and using temporary wallpaper as an accent wall in my bedroom. Do you have any other ideas that I could use that would satisfy my vintage craving without breaking the bank? Thanks!"

I love her ideas of the lace duvet and wall covering! After checking out her tumblr, I got the impression that she is after romantic, antiqued vintage. Here are my other ideas for an affordable vintage bedroom:

1) A Wrought Iron Bedframe

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This style of bedframe adds immediate vintage charm. When I was looking for one like this, many of the true antique frames came in 3/4 sizing, which is tricky (and expensive) for custom mattress and sheets.

Luckily for us, IKEA has an affordable option ($99)that has the same look:

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 2) Vintage Dishware

Hit up your local antique store to find some beautiful dishware on the cheap! Of course, some patterns can be extremely pricey, but you can mix and match inexpensive individual plates, bowls and teacups. Place these on your dresser to hold pretty baubles.

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3) Botanical or Floral Prints

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Etsy is a great place to check for vintage prints, and this calendar by rifle paper co. reminds me so much of the image above.

Because 2012 is almost half over, the calendar is half price! Only $14. All of the images are beautiful and can be cut out and framed.

4) Vintage Fashion on Display  
Surely your love of vintage extends to your wardrobe. Why not display some of your favourite pieces? You can do this on a clothing rack, the back of the door, or even hanging on the wall!

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Hit up flea markets, thrift stores, and antique shops for unique vintage finds that speak to your own personal style. A good mirror, some beaded hand bags, a side chair, a night stand, etc.
My last tip is to mix in a few modern pieces so the room doesn't feel too dated.
I hope this helps! I'm sure your new place will turn out beautiful, and I expect some pictures when you are all settled in!
xo
Tiffany Leigh
ps. Do YOU have a design dilemma? E-mail me at thedesignerlifestyle@gmail.com and I will help you out! :)

Favourite Furniture Friday: Landi from The Lifestyle Guide

Happy Friday, everyone! I'm Landi from The Lifestyle Guide & I'm thrilled to be here at The Designer Lifestyle to post about my favorite piece of furniture. When I moved back to Texas this past December, I had to buy a lot of furniture because I rented the furniture where I had been living. I tried to be as money conscious as possible because I knew that the bigger things (a couch, a bed, TV, etc.) were probably going to cost the most. In a little town called North Richland Hills about 25-30 minutes away, I was told about this amazing shabby chic/vintage furniture store called Golighty's Antiques. We drove out there and scored majorly. I found this dresser and hutch (shown below) that was refinished by a local women and bought it for $280. What a steal! It fits perfectly in my room, & I love it. I also like that it has the mirror because then I didn't have to worry about finding another mirror for my room {besides my full length one}. I apologize for you being able to see my pup lying on my bed in the mirror ;)

Although the drawers are a little stiff {and there's one that refuses to stay on track}, I love the vintage knobs and the color that it was refinished with.

I also enjoy being able to display odds and ends on the tiny shelves of the hutch. It adds character to the piece & also let's me add my personality to it as well! {Again, a photo of Harlie ha ha}

Thanks again to Tiffany for inviting me to guest post for her -- she's such a doll! Hope you guys enjoyed learning about my favorite piece of furniture... and that you'll stop by The Lifestyle Guide to hear more from me! Have a wonderful weekend, friends!

xoxo Landi

 Thanks so much to Landi for participating in the series! You all need to check out her blog asap, it's fabulous and she is so sweet! If you would like to be featured in this series, please e-mail me at thedesignerlifestyle@gmail.com.

-Tiffany Leigh