Lookalikes

LOOKALIKES: DESIGN WITHIN REACH

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Have you ever paid a visit to the gorgeous and overpriced store Design Within Reach and thought to yourself, “Yeah right! More like Design OUT OF Reach!” I searched around the store and picked out some favorite items, then came up with similar finds to show you that you don’t have to pay a lot to get what you want. I found so many affordable look-a-likes that I decided to focus on chairs, with more to come later…


Can you tell which of the above chairs is the deal? The first one is the Diamond Lounge Chair by Harry Bertoia, which retails for $877. At $199.99, the one below it is a steal – the Rupert Chrome Steel Chair from Overstock.com (by the way, Overstock offers a flat shipping rate of $2.95 for almost everything, cheap!).


Love this Barcelona Chair (above) but can’t afford the $5000 price tag? Why not get this handsome doppleganger for only $131.99 instead:

The red Egg Chair below will set you back a whopping $6000…

…but you can get a similar one in gray or orange from Ikea for $399.

Get the Look

GET THE LOOK: PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

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Did you ever wonder what it feels like to SLEEP like a President? Here are a few cheap ideas inspired by some classic presidential bedrooms.

master-bedroom-1958-s
Eisenhower bedroom

master-bedroom-1962
Kennedy bedroom

master-bedroom-1981-s
Reagan bedroom


Mini Chandelier for $62.88 from Walmart.com

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Sleep in luxury with this Soft Velvet Cafe Duvet Cover Set for $74.99 from Overstock.com (see it in Chocolate/Full size).

This Velvet Tufted Headboard from Urban Outfitters ($300) adds sophisitication to your bed, no bed frame needed.

Be sure to check out my new feature, “Coffee Table Book of the Week”.

DIY

DIY TIP OF THE DAY

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Think twice before throwing away that bookcase you don’t use anymore. Try repurposing it into a rolling media cart (or a clever room divider) by adding casters. All you need is an electric drill and this step-by-step guide. Here’s how!

Take an upright bookshelf like this Ikea Shelving Unit for $79.99…

…turn it over on its vertical side, and attach funky casters on each corner like the Acrylic Modern Casters from Coolcasters.com ($11 each):

casters1

…and get something like this, which runs for $349.99 at West Elm:

Accessorizing

2-IN-1: CLOCKS!

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I’ve always been a big fan of clocks. Not only are they extremely handy when you’re running late, but they make a great artistic statement as well. A handsome piece such as this graphically striking example below can instantly become the stylistic centerpiece that pulls a room together. Today, I’ve gathered some favorites of mine and found some lower priced alternatives…

This ultra mod extra large Retro Modern Clock (above) by Karlsson is a 3-dimensional timepiece and Pop Art for your wall. It retails at Conran for $350, but you can get it brand new for less than half the price on ebay!

Add a touch of classic nostalgia with this adorable 1930s Gentleman Classic Black Kit-Cat Klock for $40.


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Quality vintage electronics like this 1970s-inspired GE Retro Clock from PeacockEnvy’s shop on Etsy ($25, below) is sure to liven up your kitchen.

Why spend $165 on the Mr White Wall Clock from Conran, a modern elegant piece that will fit in with virtually any decor…

…when you can get this practically identical clock for less ($49.95) from Crate and Barrel:

clock

Another monochromatic white aluminum piece from Conran for only $26 is minimalism at its finest:

And finally, spruce up your home with this beautiful vintage modern Sunburst Clock by Kenneth Wingard for $119. Just over 2 feet in diameter, this clock is bound to make a statement.

It retails for $25 less than this similar Pluto Sunburst Clock from Conran for $145!


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Get the Look

GET THE LOOK: JONATHAN ADLER

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If you’re as into Interior Design as I am, you probably already know who Jonathan Adler is. I happen to really appreciate his clean lines and quasi mod gestalt, it’s just his PRICES I can’t deal with. Using his designs as a stylistic springboard, I’ll begin this blog by showing you how to cop his trademark aesthetic without breaking the bank…

Let’s start here in the lounge of the Parker Hotel (Palm Springs, CA) designed by Adler.

hotel lounge

Find funky poufs like these (above) for a fraction of the cost at Urban Outfitters.

Velvet Pouf at Urbz for $79

hotel room

Using the pattern in the rug (Parker hotel room, above) for inspiration, you can Adlerize your bathroom for $5 with this Chainlink Vinyl Shower Curtain from Pottery Barn On Sale Now!

curtain

Moroccan dinnerware from CB2 has the Adleresque pattern and color too, on sale from $3.95 – $10.95

dishes

Furnish your pad in rich hues and lush seating with piping along the seams, like this hotel chic recliner from Ikea for $299

ikea chair

…and if you’re looking for the real deal, you can also pick up some cool cheap chotchkies designed by Jonathan Adler exclusively for Barnes and Noble…

case

Pimp the office with this Leather Accessory Case for $17.

thank you notes

Send one of these babies to a prospective employer after your interview, $9.95!

Thanks for stopping by, stay tuned for more frugal tips!