Craigslist Treasure: Retro Chairs

This past weekend I was searching for furniture pieces online and decided to search on Craigslist. I was recently at a client's house who had all these incredible finds from Craigslist! I've always been afraid to shop from Craigslist because I've heard so many horror stories: "Man meets seller from Craigslist and was robbed at gun point" and then there was the lovely Lifetime Movie Craigslist Killer. I have valid reasons to never want to buy anything from anyone through Craigslist, but I can't be successful at my job by being afraid and passing up good finds for cheap: I had to get over it quick!

I suggested to my buddy/client that he add two side by side chairs for his living room. I came across these two retro leather chairs on Craigslist: only $30 for both! Way less than these matching chairs we were considering at Ikea for a total of $180! I'm all about saving my client's money, I don't want you to spend more than you have to.  That's $150 back in his pocket to sit on. 

So here's how it went with the seller; it was a bit funny, I had every single guard up. My friend had to be the one to play it cool and act like the trusting happy buyer (which he was). The seller wanted us to come up to his storage to see the chairs (In my mind I'm thinking, that's where he wants to rob and kill us!) but the seller was a nice guy, totally cool. He helped us get the chairs into my car and even waited to make sure they would fit. I guess not everyone on Craigslist is crazy, but I still don't trust it completely.  

I'm so happy my buddy has his new chairs, they really complete the space.  He rearranged the living room all by himself, I can't take credit for that. 

I am looking forward to his next get together so we can all sit around the living room and mingle in his "new" space.

J  

New Look!

Well... sort of (new header and background photo). I haven't blogged in a very long time. I've been so busy with school, work, decorating, and life! I have a lot going on but I'm keeping my head above water. I will  make a conscientious effort to keeping my blog updated and share all of my latest projects.  

I do have a bit of news to share: I'm two semesters away from finishing my interior design classes and getting my A.S. degree! (**screams**). Once I'm finished I'll be half way through the process of being done with school completely! 

Lastly, I have a page on Instagram now @jgwdecor #followme

J 

Chic Bathroom Update

My first project for 2014; A chic bathroom update! I worked with my amazing client Omar Childs from the "Men's Bedroom" project (see link way down below from May of 2013 for pictures).  This is his second space that I had a pleasure of working on. It's really nice to work with the same client and go from room to room. 

My idea for the bathroom was: deep colors, white walls, simple, and chic. My client is very minimal, he doesn't have a lot of clutter or extras of hardly anything.  I included the bare bathroom basics: Q-Tips, face wipes, bath salts, and hand towels.  For the decorative accents I found these nice storage boxes. I added the orchid for greenery.  I also found this nice sunburst mirror to go above the space saver; it really added height to the bathroom, along with the floor to ceiling shower draperies. 

My favorite update is the painted sink cabinet. It was originally a standard oak wood color.  I painted over it in this grey/brown hue called "English Tea Party" by Valspar.  I added new hardware handles to finish the look; I thought it turned out perfect! 

Check out the before and after photos.

Photo gallery:

Bathroom accessories:

 

Notice the window cover to the far left. Simple shade, very inexpensive - great way to update your window treatment for a low cost. 

New rain shower head:

Full bathroom:

The before:

Thank you! 

J