Monday, January 19, 2009

Feeling Blue?

Experts say today, Monday January 19, 2009 is the most miserable day of the year, and maybe even in history. Cold weather, fading Christmas memories, broken New Years resolutions, and the economic downturn are apparently the contributing factors to make this day "Blue Monday."

How was your "Blue Monday" and what do you do to cure the winter blues?

In this economy, and especially on a day like today, we can all stand to save a few bucks. I set out to decorate an entire living room with great finds from kijiji.ca on a budget of only $ 1000.
The look I'm going for is modern with an eclectic edge. Here is what I came up with:

This leather-like couch, love-seat, and chair in brown make for a very neutral base ($549).
This 8' x 10' sisal rug with brown trim coordinates nicely with the furniture ($50).
This beech veneer coffee table with glass top from Ikea continues the neutrality throughout the room ($85).

This painting by a local artist from Toronto will inject colour into any room ($45).
Coffee table books add interest to the room and make for an interesting quick read; 3 photography books for $30.

This shabby chic mirror framed in reclaimed wood and accessorized with 3 vintage door knobs will surely be a conversation piece while you entertain. It can be doubled as a jewelry tree or coat hanger ($50).
These custom drapes in a deep aqua colour will compliment the painting above by the local Torontonian artist, and will warm up the space because of the fabric's rich texture ($25).

Fresh flowers brighten anyone's "Blue Monday." They don't sell fresh flowers on Kijiji.ca but I found this modern vase for only $3.
Finally, chic lighting is a must. Even in a room accessorized with eclectic pieces, the modernity of the furniture is nicely accented by this chandelier ($99).
Total Living Room Costs: $936

1 comment:

  1. ...love the old shabby mirror, making older items into artistic touches within a home is what sets apart people with 'eye' and those that get sucked into typical American style ikea crap. Well done Red Door.

    ReplyDelete