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Dining Room Updates: Budget Breakdown

May 5, 2014 by Brynne 44 Comments

Have you been following along with my month-long dining room makeover?

a-bold-amp-colorful-dining-room-makeover

Layer 1: Chard Walls & Black Brick Fireplace

Layer 2: Sunburst Medallion & Honefoss Mirrors

Layer 3: Black & Leopard Chinese Chippendale Chairs

Layer 4: Floral Curtains & Bokhara Rug

Today, I’m very excited to give you the full, no-holds barred budget breakdown: blogger bares all!

a-bold-amp-colorful-dining-room-budget-breakdown

*Today’s post may contain affiliate links.If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission. You can read my full disclosure here. I hope you all know by now that I do only share things I really truly love!

Wall color: “Chard” by Martha Stewart Living, $24.

Fireplace: basic black, Glidden flat paint. Home Depot: 1 gallon, $20

1. Brass curtain rod – Home Decorator’s Collection 66-120” in brushed brass, $27
Curtain ring clips – Target: 3 packs of Threshold Drapery Clip Rings in Antique Brass, $21 (similar here)

2. Curtains – DIY: Waverly Spring Bling in Spring, 6 yards & Roc Lon Drapery Lining White, 6 yards – provided by Fabric.com, however, the total = $106

3. Gold sunburst ceiling medallion – DIY: Folk Art gold metallic acrylic paint, a few dollars.

4. Midcentury chandelier – Craigslist: $35

5. Honefoss mirror installation – Ikea: Honefoss mirrors, 3 packs, $45

6. Vintage Dixie Chinese Chippendale Chairs – Craigslist: $125 for the chairs + table, but I was able to sell the table for $175, so a profit of $50.
Black paint – leftover Glidden flat black from the fireplace, free. Painted with the HomeRight Finish Max paint sprayer. Tutorial here.
Chair fabric – Braemore Jamil Natural, 3 yards, around $100 with shipping

7. Vintage Burl Patchwork Parsons Dining Table – Craigslist: $100 for the table + 6 chairs, but I was able to sell the chairs for $100, making the table free.

8. 8×11 Bokhara rug – “borrowed” from my parents, free.

Accessories: Pottery Barn brass candlesticks (Goodwill: $8), pair of brass swans (Goodwill: $4), huge vintage white pitcher (Goodwill: $4).

Are you ready for the grand total???

dining room makeover grand total

When I tallied up the numbers, I was shocked that I was able to accomplish so much for so little! (And in order to be as accurate as possible, I did include the cost of the curtain fabric in the total.)

I realize that some things in this makeover were very lucky breaks for me, like being able to “borrow” such a huge, fabulous rug from my parents! And I realize that my source for so many of the items being Goodwill or Craigslist doesn’t really help you in tracking down something similar.

However, I hope this breakdown and source list does help inspire you when tackling a makeover of your own!

Here are my tips for room makeovers on a budget:

1. Paint is a high impact, low cost update.

2. Search out secondhand furniture that just needs a little elbow grease to become the star of the show. (I was able to make my furniture finds particularly thrifty by selling portions of each dining set to cover the cost of the rest of it!)

3. Don’t forget to look for lighting secondhand as well! (Of course, be sure the wiring is in good condition before you hang the light fixture! When it doubt, consult a professional.)

4. Shop thrift stores for unique accessories.

5. DIY the curtains of your dreams with a few yards of a fabulous fabric and a few hours of your time. (I could have surely found curtains for $100/pair, but mine are completely custom and in a pattern I absolutely adore. They “make” the room. So in my opinion, it is worth it to spend a little more on your own “custom” drapery!)

6. Snoop around in family and friends’ attics for hidden treasures. They might have something awesome tucked away. Or you could always swap home décor items with a friend if both of you want to try something new!

7. Finally, be fluid with your room design! Leave room for surprise bargains or finds to alter your original ideas – serendipity is my key to room makeovers on a budget!

I hope you enjoyed this tell-all post! 

Brynne

Filed Under: Decorating, DIY Project, House Tagged With: Before and After, Dining Room

Comments

  1. Julia Konya says

    May 5, 2014 at 11:36 am

    Wow, that's it? $350 is awesome! I would have never guessed. Love it.

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 5, 2014 at 2:43 pm

      I thought it was going to be higher too! Then I realized that I had broken even with the table and chair expenses and was so excited – it wasn't exactly intentional, but it worked out nicely!

      Reply
  2. Kristin@bliss-athome.com says

    May 5, 2014 at 1:05 pm

    Love how the contrast of the mantel on the wall and the light fixture is a score! xo Kristin

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 5, 2014 at 2:46 pm

      Thank you Kristin! I do love that light fixture – my husband wasn't convinced at first that we *needed* to drive 40 minutes to go pick it up, but I'm glad I persisted 😉

      Reply
  3. Katja @ Shift Ctrl ART says

    May 5, 2014 at 2:38 pm

    Really? That is so awesome. What a great budget friendly make-over. It looks MUCH more expensive than that 🙂

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 5, 2014 at 2:46 pm

      Yay! Thank you Katja! That's good to hear 🙂

      Reply
  4. Tasha A. says

    May 5, 2014 at 3:02 pm

    WOW! I love, love, love the format of this post and your beautiful dining room! This is blogging at its best! I can't believe the deal you got on that stunning mid-century chandelier. And I love that you are not afraid of color. Love it all!

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 5, 2014 at 3:58 pm

      Thank you Tasha! What a sweet comment! I'm so glad you enjoyed this post! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Megan Poletti says

    May 5, 2014 at 3:04 pm

    That's fabulous! You totally rocked the makeover and accomplished a big impact!

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 5, 2014 at 3:58 pm

      Thanks love! No, YOU are fabulous 🙂

      Reply
  6. Jenn - HomeStyleReport says

    May 5, 2014 at 3:14 pm

    I'm so excited that I found your blog and this room is absolutely stellar! I want that rug!!!

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 5, 2014 at 4:00 pm

      Thank you Jenn! I'm pretty in love with that rug myself 😉

      Reply
  7. Trisha D says

    May 5, 2014 at 3:46 pm

    Girl… you're my hero!! $350 what a steal!!! So pretty for so little!!

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 5, 2014 at 4:00 pm

      Thanks Trisha! I couldn't believe the result when I started adding things up – I double & triple checked, lol!

      Reply
  8. Sammi @ Every Home is a Castle says

    May 5, 2014 at 4:10 pm

    This is incredible! I so love this dark bold colour, I'm craving a navy dining room myself now after seeing how great this dark colour looks.

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 5, 2014 at 5:05 pm

      Thank you Sammi! A navy dining room would be so gorgeous! Have you seen the lovely blue dining room from Swoon Worthy? http://www.swoonworthy.co.uk/2014/01/let-there-be-light-and-there-was-new.html

      Reply
  9. Jennifer BNHblog says

    May 5, 2014 at 4:48 pm

    Wow! What a transformation for not a lot of cash. The curtains have got to be my favorite aspect of the room. Great choice!

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 5, 2014 at 5:06 pm

      Thank you Jennifer! I have a hard time picking favorites, but the curtains are definitely VERY high on the list! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Lets just build a house! says

    May 5, 2014 at 5:27 pm

    you really did a fab job. i'm still jealous of the rug…and the curtains…and…

    🙂

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 5, 2014 at 5:30 pm

      Thank you Trina 🙂 🙂 🙂

      Reply
  11. Miss Charming says

    May 5, 2014 at 6:24 pm

    Love your awesome, thrifty room, Brynne!

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 5, 2014 at 8:11 pm

      Aw, thank you! 😀

      Reply
  12. Gretchen says

    May 5, 2014 at 9:11 pm

    This is such a beautiful room! It definitely doesn't look like a $350 room :). Great job working Craigslist of on the table and chairs!

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 6, 2014 at 4:06 pm

      Thank you Gretchen! If I had just purchased one set, I would have spent money on the table and chairs, but because I bought two sets and sold the table from one and the chairs from the other, I can't believe I came out on top! It's a good strategy to save for the future!

      Reply
  13. anu says

    May 6, 2014 at 1:07 am

    Wow! You did so well transforming your space on such a tight budget. Love how this space turned out.

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 6, 2014 at 4:07 pm

      Thank you so much Anu!

      Reply
  14. GnomeLover says

    May 6, 2014 at 5:36 am

    Oh my gosh! $350?!?! You are amazing. That is amazing. The room is amazing. Wow! I am in awe of you!

    Jenni

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 6, 2014 at 4:08 pm

      Thank you Jenni! Haha. You are so sweet!

      Reply
  15. Nikki Cotton says

    May 7, 2014 at 3:22 am

    WOW! Your dining room is gorgeous. I am always drawn to bold, dramatic dining rooms.

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 8, 2014 at 3:26 pm

      Thank you Nikki! Me too!

      Reply
  16. Barb @ A Life in Balance says

    May 8, 2014 at 9:36 am

    Amazing dining room! I love the colors you chose.

    I'd love for you to share your project and tips with my readers at my Fabulously Frugal Thursday party: http://www.alifeinbalance.net/fabulously-frugal-thursday-linky-party-66/

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 8, 2014 at 3:27 pm

      Thank you Barb! Can't wait to stop by your link party! 🙂

      Reply
  17. stephanie, sandpaper and glue says

    May 8, 2014 at 5:27 pm

    ah-mazing! you really made it all work together 🙂

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 8, 2014 at 5:34 pm

      Aw, thank you so much Stephanie! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Selene @ Restoration Beauty says

    May 9, 2014 at 4:05 am

    Wow!! What a great transformation! I'm loving all the colors!! Following on Pinterest and bloglovin!!

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 13, 2014 at 3:41 pm

      Thank you Selene! 🙂

      Reply
  19. Kayla @ Home Coming says

    May 12, 2014 at 1:56 pm

    Just wanted you to know, I love this so much, you're being featured on The DIY'ers today! http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-diyers-61.html

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 13, 2014 at 3:42 pm

      Kayla, thank you so much! I'm so excited!

      Reply
  20. Krista thehappyhousie says

    May 12, 2014 at 4:51 pm

    It is absolutely stunning Brynne!! On an amazing budget!!! Thanks so much for sharing it with us at Work it Wednesday this week:)

    Reply
    • brynne@thegatheredhome.com says

      May 13, 2014 at 3:43 pm

      Thank you Krista! (I love Work it Wednesday!) I'm so glad you like the makeover 🙂

      Reply
  21. Angela Santaniello says

    May 14, 2014 at 10:52 pm

    I can't even keep up with myself. I just realized I had been following along on your room makeover and then missed your final post. Gah. Anyway, I LOVE the colors and patterns you mixed in the room along with the bits of gold (you can never go wrong with gold). And your budget was pretty fantastic, too!

    Angela @ Number Fifty-Three

    Reply
  22. Mekenzie @ interiorsbykenz.com says

    May 15, 2014 at 6:33 pm

    What an inexpensive transformation! You did such an amazing job!

    Reply
  23. Dominique Paolini says

    June 11, 2015 at 8:39 am

    I truly AMAZED. Fantastic space spending a small sum. How inspiring!

    Reply
    • Brynne says

      June 11, 2015 at 9:35 am

      Thank you so much, Dominique! It’s still one of my favorite rooms in our home!

      Reply

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I believe the best kind of home is a gathered one, full of treasures with a story to tell. Join me in celebrating a lifestyle of finding and making beautiful things, right where you are. Read more...

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