Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget

I always want what I can’t have. Isn’t this the case for many ladies out there?



Especially in the high-end world of  home interiors it’s hard not to fall in love with items that will break the bank. Since my budget these days is not like it use to be I can only dream about filling my house with my latest must-have: Chevron.



zigzagdomino

Image from Domino :( 



There will be no Madeline Weinrib rugs in my future.



Zig-Zag-Red-&-White



There will also be no amazing  Rubie Green bedding or fabric in my near future.



rubiegreenzig-zag



On my tight budget I probably won’t even be able to sneak in some Linda and Harriett note cards!



lindaandharriettzigzag



Ok just kidding I tend to get a bit dramatic at times. I could afford the cards, but could I get enough to tape them all together and make myself a rug? I think not!



Instead of giving up on all the things I can’t afford at the moment I went in search of getting my cake and eating it too. Here are some cleaver DIY options that will not break the bank and fix your itch for Chevron.



For my little rug situation we can all follow Nick Olsen's advice and find an inexpensive jute or sisal rug. I’ve seen some 8 x 10 versions on Craigslist for $60 and go to town with paint and painters tape.

For inexpensive paint I always search the Oops section at the hardware store. The gray/beige that I have in the Florida room was only $5 for the gallon!

 



nickolsenchevronrug



Image from Domino :(



To fix my desire for everything Rubie Green I found this amazing DIY on making your own Chevron fabric.



You can go from this:



stripefabric



Image from Flipt Studio 



To this:



chevronfabric 

Image from Flipt Studio



All you need is a little time, some fabric, scissors and a sewing machine.



I’m going to be trying out the Chevron fabric how-to! Don’t worry I’ll be sure to document once I do.



Last, but not least was another amazing how-to that only requires paint, tape, tacks, paper and oh yea a piece of furniture to do the painting on.



Featured in Sunset magazine you can now achieve this look in your home:



sunset chevron



Have you seen any good DIY ideas lately? I love to be in the know so please share.



Plus misery loves company. So what items are on your must-have list, but your wallet doesn’t agree?

20 comments:

  1. I ♥ YouMay 28, 2009 at 1:11 PM

    ooh love that DYI trick! i was looking at rugs for my dining room the other day and loved this one at west elm.

    http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODr656&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1RUGRUG&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1RUGRUG

    ReplyDelete
  2. Pink WallpaperMay 28, 2009 at 1:33 PM

    i am 100% w/ you on the chevron pattern. and i think that is a great idea about painting over sisal (like mary mcdonald did in her domino spread)...and i love the DIY fabric- i just need to learn how to sew. that's pitiful that i have no clue how to even put thread into my machine.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMay 28, 2009 at 1:38 PM

    I thought of that tabletop from Sunset as soon as I read your first paragraph. I too am coveting that Rubie Green bedding.

    Out of my price range right now is a beautiful upholstered armchair for my living room. Maybe I'm too picky, but I haven't found anything I like for under $500. I have no luck with thrift shops. And so my sofa is still lonely.

    ReplyDelete
  4. High-Heeled Foot in the doorMay 28, 2009 at 2:13 PM

    Shannon,

    I totally know where you are coming from. I have no clue how to sew! I've been reading Julie and Julia and I'm inspired to try something new and for me it won't be cooking, but sewing. My MIL knows what she is doing so she is going to help me out. Maybe I'll video some it and post little how-tos along the way!

    ReplyDelete
  5. LaurenMay 28, 2009 at 2:14 PM

    hahahah

    can't wait to see how it turns out- awesome ideas!!

    hmmm.. on my list- zinc DR table, LR chairs and new countertops!!
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousMay 28, 2009 at 2:23 PM

    i TOOO love all things chevron..i was planning on the dvf dress..sadly, not anymore!

    ReplyDelete
  7. ChristinaMay 28, 2009 at 4:12 PM

    i'm in the exact same boat, i'd love a striped rug (preferably chevron) but have no budget for one...sigh.

    ReplyDelete
  8. JenniferMay 28, 2009 at 4:26 PM

    wonderful, genius DIY ideas! cannot wait to see what you end up doing.

    love chevron, too. especially on wood floors! you see it often in old apartments in Europe. well, I see it often on blogs with photos of old apartments in Europe :)

    um, my wallet doesn't agree with anything on my wish-list. at the top: a new kitchen!

    ReplyDelete
  9. LindsBMay 28, 2009 at 4:57 PM

    I love love love the diy fabric trick! Maybe thats what I need to do to make and use on my chair?!? hmmm now you have me thinking- way to throw another option into the mix Camila!

    Totally kidding, I love this idea and want to use it!

    ReplyDelete
  10. La Petite MaisonMay 28, 2009 at 6:01 PM

    What a fab DIY project; thank you for sharing! I love Madeline Weinrib and Rubie Green as well. *sigh*

    ReplyDelete
  11. JoiMay 28, 2009 at 7:13 PM

    I ♥ chevron, too!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Same New StoryMay 28, 2009 at 10:42 PM

    i may be a new fan of your blog, but certainly a big one. in fact, you have a little award awaiting at my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Reichel BroussardMay 29, 2009 at 1:26 AM

    I sent you a message on Decorum about that West Elm Zig Zag rug :D I think it's a pretty awesome option!

    If you don't mind colorful: Pottery Barn Teen has a zig zag rug too!

    http://www.pbteen.com/products/p3379/?pkey=csale-rugs

    Also was reading through your blog and saw your Viceroy canopy post...here's another fun (but not quite as cheap) option:

    http://www.zgallerie.com/pc-7782-53-soho-pavilion.aspx

    ReplyDelete
  14. Brooke @ Blueprint BlissMay 29, 2009 at 7:50 AM

    I'm a big fan of chevron and DIY projects.

    I have been looking for a piece of furniture for AWHILE now. I want something like buffet- possibly with a hutch. Just am not getting anywhere (because I can't find something that I can afford). So I think I may have the husband build me a buffet- and I'll make a skirt for it. Similar to this (second to last photo on page two of her portfolio):

    http://www.palmerweiss.com/portfolio2.html

    ReplyDelete
  15. pve designMay 29, 2009 at 11:06 AM

    I am painting a wooden tray inspired by another blogger, inspired by an Hermes box to hold my art supplies on my desk!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Reichel BroussardMay 29, 2009 at 12:53 PM

    Oooo, just saw another option for ya:

    You could buy a couple of these Ikea rugs and fasten them together!

    http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40114014

    And they are only $25 each! Let us know what you end up doing :D

    ReplyDelete
  17. bluehydrangeaMay 29, 2009 at 6:41 PM

    ooh..now I am itching to pull out the paint and tape. It may be a craft weekend! Thanks for the inspiration! PS I am working on a fun DIY lamp project I hope to show soon...electricity is a little scary..

    ReplyDelete
  18. Under a Green RoofMay 29, 2009 at 11:44 PM

    I love the chevron patterns in everything - clothes, furnishings, everything! I also have quite the champagne taste on a very beer budget!

    ReplyDelete
  19. kadlerJune 1, 2009 at 7:10 AM

    I love chevron! I had never even thought of DIY-ing it, but these look like great plans. Thanks for the tips :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Candi of Candace RoseJune 1, 2009 at 9:45 PM

    OMG I absolutely love it! I wish I had your talent!!!


    http://candacerose.typepad.com

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to leave me a comment. I heart them!