Do you ever look at a beautiful designer image and wonder how you would recreate it on your own? Like, what parts of it you would DIY or how you would try to get that same feel but for A LOT less? I do that with every photo I see. I thought it would be fun to do a little series where I share what I would buy vs. what I would DIY. Let me know if you would like to see more of it in the future!
This transitional dining room from Studio McGee has been one of my favorites. I just love everything they do!
What I would buy:
DINING TABLE – This is obviously the main piece in the dining room. Personally, I would buy the original dining table. It’s a great solid oak dining table that can work with a number of different styles as your taste changes over the years. But, you could still DIY! I found a similar DIY live edge modern table here that you could combine with a more similar base here.
CHAIRS – I’m certainly not going to DIY a chair, lol! These are a great buy at $126 for a set of two with free shipping!
RUG – An 8×10 rug for $187. Enough said. Wait, I have more to say. This is the same rug we have in our living room. I love it.
CHANDELIER – This one is the same style as the inspiration image, but different color for $212. I actually prefer the black over the silver here.
BLINDS – These light roman shades look identical to the original. They start at $24, come in tons of sizes, and ship for free.
CURTAIN ROD – This brass curtain rod is certainly not cheap at $79-$149, but it really does add so much interest to the windows. With what you’re saving everywhere else, I’d say this is worth it.
CLOCK – This one from Target is a fraction of the price of the original and looks just as cool.
ACCESSORIES – Love how this navy vase ties in with the drapes. The white on the inside of this wood bowl will make the lemons inside really pop.
What I would DIY:
DRAPES – I was so excited when I found this Robert Allen fabric! It’s only $14.99/yard (if you purchase 4+ yards it’s only $11.99) and is absolutely gorgeous!!! It’s 100% cotton, medium weight that’s perfect for drapes at 55 inches wide. Somebody, use this fabric!
LEAF ART – Ok, so the original is $460. Ouch. I found a $6.00 printable that will print anywhere from a 4×6 to a 24×36! Slap that in an IKEA frame and you are good to go!
I’m just so happy with how similar this room came out to the original! Let me know what you guys think and if you’d like to see more of this!
I love this new series Shelley!!!!!!!!!! I'm a huge Studio McGee fan too and study their pictures endlessly and love your tips on getting the look for less!! Can't wait for the next one.
Thank you so much, Lisa! I'm so glad you enjoyed it because I had so much fun pulling it together. I'm such a fan of their work!