Posts with tag copycat

For more ways to get the look of high-end spaces on a budget, check out these posts:
- Get the Look for Less: A Colorful Dining Room
- Get the Look for Less: A City Loft
- Get the Look For Less: A Glamorous Bedroom

A Bedroom That Will Help You Get in Touch With Your Inner Starlet

If I ever decide to go "glam," this is the way I would go. This bedroom would fit my lifestyle – a 9-to-5er with a bedroom fit for a movie star. It's not over-the-top but it's infused with fantasy. In other words, this bedroom is daring but oh-so-livable.

Neutral tones in the furniture are amplified with touches of bronze and gold. The rug is chocolate with a bit of shine, not to mention it's shag, which brings a ton of texture to the room and goes nicely with the gold/bronzy coverlet.

I wouldn't normally put together hot pink throw pillows with a shiny black chandelier. However, they look fabulous in this setting; shades of pink and brown complement each other.

But my favorite element is the wallpaper. It's on one wall only -- and that's all that's needed. Graphic yet neutral, the wallpaper's background has a slight shimmer that is in keeping with the room's glam aesthetic. To get in touch with your inner starlet, scroll through some products to get the look for less.

Accessories with shine like gold or bronze will strike a perfect balance with brown wood furniture. It's an instant personality change.

Retro Platform Bed, $499; 28" Floor Vase, $69.99; Tahoe Chest, $399

Not only do pinks and browns achieve the 40s feel but so does a bedroom side table with a retro silhouette.

Saturna Silk pillow, $49.95; Madeleine Coverlet, from $243; Century Nightstand, $199

Listen up, Anthropologie fans: You can afford this store.

If you're like me, you swoon over Anthropologie's boho-chic aesthetic. I'm not talking about the flirty cardigans or the tea towels. It's the store's overall look, the kind you want to pack up and take home to your pad – but not for the asking prices.

Here's how you can achieve the same look – but without buying anything in the store. Whether you reside in a 1920s bungalow or a sleek urban townhouse, it will work. Trust us.

What we like: Storybook Romance Dishtowels, $42 (set of three)
How to copy it: Visit your local antiques mall and we're pretty sure a vintage dishtowel with colorful embroidery like this one will cost about 25 percent less. And it probably came from an authentic farm kitchen – as opposed to assimilating a romantic farmhouse scene...


What we like: Vintage-look apron (Lulea, $32; Cupcake Wrapper, $38)
How to copy it: Go back to the antique store where you scored the vintage dishtowels and look for an apron that dates back to the '60s or earlier. Look for a front pocket, a retro and colorful pattern, and straps that tie around your neck. Attach some ric-rac fabric trim, fringe or pom poms to the hem, arms or pockets. Or, even a simple sewer could whip up one of these with the right funky print on cotton fabric, easily available through eBay, Craigslist.org or a fun fabric shop.

What we like: Tocca Boxed Candle (10.6 ounces), $36
How to copy it: If you can't find a cabbage-rose or tiare-flowers scented candle, don't fret. Borrow from the other influences. Burn candles with scents like ocean-air, coconut and grapefruit. We suggest the Harry Slatkin's candle line (think: island margarita scent!) selling at Bath and Body Works for $19.95 a piece.

What we like: Casa Mila bed, $1,698
How to copy it: My jaw fell when the manager of a Midwestern Anthropologie store shared that she'd sourced the gorgeous, iron bed frame that overflowed with the retailer's fluffy, folksy linens and blankets out of – are you ready for this? – someone's curbside trash. Now you probably won't find this on your first dumpster dive but, yes, this is an old-style bed and can definitely be purchased used.

What we like: Flea-Market-Find table, $298
How to copy it: Doesn't the title say it all? Even if you don't live in Paris and have access to les puces (that's French for flea markets), hunt down a small table like this at a resale shop, paint it a chic color and you pretty much have this same table, probably for under-$25. Tip: Give the table just one coat of paint so that you have that distressed look that made Rachel Ashwell famous.

What we like: Iris Quilt, $228
How to copy it: The homespun pattern and stitches in this quilt could be the perfect project for a beginning sewer. If you're feeling crafty, roll a shopping cart through a local resale shop and procure some vintage fabrics to stitch up your own. Or, ask a crafty friend or relative to whip up a quilt using recycled fabrics, and with patterns and patches in primary colors and contrasting patterns.

What we like: Monogrammed Mug, $6; and Flares and Fountains fabric letter, $14
How to copy it: In lieu of purchasing a new product, take an item already in your house – toothbrush holder, hand towel or coffee mug – and add your initials to it using a paint and a paintbrush, iron-on letters or a needle and thread. As for the fabric-covered letters, we think that's a sweet weekend project that won't take more than an hour. Outline the letters you want to display on a sheet of cardboard, cut them out and then wrap with your fabric choice. It doesn't even have to be dimensional. A simple hook on the back will still allow it to hang on the wall.

I love knobs on any cabinets because I can unscrew the knobs and change the cabinet look with a completely different style for a nominal cost. The starfish hardware is whimsical adding levity to the room. I've never been a huge fan of hunter green but the seriousness of hunter green works really well with the light-hearted citrus walls. It's always about the balance that pulls any space together. Last but not least is the amazing tree stump table. Simultaneously fabulous, humorous and unique, it dares you to think this is a stuffy homeowner. I've chosen a few products to help you get the look for less.

You won't believe the deal we found on Swiss Army-inspired blankets.

Rustic yet refined, a Swiss Army blanket is the perfect blanket for snuggling up on a cold winter night. We love this classic blanket for its simple, graphic design and warm, cozy feel.

You can get an original Swiss Army blanket for $298 from the Sundance Catalog, which recently unearthed a stock of these vintage blankets, each marked with a unique issue number. If that's too steep for your budget (and for most nearly $300 is), many army-navy supply stores sell reproductions for considerably less. Case in point: Vermont's Barre Army Navy has one for a mere $19.95.

The original carries the charm and authenticity of a vintage find and is made from wool and genuine horsehair. While the copycat is a brand-new, wool-synthetic blend, lacking in some of that antique, alpine charm. At 78-3/4"l x 55"w for the reproduction and 80"l x 60" w for the real McCoy, the two blankets are virtually the same size and both feature the signature Swiss cross against a red stripe.

Craving more high vs. low comparison? Read more:
-High vs. Low: Mid-Century Modern Pendant Lighting
-High vs. Low: Cowhide Rugs

2010 has me dreaming of kitchen renovations. Because kitchen renovations are so costly and time-consuming, it's a good idea to play it safe in the kitchen -- no crazy purple tile mosaics, please.

If you plan to move in the near future, a neutral design will make selling your place easier, plus you never know when your own tastes might change. To inspire you, we've compiled a group of kitchens that feature classic design that won't go out of style any time soon.

These kitchen designs are fairly similar. Almost all of these spaces feature a fresh white palette. Appliances are either stainless steel or white. Tile is white or neutral. Countertops are natural: A neutral-colored stone is always a good choice, while butcher block is a more economical option. Clutter is hidden away in cabinets and drawers, with only a few items out on the countertop.

Don't worry: Classic design doesn't mean your kitchen has to be boring. You can give your space personality with accessories, textiles, hardware and wall paint -- just opt for uncontroversial permanent fixtures.

For inspiration for timeless kitchen design, take a look at these seven kitchens. Each design has a classic feel that could work with almost any period of home.
.

This kitchen's all-white palette opens up this kitchen and reflects light. A vintage work table makes an excellent kitchen island. Industrial-feeling elements (like the stove, hood and lighting fixtures) mix seamlessly with country touches, like vintage-style pulls and white painted beadboard. The addition of beadboard makes the stand-alone cabinet feel more like a built-in fixture.

Open shelving is much less expensive than cabinetry and opens up a space. Adding molding and decorative brackets gives the shelves a finished look

High-end fixtures and appliances, marble counters and a higher-than-usual subway tile backsplash give a small kitchen a luxurious feel.

This classic kitchen is so elegant that it opens right onto the dining area. Dishes and servingware are on display on the center island's open shelves.

Additions like a farmhouse sink with a fabric skirt and wooden plate racks give this classic kitchen a subtly country feel.

Sometimes I look at a product and think, "My gosh, how did they ever come up with that?" Other times, I'll yawn and think to myself that it's really high time for some fresh ideas in the home goods market. And then there are other occasions when I know exactly how a product designer dreamed something up -- they "borrowed" the idea. Case in point: This adorable lamp from Anthropologie.

Under normal circumstances, I might not have recalled why the lamp looks so familiar. However, early last year I was working on a bunch of tea cup crafts. At the time I was devastated to discover that stylist Paul Lowe had come up with the cleverest tea cup project I'd ever seen: A lamp made out of old teapots and cups. (The project originally ran in Country Living magazine.)




Paul's lamp looks awfully familiar doesn't it? If you're inspired by Paul's handiwork, you could go to Anthropologie to pick up the One-Lump-Or-Two Lamp or you could make yourself your own version following the step-by-step instructions on Country Living's website. At $198 for the Anthro version, I think I'd try my hand at the D.I.Y. first.

You've finally regrouped after the Thanksgiving hubbub, so do you know what that means? You're already behind schedule in decorating for Christmas.

In many households the tree is the most important element of holiday decor, and a lot (I mean a lot) of thought goes into these coniferous beauties. Personally, I've had everything from the classic fir with antique ornaments to the plastic silver tree with colorful balls. Since I love all styles, I always want to try something new. It got me thinking: What are some decorating tips to get the most beautiful tree on the block?

I turned to Elaine Griffin, interior designer and author of Design Rules: The Insider's Guide to Becoming Your Own Decorator, for her expert advice. We chatted on the phone, captured on video (below). Elaine and I discussed the hot topics of this holiday: Christmas tree color trends, decorating on a budget, spicing up your age old theme, how to start from scratch and the ultimate question: To flock or not to flock?

Like many people, I love Anthropologie's homewares. A recent trip to Bed Bath & Beyond has led to me to believe that BB&B must really love Anthropolgie. That is, if the age-old maxim that imitation is the highest form of flattery holds true.

While breezing through the Bed Bath & Beyond in Chelsea, a neighborhood in Manhattan, this past weekend, I walked by a bedding set-up and did a double-take. For a moment, I thought Anthropologie had licensed their name to Bed Bath & Beyond for a bedding line, but it turns out it was just an Anthropologie imposter!
Perhaps you can understand my confusion, BB&B's new line of bedding is called "Anthology" and the logo on the packaging is, ahem, reminiscent of Anthropolgie's own logo. (Please pardon my shoddy iPhone photo above.) You'll also note that the style of the Anthology line is in keeping with the real Anthro's boho vibe. Motifs include paisleys, florals and bird prints, the color schemes are of a similar earthy, but colorful palette.

While common wisdom holds that Anthropologie should feel flattered that Bed Bath & Beyond has worked so hard to copy Anthro's inimitable style, we suspect the designers at Anthropologie may be less than pleased.

Not that I have a table large enough, nor friends fancy enough (sorry guys) to warrant such an extravagance, but after seeing a gorgeous linen similar to this tablecloth, I knew I had to recreate it. There's something about the silky pleated skirt that just skims the floor that's reminiscent of a ball gown and sends me twirling and spinning around the dance floor (even if it is only in my head).

For many Thanksgiving and the ensuing December festivities are formal affairs. So, with the holidays fast approaching I thought it was the perfect time to stitch up this linen and put it out there for all you crafters. In addition to a dining table linen, it would be a beautiful cover for an entryway table or a buffet table.

The dreary, gloomy weather of winter has begun to settle in, evoking thoughts of warm-and-cozy nights cuddled up in bed with a cup of hot cocoa and a good book. But how do you get the ultimate cozy space while still staying stylish? (Because, let's face it, looks are just as important as function.) Consider sprinkling in some (or all) of the ingredients below, and you'll be well on your way to creating the coziest bedroom ever to enjoy long through the season.

Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, West Elm, IKEA... You've gotta love them (they're my go-to sources on a weekly basis). But let's face it, do you really want your home to look like a furniture showroom? Or walk into your neighbor's living room and realize you have the exact same coffee table?

Add a little originality into your life. Flea markets, garage sales and family attics are all great sources for finding budget-friendly (and sometimes free) furniture options. All you need is a little time, very little money and some handiwork to turn tossed-aside objects into one-of-a-kind furnishings.

The accent table shown here came into my life during a recent afternoon walk in my neighborhood. A kind woman was tossing it to the curb because it was tired and worn and she no longer had the space for it. The sad table faced a sure fate of a lonely lifetime in the New York City trash piles, but all it needed was a little TLC to bring it back to life.

Stylist-created, and photographed by David Prince, this dining room is nothing short of amazing. I think that its style could best be described as "modern rustic." The traditional Windsor chairs alongside the light wood farmhouse table make up the rustic part of this room, yet the modern all-white chandelier and antler candle holders in front of the large piece of black-and-white artwork bring a modern element to the space. If only I had a dining room in this tiny apartment. Or a fireplace. Either one -- I'm not picky.

Anyway, I just love everything about this room, so I've decided to go ahead and see if I can re-create it for less. I bet I can do it for about $1500. Will you take that bet?

Check out my bargain shopping roundup after the jump.

Here's what I've found for a modern, rustic dining room.

From top left, clockwise: First, grab a pair of these Faux Deer Antler Candle Holders, $18.99 at Log Cabin Fever plus a can of white spray paint, $4.50, Lowes, and spray paint away!; This beautiful art print of a tree-lined horizon is reminiscent of the one in the inspiration photo: Dappled Morning Fields print framed, $145, Art.com; This look couldn't be complete without an all-white chandelier, like this Snow White Crystal Chandelier, $297 at Great Chandeliers; The Windsor Dining Chairs are a huge part of getting this look just right -- grab a set of 4 for $212 at Everything Furniture; The light-colored table contrasts with the chairs so nicely, and this Modern Farm Dining Table would be oh so right, $599, West Elm; And finally, since the space plays up candlelight, you've got to grab a bunch of these white Pillar Candles, $3.50 to $7.95, cb2.

How did we total out? With 8 chairs and 4 sets of candles we're at $1577, down to the details. Want to save? Poke around Grandma's house for the chairs or an old farmhouse table.

Orange you glad you decided to read ShelterPop today? OK, that was a bad joke. But, besides purple and teal (which are totally in this year), orange is a fantastic fall color that brightens up and brings warmth to any room. In fact, orange is so versatile that different shades of orange work at different times of the year. So, in the fall, I like to "spice" things up with spicy or pumpkin oranges or perhaps even a yam.

According to color theory, orange is a combination of the energy of red and the happiness of yellow. It stimulates your mind and your appetite (it's great for kitchens)! Let's take a look at a few different ways in which you can use orange that might stimulate your mind and hunger for color!
Try: Bright orange with blue. Blue complements orange, and you can see why from these two bedrooms from House Beautiful. The orange accent pieces are perfect alongside the blue accents. For example, the bright orange and blue in the quilt on the left provide the right amount of color and graphic pop to the pale blue and white room. On the right, the orange is matched with bright blue and white without any competition. I think working with bright orange and blue accents works well when everything else in the room is understated.

Try: Warm orange hues. In a completely different vein of decor is this beautiful wall found over on Apartment Therapy. Not only do I love the warm orangey colors used in the faux paint finish, but that deep spice of the cactus painting makes it the perfect accent piece. Perhaps instead you'd pair it with a fresco to get a more Tuscan feel. Either way, you can have fun with your paint: Try mixing orange tones in a faux finish or paint stripes in different shades of orange. This way, the walls won't feel overpowered with one bold color.

Try: Orange accents. Not feeling bold enough to do a whole wall? How about accenting with orange in unexpected places? For instance, take the stair runner and the bookshelf above. Originally, both were white and bland. However, adding a bright, bold orange completely transforms them into fun, lively pieces.


Try: Orange textiles. So, if you're still not sold on orange, and you feel that it's too much of a commitment to paint anything, then how about adding orange in a totally different way -- with textiles. Pillows and throw rugs are items that you can change out every season without feeling guilty or committed. If you don't like them after some time, it's super easy to just exchange them for something else. This is also a great way to bring pattern to your room. Paired with neutrals, like the beige sectional above, the pillows and rug really pop out.


Try: Orange walls that calm and inspire. Now, if you're really bold, here's an inspiration room. In this home office, the designer created an orange space that doesn't feel overwhelming, even though the walls, accessories and artwork are primarily orange. The walls are a soft, more toned down orange, so that the office accessories and the curtains, vase, art and chair pillow could bring in a more bold, deep orange that still pops out from the wall.

No matter how you use orange this fall, it's bound to make an impact on your mood every time you step into the room! Not feeling orange? Check out our recent post on finding your color personality.

How gorgeous is this bedroom we spotted over on Sweet Home Style? I wouldn't have expected to like this teal so much, but the pops of color against the white background are really elegant. I bet this room cost a pretty penny to decorate. But here on Shelterpop, we know you've got a budget (cause we do too!) and we've got you covered! Let's see if we can copy this style at a steal!

Bed
For just $119, you too can own a beautiful white upholstered headboard (queen size). No one needs to know you got it at Walmart.

Lamps
The Teal Turned Wood Table Lamps from Heal's are exactly what I was looking for: fresh and modern but with that bold teal color. These are a little pricey at $239/each plus shipping, but it's a great find if you want teal from head to toe. For a vintage look, I recommend checking out Swank Lighting's selection of murano glass lamps.

Linens
I think sheets are very important, so I chose the American Legacy 250-thread count sheet set from Domestications, just $49 for queen size. It's important to spend a little more on sheets because they take a beating!


Teal Pillows
I found these awesome teal pillows at Two Pillows, for just $10 each!

Teal Throw
This was a toughie, but I landed a killer deal with Unison's Track quilt in teal, on sale for $75 (from $250!).

Nightstands
IKEA can handle this job: Try the LACK end tables for just $8 each or upgrade a little with the HEMNES, $59.

Artwork
Water Flowing Over Rocks in Piney Creek, WY, framed for $99 (unframed for $29), at Art.com.

Ottomans
I can't believe I found these white on white ottomans at Woodturners Inc, $85/each, but they are just perfect! No need to paint or upholster! For a more modern look, you can try the Cubix ottoman from ZGallerie.


Read More:
- Bridget's Budget Bedroom
- Turquoise in the Bedroom
- 5 Bedroom Space-Savers