Tuesday: Decorating on a dime

We've been working on our dining room since we moved in. It's a nice size, it has some large windows that let in lots of great natural light, and the wall mouldings make it look really nice. Plus, the hardwood floor is really pretty.

What isn't pretty is the builder grade light fixture and the lack of decorating.

We recently purchased a new (to us) dining room set that has helped the room tremendously. This didn't solve the lack of decor problems, but it gave us a roomier table for meals and did make it look like a dining room for "grown ups."

This weekend, I purchased a painter's drop cloth for the sole purpose of creating these knock-off curtains in my dining room. I am still searching for a long enough curtain rod that isn't too expensive.

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I also have some additional wall decor in the works- something that will only cost me the price of the frames. I am excited about how this room is finally taking shape! 

Linking to Stonegable, Worthing Court, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, Confessions of a Plate Addict, and French Country Cottage!

High/low knockoffs: West Elm

Tomorrow morning, I will meet and begin teaching a brand new crop of eighth graders. My summer passed quickly, but it was a good summer and I'm happy to be teaching again. I'm even more happier to be continuing my blog series on high/low knock-offs.

This week, I am sharing my top five West Elm knock offs. They are, as always, in no particular order. Prices are included. 

5. West Elm Glass Jug Table Lamp,  $169

DIY: A knock-off Pottery Barn kids vanity stool

My daughter is outgrowing her nursery, so we are working to prepare a big girl room for her. We have painted it and are almost finished, except for buying a dresser and getting some artwork for her walls.

I had a sweet little white vanity sitting around from when I was growing up. I gave it a fresh coat of paint recently and a new drawer pull, but decided it needed a little something else.