Ever see one of those rooms that you love and save on your desktop forever? For me, that was this living room in Rachel Bilson's home.
When I bought my own place, I set out to incorporate the look and feel of this design, but translated to my $3,000 or less room budget. Starting from scratch, I had no idea if it would be achievable – but, I gave it a go.
My Inspiration - Image from Cush and Nooks: Lonny Magazine of Rachel Bilson's Living Room
Now, I didn't *quite* achieve the same look of Rachel Bilson's, but I was on a budget, it turns out my style trend toward retro flare. Even though I didn't recreate the look, I have to say I do love the way it turned out!
The first item that I set out looking for is the couch. I knew I wanted blue. And comfortable. Meaning squishy and deep. I am a lay-on-the-couch type of person. This retro-style peacock blue couch didn’t completely match my source material, but it was only $800 on the Macy's Memorial Day Sale.
TV – Flatscreen & Mount, $890, see more about my choice here.
Chair – Homegoods, $199.
TV Stand – Even though my TV was wall-mounted, I needed a place to store all my components. Found on the Urban Outfitters website on clearance. (I actually received this damaged onthe corners, but because it was the last one, Urban Outfitters refunded my money and I repaired the piece. Hellloooooooo budget saver!) $0
Rug – Homegoods, $399.
Artwork – I got both prints and frames for $40, plus one other screenprint from Home Goods for $24. See my article on budget-friendly artwork!
End table – Target, $70
Basket for Blankets - $40, Homegoods
Light Fixture - $299 from Crate & Barrel
Paint - $50
Accessories – Candle, picture frame, "Love" sign, pillows, etc – $85
Coffee Table – Made by my semi-roommate/handyman (long story), legs purchased from Etsy - $100 for materials
Total cost $2,996 … RIGHT ON BUDGET! I definitely couldn't have made it without some of my lucky breaks on furniture and my semi-roommate/handyman.
