Equestrian Chic.

Remember the Bloggers Give Back Auction back in December?  Well, the winner of my design services was none other than Olivia Weiss of Casually Defined.  Olivia, a fellow DC girl, is currently a student at George Washington University and wanted an equestrian chic bedroom on a budget.  Olivia already purchased this Hotel Bedding in black from Restoration Hardware, and plans on making her own headboard.  She is renting, so is unable to paint.    Here is the mood board that I created for her:

1. Dark Horse Print- $450

2. Abbey Mirror-$89

3. Lacquer Boxes- $20-$70

4. Gilt Metal Horse Head- $4,000

5. Richard Nixon Throw- $295

6. Westport Bed- $1,997- $4,632

7. Lacquered Campaign Desk- $5,800

8. Urn Lamps- $735 each

9. You already own. ;)

10. Orange Drapes- $49

11. Oly Etta Chair and Ottoman- $4,800

Since Olivia wanted a a sophisticated look, I first showed her what I would choose if money was not an object.   Obviously, some of these items were not in Olivia's price range, so we went through what were "must haves" and found some budget-friendly options:

1.) Urn Lamp- $319.91 (You can find similar lamps for under $100 at HomeGoods)   I suggested Olivia stick with black shades, it will add some contract to herwhite walls, and pick up the black in her bedding.

2.)If you like the shape of the lamp, but not the color, pick up some metallic spray paint and go to town.

1.) Spirit Horse Print-$122.99

2.) White Horse- $29.99

3.) Spirit Horse- $27.99  (cut out so that you can frame (image only) and frame.)

4.) Horse 22- $59.99

5.) White Horses in Water- $29.99

1.) Horse Head- $129.95

2.) Rustoleum Metallic Spray Paint in Gold- $12.99

A Few Things To Note: (For Olivia)

1.) I love the idea of the orange curtains to balance the boxes and the blanket.  I would however, take them to a workroom and have the ties cut offf and so that you can add brass rings.  Hang on brass hardware.  Another idea is to buy two sets and have them seamed together so that you have a set of really full panels.  Lining would also dress them up!

2.) A lot of similar items can be found at flea markets and HomeGoods.  Never underestimate the power of paint.

3.) I love the idea of making your own headboard.  In invision a flax color with a lot of texture (like linen or burlap.)

Thanks Olivia, it was a pleasure working with you.  Please keep us updated as your room is transformed!