Monday, February 10, 2014

Creating a Bar Cart & Conscious Shopping

The bar cart trend has been all over the place lately, and I love how universal it has become. Regardless of how a home is decorated whether it be vintage, country, traditional, modern it just seems to work.
 

 
And, I've wanted one for our dining room, but haven't been able to justify the cost to purchase one (like $100+). A big thing for 2014 is for us to be more conscious with spending.
 
 
 
So, I've been trying to think about what I could repurpose for a bar cart that I already had here at home. Initially, I was planning on painting a metal cart I had bought at a school closing sale, but it didn't mesh with the more antique pieces in our dining room and the scale was all wrong.
 
 
 
I finally decided on this gorgeous little table that my husband had bought at a tag sale last summer.  (He frequently comes home with pieces for me to paint and sell.) We never really had a plan for this table, but at only $5 for a marble table he couldn't pass it up. Seriously. $5.
 
 
 
All it needed was a quick coat of black paint to update it and some easy styling. 
 
 
 
Now, I did purchase a few things. The acrylic tray is actually an organizer that I lined with remnant leather that I had on hand. I also picked up the clearance gold glasses and the pack of coasters (all from HomeGoods). But, I approached the shopping trip with a different mindset. I went in only looking for items for this specific project, which differs from my typical buying because I might be able to use it at some point. This type of thinking has seriously cut down on both my spending and time wasted.
 
 
 
It works perfectly in this spot in our dining room, serving as an extension of the antique cabinet that holds our china and glasses.
 

 
What are some of your tips for cutting back on costs, but still decorating your home? I'd love for you all to share!
 


 


18 comments:

  1. That will work great and looks awesome. One of my NYR was to do the same. I can only use what I have or I have to seek something in order to get what I want. I have a little stash of money from sold items already and it's hard to spend it… so I think it's working!!! 😃

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  2. Your little table works perfectly! I always try and use something that I already have when I'm looking for something specific, or want to fill a certain space. Most of the time I can move something from another room! (If that doesn't work, I sometimes bring something home from my shop-ha!)
    Great job :)
    Susan

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  3. so perfect and styled beautifully! you know the gold makes my heart go pit-a-pat!

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  4. What a great table and great idea for bar cart, that's crazy for $5 with the marble! LOVE those HG finds, too!

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  5. love it angela. what a steal for that table! I've been trying to conscious-shop for about a year now. it's gone pretty well with only a few slips - and they've been in the clothes dept. i will say it's more satisfying over all but less fun in the moment! i went to homesense (our home goods) this weekend and did some fantasy buying - i needed nothing - but could have bought everything!

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  6. That is the cutest table! The marble tops make it perfect for handling glassware and drinks. Great idea to repurpose it for that use.

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  7. You never fail to amaze me girl! I love it!! :)

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  8. This rocks friend! And the tray lined with leather is brilliant! I have always wanted one as well and I just love the look of yours!!! What a great idea to use a small table! Hope you have a lovely week! Nicole xoxo

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  9. 5 bucks for the cutest little (but tall!) bar cart, are you kidding me?! I wish I had a hubby like that, who knows to spot, bargain for and bring home such character pieces!

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  10. What an adorable little table and for $5 what a steal! Looks great all gussied up.

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  11. Angela $5 I can't believe it. You made this fit in perfectly. I love the marble on this table.

    Cynthia

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  12. I love how this is a departure from your typical rectangular cart on wheels and it looks lovely!

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  13. Gorgeous bar cart, I'm obsessed too, I wish I had enough space... maybe a bar shelf on the book case will have to do?! x

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  14. OMG!!!!!! I love your bart cart!!!! There's a bunch at Goodwill right now that are the Target Threshhold brand that I drool over everytime I go in. But they are $40 and I have absolutely nowhere to put one :(
    Some of my tips for cutting back on costs are: 1. using what I have in new ways. 2. I wait patiently for something I really want. I can usually find whatever it is on my wishlist for a great price by not impulsively buying. 3. I only buy something that I have a perfect place for. If I don't have a spot in mind, then it's just a waste of money. :)

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  15. What a great little table. I have been pinning bar carts lately, maybe cabin fever has me thinking about drinking.... Love what you did!

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  16. Really love this...and that marble top is fantastic!

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Thank you so much for stopping by Number Fifty-Three! I look forward to your comments.