Upstairs, downstairs

Our focus has been on the lower level of the main house till now, because that is where we want to put the bulk of our money. However, we have finally started buying a few things for the upstairs garage apartment. If you are trying to furnish a new home or apartment on a budget, I think you will like some of these bargains.

First, we picked out an upholstered platform bed from AllModern.com.  It has 4.5 stars based on almost 600 reviews, and, depending on the size, ranges in price from $268.99 to $308.99.

Ortho Therapy upholstered panel bed by Zinus
allmodern.com

We also got the Jonah cream/smoke shag rug by Corrigan Studio from AllModern. The 8'6" x 12' size we purchased is on sale for around $400, while the 5'3" x 7'6" size is only $149. Granted, it is polypropylene rather than wool, but it serves our purpose and was easy on the budget. This rug received 5 stars based on almost 800 reviews. The existing carpet in the upstairs apartment, which will probably be replaced with hardwood at some point, is a generic beige, so the rug ties the carpet and gray bed together nicely with an iconic mid-century pattern. We plan to create a very minimalist look by using a pale cream comforter with gray/tan throw pillows on the bed.

Corrigan Studio Jonah shag rug
allmodern.com

Again, AllModern was the source for a 60" TV stand/console in a taupe reclaimed wood look. It received 4.5 stars from 24 reviewers. It may be replaced later if we find a bargain on a vintage credenza, but for now it fills the bill, coming in at around $350.

TV stand/console by Monarch Specialties
allmodern.com

We are still looking for a couple of easy chairs, but I am sure we will find something soon. Till then, we are happy to be making progress...and even happier that it has been accomplished relatively inexpensively.

Note: AllModern offered no incentives for my writing this post. All items were purchased from their website the current listed price.

In the store: Tambour doors galore

We've moved two extraordinarily lovely credenzas onto the floor of the store recently. One is a very large rosewood beauty by Bernhard Pedersen & Sons. It is 83" long (211 cm) and has gorgeous tambour doors, which win me over every time. We had an identical piece in the store a year ago, and I'm sure this one will sell just as quickly as the other one did.

Equally spectacular is the smaller Peter Hvidt teak credenza. It too has tambour doors as well as a nice configuration of three shallow drawers with one extra-deep drawer. I also like the stretcher treatment of this piece.

Bernhard Pedersen & Sons tambour door rosewood credenza

Peter Hvidt tambour door teak credenza

Open view of Peter Hvidt credenza

In the store: Bernhard Pedersen and Son

New to the store is this 83" classic credenza with tambour doors by Bernhard Pedersen and Son. With its adjustable shelves and set of drawers, it would make a perfect media cabinet.

In the store: Diamond faceted credenza

This unique credenza is a real stand out. Made of claro walnut and dark mahogany, it sits on pyramid legs and has push touch doors and adjustable shelves with one drawer in the center. I don't think this one will stay on the floor for long.

Diamond faceted credenza

Front view

Close up of door

In the store: Danish teak credenza

One of the latest additions to our inventory is this lovely Danish teak credenza attributed to Arne Vodder. It has recessed pulls, a fantastic base and sliding doors, which open up to reveal ample shelving. The piece has been completely restored, and, at 70", it's a nice size for most homes.

Danish teak credenza, attributed to Arne Vodder

Front view

Open view

Alternate open view

In the store: Amazing case goods

Till now, the largest credenza we've had was one designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen. Note that I said till now. We just got an 8' solid teak credenza by Johannes Andersen, and it's massive. Aside from its size, it has another feature that's unique: rounded sides. As if that weren't enough, it's finished on all four sides...a real top-quality piece.

Johannes Andersen credenza

Alternate front view

Open view

Close-up of open view

Close-up of rounded end

Back view that gives you an idea of how immense this thing really is

If gargantuan is not your thing, we have something for you too. These beautifully restored chests by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb are exquisite. They measure a modest 36"W x 20"D x 33"H (91 cm x 51 cm x 84 cm), but they make a large statement, in spite of their relatively small footprint.

Ebonized chests by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb

Close-up view of chests

Close-up of pulls

Even the original Widdicomb label says elegance!

I remember that credenza!

Houzz recently featured a local couple's beautiful 1960s home, which they restored and decorated on a budget. I thought you'd enjoy seeing what a remarkable job they did (and see the credenza they bought from us as well). You'll be amazed by their ingenuity, their great finds and their exquisite taste.

Houzz Tours

My Houzz: Resourcefulness Works for a Midcentury Remodel

Reclaimed wood floors, thrifty finds and plenty of patience pay off for a budget-minded family in Dallas

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Sarah Greenman

Artist, freelance writer, designer, actor, mother and author of two blogs... More »

For a couple who describes their style as "organic midcentury modest," this house was initially an unusual choice. Tired of house hunting, Meridith Lohse and her husband, Trey, snagged this 1960s Dallas cottage via the Craigslist real estate section. "The house was updated in the early 1990s in an old-world, heavy style," says Meridith. "It was definitely not our style." 

With the help of New Leaf Construction, the couple added a new bedroom and took the main living areas down to the studs. The remodeled open-concept family space now reflects the couple's clean aesthetic and happily suits their family's needs.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Trey and Meridith Lohse, 3-year-old son Asher, a baby on the way, a dog and 2 cats
Size: 2,500 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths
Location: Lake Highlands, Dallas

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The remodeled family room has elevated views of the backyard. The design takes advantage of the tree views, opening up the inside to mimic the expansive outdoors. Sofa: Retro Revival in Lewisville, Texas; carpet tiles: Flor; Eames chair: White Elephant Antiques in Dallas

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The new portion of the family room was built over an existing deck. Clerestory and picture windows look out over a tree-lined backyard that boasts an enormous two-story playhouse. Meridith says, "The split level really gives you a unique view of the world." Subtle color keeps the decor fresh and youthful. Meridith found the turquoise chair, seen in the far left corner, during curbside trash pickup. She repaired a broken leg, painted it a cheery aqua color and re-covered the seat in an Amy Butler fabric. Credenza: Mid2Mod; club chair upholstery: Fabric Factory; wall paint: Passive Gray, Sherwin-Williams

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Thin countertops, a modern-style hood and a sugar cube tile backsplash keep this sleek kitchen grounded in its 1960s roots. Bar stools: Wayfair; countertops: 2-centimeter quartz, Cambria

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Meridith enjoys cooking while keeping an eye on her busy three-year-old. "Asher thinks it is great fun to spin on the kitchen bar stools or drag one over to help me cook," she says. Air plants and mounted vases: West Elm; backsplash tile: Home Depot; pendant lights:Overstock.com

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A very strict remodeling budget meant the couple had to scale back their material choices. "We shopped open-box sales, Craigslist and junkyards to find exactly what we wanted at a price that we could afford," Meridith says. The wine fridge, stove range, hood and dishwasher were all purchased secondhand.

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The couple replaced worn tile floors with reclaimed knotty heart pine flooring from a Fort Worth brewery built in the 1800s. "You can still see the nail holes and scuff marks where brewing equipment was fastened to the wood and time has left its patina," says Meridith. "As a bonus, it is a green product that reuses old lumber, preventing the consumption of more trees and reducing landfill volume." Floors: Old Texas Wood Flooring

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The preexisting playhouse looks like fun but feels unstable right now. "We need to work on it a bit before I'll let Asher climb up inside," Meridith says.

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The original living room has a small fireplace topped by an oblong midcentury mirror. The couple doesn't want to hurry to furnish their home. Adding one piece at a time allows them to save money and find just the right furniture for their space. Settee: Retro Revival in Lewisville, with Fabric Factory upholstery; pouf: World Market

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A midcentury settee upholstered in a peacock print, a triangular coffee table and a crocheted pouf make up this sitting area. The upholstery pays homage to the peacocks that run wild through the neighborhood. "Our roof is a landing strip," says Meridith. "They roost in our trees at night, and we can hear them in the mornings not so gracefully flying from their perch to our rooftop, then to the ground." Re-covering of settee, sofa, chair: Matthew Ybarra

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A bright and simple dining room overlooks the front of the house. Meridith loves the work ofJonathan Adler, who designed the turkey centerpiece. "His fun, fresh and cheeky spaces always give me a new source of inspiration," she says. Dining table, chairs: White Elephant Antiques in Dallas; chandelier: Lamps Plus

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A small but well-appointed butler's pantry connects the dining room with the kitchen. A closet-style pantry lies directly opposite the built-ins.

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Asher's bedroom, part of the new construction, sits directly below the upstairs living room addition. Eric Carle's Very Hungry Caterpillar decor fills the cheerful space. The Ikea bed allows for easily accessible storage of things like nighttime stories.

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Meridith loves the vintage green leather rocker tucked in the corner of Asher's bedroom. Both the chair and the white dresser were scored at local garage sales. Chair: Ikea

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Three-year-old Asher pokes his head outside to look for peacocks. The house's charming facade is somewhat understated, given the expansive family rooms that lie beyond the front door.

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Homeowner and expectant mother Meridith in front of her fig tree. She offers this advice to other homeowners: "Your home will feel more fluid and settled if you allow the original design and intents of your home to influence your design elements."

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