Affordable Finds | Desks

Today I'm sharing a few affordable desk options! All of these are super versatile - In addition to desks, they can easily be used as a console table or nightstand. Perfect for those (like me :) that frequently move furniture around!

Here are a few of my top picks!

Prices range from $70-$230!

white parsons desk classic lines that will never go out of style! // white desk perfect small desk option // wood and metal desk great industrial look //  wood campaign desk My current desk has a very similar look, I love the warm wood tone // white x base love the high gloss finish!

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Do you have an affordable desk that you love? If so, leave it in the comments!

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What Would Sarah Do? Mid Century Modern Edition

I'm so excited to share another edition of What Would Sarah Do this week! Thanks so much for sending in your thrifted finds!! Today, I'm sharing Jill's amazing second hand treasures, a Mid Century Modern sofa and pair of chairs (You know I have a weakness for all things MCM!). Both of pieces have amazing lines and just need a little refreshing, so today's suggestions are all about freshening and modernizing.

This sofa! Sure, it looks a little worn, but look at those clean lines and that wood base!

First, I'd remove the back tufting for a cleaner look.

Jill said she was thinking about a cotton velvet and I think that's a great idea! Maybe something like this. Make sure that it is upholstery grade, and if available, check the double rubs (a machine rubs over the fabric, back and forth until the fabric is worn), a higher number is better. (i.e. 100,000 double rubs, but 25,000 to 50,000 is suitable for residential use) Also, make sure to order a sample first!

For the base, I'd sand it down and leave it natural, sealed with clear polyurethane and clear wax. If she's thinking about replacing the bottom cushions, maybe swap for one large cushion for a more relaxed look. But keep three for a more tailored look.

I'm considering a color for a second sofa, I can't get yellow out of my mind! Maybe something like this.

Or maybe a teal! Like this or this

Jill also sent a few pics of this MCM chair. She has already removed the side panel on the arms (great call, as it shows off the detail on the arms!) I love the lines and the tufted cushion!

She's debating dyeing the fabric, before investing time/money reupholstering with a linen or linen look ..

Personally, I'd love to see these in a saturated linen, so I say, reupholster!

Maybe Fuchsia from the Warsa line

Or this yellow. Jill mentioned that these won't be in the same room as the sofa, but if they were, I'd pair them with the charcoal sofa.

I love the arms natural wood, so I'd sand them down and apply a light coat of a gray stain such as Minewax Classic gray - wipe it off immediately so it doesn't get too dark.


If you'd like to know what I'd do with a piece, feel free to email a photo to sarahmdorseydesigns{@}gmail.com with the subject line, what would sarah do? I might include it here next week! (p.s. Thanks to all that sent in your request, I will try to get to all of them!)

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Friday Five

Hey! I hope that you had a great week! Here's a few things that have caught my eye recently!

I recently updated our DIY page .. Creating the thumbnails made me realize how much we've accomplished in a few months! If you missed any of our recent projects, click here! (this is just a screenshot, click here for the individual project links) 

This is from a few months ago, but if you're planning to paint a piece of furniture this weekend, make sure to check out my tips! This post also includes how we polished the brass hardware!

I love buffalo wings, but it's not exactly the healthiest thing to eat .. I found a vegetarian version several months ago and it's been a regular menu item at our house ever since! You HAVE to try this buffalo cauliflower recipe from The Curvy Carrot, so so good!! Personally, I like it better than normal buffalo wings! (though I'm not a huge meat eater ..) 

via the curvy carrot

I've always been afraid of sewing pillows with zippers, but The Chronicles of Home tutorial is so easy, I'll definitely be giving it a try next time! 

Please pin from the original source, here Thanks! 

the chronicles of home

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Don't want to make your own pillow? This teal and pool pom pom pillow from West Elm might be it!

I love that it's the same hue, but different values. 

We have a busy weekend planned working on our MD living room!! Also, next week I'll be attending a super exciting event in NYC with BHG, so stayed tuned for details! Be sure to follow along on Instagram for behind the scenes peeks! Hope you have an amazing weekend!

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Humpday Giveaway | Free Printable

Hey! Hope you're having a great week!

For today's free printable, I'm sharing two arrow prints.

 I love the simple geometric nature to them ..

Download your free copy HERE (three arrows is 5x7, two arrows is 8.5x11)

*For personal use only, resale is not permitted

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Also, Don't forget to check out the Bob Vila Thumbs Up Competition. Our headboard has been nominated! I'd love your vote!! It's super easy - only takes two clicks! You can vote once a day through the end of the month!

Vote HERE Thank you! :)

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What Would Sarah Do?

I often get asked, how do you pick out things at a thrift store? What do you look for? or What would you do with this? So I decided to start a little series, sharing second hand finds and how I would transform them into something that I'd LOVE to have in my home!

Look at this headboard!? Sure it's dingy and the brown painted frame looks a little cheap, but new fabric, and paint would make this look like a million bucks!



Headboards are pricey.. DIYing headboards can also be pricey (typically at least $100-$200) due to the amount of supplies (wood, foam, batting, fabric, etc) needed. Finding a headboard that needs a little work is a great way to cut costs and time!!

To get started, I'd remove the fabric panel and foam (I'd probably replace the foam - look for a 50% off foam sale at Joanns (last time I was also able to stack a 20% off regular and sale items too!) or use a 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby, or purchase an egg crate and use the smooth side up)

Reupholster the panel in something like this

or this

Or go classic with a solid linen and nailhead trim around the edge, like this bed from Restoration Hardware.

Sand the frame and prime the frame with a durable primer, such as Zinsser Cover Stain or Kilz Bonding Primer. Finish with a top coat of durable paint, such as Sherwin Williams Pro Classic.

Reattach the panel and you're done! This project could easily be done in a day with limited supplies - upholstery stapler, scissors and paint brush/paint are all that you'd need! Depending on fabric choice, this project would most likely be complete for under $100!

p.s. anyone local to Knoxville, TN, as of today, headboard still available at Karm thrift store on Kingston pike! $50 for a king!

If you'd like to know what I'd do with a piece, feel free to email a photo to sarahmdorseydesigns{@}gmail.com with the subject line, what would sarah do? I might include it here next week!

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Friday Five

Hey! I hope that you had a great week! Here's a few things that have caught my eye recently!

*Contains affiliate links

Have you seen Nate Berkus' newest collection for Target? I can't wait to check it out in store! Here are a few of my favorites! 

seagrass stripe storage basket // chevron throw // metal wing bowl // black faceted lamp // faux fur stool 

Trying to cut a straight line with a circular saw or jig saw? Clamp a straight piece of wood (on both sides) and run the saw along the edge. (Confirm that the board is firmly clamped before using the saw)

When we moved into our new place in Tennessee, we needed new shower hooks.. why am I writing about this? .. because our last set rusted within a week. We went to the store looking for a metal that wouldn't rust - we found a set that were solid brass (ironically none of the finishes looked like brass, so I guess they have a coating on them? ) 

BUT the important thing is that we've had them for a few months and they still look perfect! 

(I'm not sure if this is the exact link, since it doesn't list the material online, but they do look like this. In store, it says solid brass on the package) 

The other week, walking though Ikea I saw the Alex drawer unit, I love the flat storage to easily access a variety of paper! 

Love how it's built into this custom desk!

via Pinterest, original source not found

Finding a stylish flush mount light can be tricky .. I love this one from CB2, and it's only $59.95!

Hope you have a great weekend!! :)

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DIY Tufted Headboard with Nailhead and Wings | Bob Vila Thumbs Up Competition

Today I'm so excited to share that one of my very first projects has been selected to participate in the Bob Vila Thumbs Up DIY Competition!! 

Would you vote for me!? 

When we created this project, I had no idea how popular it would be! It's been the most re pinned project on my site and dozens of people have shared their versions with me! It's so awesome to see others complete projects that we've shared (makes writing tutorials worth it)!! 

Looking back at this post, makes me miss this headboard! (we sold it before we left CA) Maybe it's time to make another!

Voting is open till September 30th, you can vote once a day on all of your devices, so vote a few times if you'd like!! It's super quick, only two clicks! 

Vote HERE

Thanks friends!! :) 

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