What’s The One Thing…
… that you can’t quite bring yourself to dole out the cash for, but always admire from afar? There has to be at least one item that almost brings a tear to your eye because you love it so much, but you just can’t quite reach into your wallet and make it happen. Being the cheap-o that I am, I actually have two.
The first is this amazing $399 capiz chandelier (sold at Furbish Studio):
And the second is this gorgeous scalloped mirror, formerly sold for around $300 by Ballard Designs:
Why do I love them? Let me count the ways.
- They’re both sculptural and textural
- They both have the power to make a room.
- They’re basic things (a mirror and a light) with a not-so-basic design.
- They can both make a room feel big and airy (one by providing light and one by bouncing more of it around).
- They both have that breezy and white beachy-chic thing going on, which always fries my bacon.
- They’d fit right into our house seamlessly, no need to redesign a space around them.
- I just love them both. The heart wants what it wants.
Now it’s your turn. Link to – or just describe – the item(s) that have you weak in the knees… but somehow still aren’t on your buying agenda. Do you have a “one that got away” story? Share and share alike.
First image courtesy of I Suwannee, second image courtesy of HGTV’s 2009 Green Home. Oh and check out The Newlywed Diaries for a smaller and easier-on-the-budget alternative to the capiz light we love. Sadly we’re smitten with the giant 16″ version (which is still a pretty penny on the site she dug up). Sigh.
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I have two things: a Kitchenaid mixer and a spiffy Canon DSLR. They’ve been on my wish list for years but I keep bumping them down because I’m not ready to make the monetary commitment. Haha.
The Jonathan Adler whale pitcher you guys have in the sidebar of yhl. I’m only seventeen (and jobless) so it’d be a big chunk of money on something I wouldn’t use for maybe ten years until I have my own house and family.
I will own it, someday. (:
I have that lamp. I had to splurge on it I loved it so much. For me, it was actually inspired by the capiz shell lamp in your bedroom. I was looking for one of those when I came across this and had to splurge on it. I actually posted it to your facebook page after I got it because it reminded me of you guys so much. Someone else I know got it after she saw it at my house too. I say splurge on it! It makes me smile every time I walk by it.
My fiance and I DESPERATLY want a new couch. However, we are still apartment bound and made a promise not to buy any big peices of furniture until we bought a house (hopefully in April).
Only 9 months left.. hehehe
LB
Dear Anthropologie: please stop making beautiful things I cannot afford. Thank you.
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=&id=960038&catId=HOME-FURNITURE-BEDS&pushId=HOME-FURNITURE-BEDS&popId=HOME-FURNITURE&sortProperties=&navCount=30&navAction=middle&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=010&colorName=WHITE&isSubcategory=&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=templateC
The Newlywed Diaries blog just featured a “Look for Less” version of your capiz chandelier! You can get it here: http://www.islandwoods.com/lamps.html for $162.
Alas, I want the giant 16″ version (which is still tres expensivo). Ah well, I’ll keep dreaming…
xo,
s
I absolutely love Arco floor lamps and built-in cabinet espresso machine. Neither of which I will ever end up dishing out cash for in my lifetime (most likely), but I will always catch my eye.
Here are a couple links:
Arco lamp: http://www.nest.co.uk/graphics/products_other_fullsize/3865.jpg
Espresso machine: http://european-kitchen-design.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/m21.jpg
LOVE <3
I definitely agree with Stacy–I have always wanted a fancy DSLR, but I don’t think I’ll have the money (or be brave enough to spend it!) for many, many years to come. I also am a sucker for all things Anthropologie–that was one of my earlier summer jobs during college, and I miss the 40% discount!
A new laptop. I REALLY want to break away from being chained to my desktop, but until my Mac Mini sputters to a stop, I just CAN’T bring myself to do it, even though the Acer I want is a measly $350.
I desperately want new furniture. My hubby and I rent and 90% of our furniture is hand-me-down. We decided that we wouldn’t buy new until we have a house b/c we don’t want to risk damaging the new stuff moving them in and out of the extremely narrow stairwells of our apt building. So… we wait. We probably won’t buy for another year or 2 so it’s getting to be a looooong wait… but I know it’ll be worth it when we do go ahead and buy new (and stuff that’s more “us” than what we currently have too!)
A DSLR! I just can’t bring myself to spend the money on one.
I’ve been dying to get this Pottery Barn project table for a desk/crafting area/writing table/gift wrapping station combo: http://tinyurl.com/y92xsng buuuut spending $1000 on a desk really isn’t in my current budget. I could probably find similar pieces (short book shelves for the ends and a board for the top) and put together a similar piece, but I’ve been longing for this original for awhile.
Oh, I was JUST thinking about my one that got away. I don’t remember the name, but it was an armchair at Crate and Barrel, and it had blue paisley fabric. I wanted it SO. BAD…but I lived in a tiny apartment and couldn’t justify $800 for a chair I couldn’t use. I used to go visit it at the store, and was thisclose to buying the floor model…and I passed. Now that I have a corner that’s dying for a chair, I really regret it. :\
I second the letter to Anthropologie from above – why oh WHY can’t some of their stuff just be at least a LITTLE bit attainable?!
Want so bad: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=HOME-CURTAINS-LIGHTWEIGHT&id=57069&catId=HOME-CURTAINS&pushId=HOME-CURTAINS&popId=HOME&sortProperties=&navCount=25&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=tur&colorName=TURQUOISE&isSubcategory=true&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OAh4Xl94vrU/Svcism9rHZI/AAAAAAAAOBc/mOa5yxkUeRs/s400/filicia-showhouse-dining-room-1109-de.jpg
I love the dining room designed by Thom Filicia in this picture and am using it as a bit of inspiration for my own. I think the Greek Peak yellow dining chairs he designed really make the room. Sadly, they sell for about $700 a chair! I will certainly keep on dreaming.
Oh there are so many things! And now that light is one of them … :/
The Claudia bed at Pottery Barn is on my list. We’re DIYing a version of it instead for about half the price. Kind of dying a little inside for their Eva Colored Glass Table Lamp, and Filagree Star Pendants, too. Really I’ll just take pretty much everything at PB.
I am obsessed with this mirror to put above the bed in our guest bedroom: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod32210016&parentId=cat16130915&masterId=cat25240738&index=100&cmCat=cat000000cat000553cat17640731cat25240738cat16130915
Sarah Richardson used it in a bathroom and I’ve lusted for it since.
I saw these and immediately thought of Sherry:
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod106340087&parentId=cat20780731&masterId=cat14070772&index=0&cmCat=cat000000cat000553cat14070772cat20780731
Love the rhino :)
Ooh those are so fun Sadie! Thanks for sharing the link. You have me pinned!
xo,
s
Is this a sneaky giveaway that if we tell you what we want, we will all magically win?
If so, I vote for an area rug for my guest bedroom.
I’m dying to dress it up with a great rug that adds life to the room .. but I just can’t bring myself to dish $400 (!!) for a rooms that barely get used.
The main reason I want to splurge is that the furniture has all by DIY and MIY, so I’m almost convincing myself that I need one of these babies with all of the money I’ve saved.
$400 – 5×8
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=115647&RN=853&
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=HOME-RUGS-CREWEL&id=983440&catId=HOME-RUGS&pushId=HOME-RUGS&popId=HOME&sortProperties=&navCount=25&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=008&colorName=NAVY&isSubcategory=true&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=
Mine isn’t an item, but a service. I love, love, love this certain wedding photographer. I read her blog religiously and get all excited when she posts new pictures on her FB page…she’s so talented! Not only is she thousands of dollars more than we can afford, but she’s also 3 states away :(
One of a kind artwork (paintings, photos, etc). I am drawn to huge, overstated art pieces that make a room. However, not only do I not have the money, but I find it hard to party with several hundred dollars (often more!) for artwork no matter how fabulous it is. I guess that explains why I have been DIYing my own artwork. Taking cues from art I love and making it my own. Its certainly not on par with the artists work but there is a level of personal satisfaction when you DIY something that makes it worth it- at least until I’m wealthy enough to stop making and start buying!
I want the Edison lighting fixture. Badly.
Sherry, where would you put those two items in your home if you did get them? Just curious…
Hey Julia,
Good question! I think the mirror would go above the mantel in the den or in the half bathroom and the chandelier would probably hang above the dining table. Ah, to dream…
xo,
s
like others have mentioned above, i’ve been jonesing after a dslr for years, and just can’t justify it.
i also really really really want a marimekko unikko wall canvas. i’d take on in any color; i want one in every color! we have them decorating the hallways at work and they make me smile every time i walk by!
http://www.marimekko.fi/ENG/interior/fabric/maijaisola/unikko/frontpage.htm
I just did a post similar to this. Check it out here: http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/2010/06/23/etsy-inspiration/ None of it is terribly expensive, it’s just expensive for what it is. I can’t bring myself to pay more than $10.00 for a pillow.
That chandelier is gorgeous!
I’ve had this rocking chair from Urban Outfitters on my wish list for awhile now. It is fairly reasonable, but still out of our price range right now…
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&itemCount=80&startValue=1&selectedProductColor=&sortby=&id=17118241&parentid=A_FURN_FURNITURE&sortProperties=+subCategoryPosition,+product.marketingPriority&navCount=77&navAction=poppushpush&color=&pushId=A_FURN_FURNITURE&popId=APARTMENT_FURNISH&prepushId=&selectedProductSize=
I actually saw a set of chandeliers just like that (except they looked to be covered in white roses) at Macys once. I just stood under the display, mouth agape, wanting them so so so badly. One look at the price tag, and that dream was gone. Then I inspected them more carefully, and they were literally no more than a paper lantern type chandelier covered in fake flowers. I’m actually planning on recreating my own on the cheap.
One thing! Yikes, I don’t think I can narrow it down. How ’bout an outdoor fireplace??? I would LOVE one of those. And I’m totally digging your two picks!
Rachel
xoxo
In my case, it’s the house itself. I adore the house we’re renting, and the owners want to sell it in the next year or so … but if I were house shopping, I’d be looking for something about $50,000 less than they want/need for it. We could technically afford the house just fine, but if I were thinking with my brain instead of my heart, I’d go for something cheaper than the max we can afford. Know what I mean? But I am *in love* with the house. Painfully in love.
Anyway, Sherry – keep an eye out on Ebay! You never know, you could totally run across that fixture or mirror at a much lesser price (and they are both so lovely!) …
Sad as it is, I have been coveting this paper towel rack for 3 years now. And for 3 years, I have refused to pay $30+ for something to hang paper towels on.
http://www.ballarddesigns.com/jump.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&itemID=11049&fromNewSearch=true&mercadoResultId=2
SAD.I.KNOW
I’ve been in love with this curvy, tree-patterned chair since I first spotted it in Crate & Barrel. It strikes a balance between modern and vintage that’s just right for our house. Alas, it’s $1,200…and we’re pretty much out of room for furniture at this point.
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=947&f=2318
I LOVE this woodland organic duvet from pottery barn, and it’s not even ridiculous expensive, but I already have that works just fine (and I like it too, of course). I keep watching ebay to see if one will pop up cheaper and potterybarn.com to see if the price goes down any more. Maybe after my next paycheck I will just splurge and get it – it would be perfect for summer :)
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/woodland-organic-duvet-cover-sham/?pkey=csale-duvets-shams
I would have to say a large 8 x 12 Jute rug. I have wanted one for our living room for so long, but they are tres expensive!
Another thing on the dream list: Stainless steel appliances and a dishwasher! Oh to have a dishwasher. I think I’d be spoiled then, I haven’t had one since I lived at home with my parents. Luckily, with three little ones (ages 5, 5, and 7) they are a pretty good substitute, and LOVE earning treats for helping out.
A Ron Arad bookworm bookshelf. First saw it in a family friend’s home in 1994. They brought it home from Europe before they were “common” in the states. Seen again in a Real World home on MTV.
It’s probably super passe now but like you said, the heart wants what the heart wants.
The one that got away (or, the one I just couldn’t justify buying): a $3600 wedding dress that was stunning. I think about it now over seven years later–how it looked and how I felt in it. I got married in my mother’s wedding dress instead which was beautiful and, other than some minor alterations, free. And it made my mom cry to see me in it so it was worth not buying the dream dress.
For those who are wanting a DSLR: you could probably find a used older model for less. If you get one from a reputable place (B&H, KEH, etc.) they do an extensive series of tests to determine how good it still is and will be honest up front. Look for a Canon Rebel or a 10D ($200-$250, sometimes less), body only. Add a new 50/1.8 lens (<$100 – not much savings with buying this lens used) and you have an amazing setup that you could grow with.
The Faulkner Library Cabinet at Crate and Barrel.
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=995&f=11780&q=faulkner&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1
We have a tiny condo with no room for this, but I have been obsessing over it for months. It’s beautiful and rustic looking, it’s named Faulkner, I have a ton of books and I’m a giant nerd. I’m sure C&B had me in mind when they created this!
Amelia~I love love love those curtains!!!! I challenge you to make them! (or something very close) Check this out http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2010/06/paisley-tee-for-me.html
See? Easy! Do it, then share pics with the rest of us!!! : )
I have wanted this since I moved into my house. I just love everything about it, but refuse to fork out the money for it!
http://www.accent-furniture-direct.com/asp/show_detail.asp?sku=HW2057&refid=XT14-HW2057
Funny! I have also been coveting that mirror for some time!!
This little chair – it has my heart.
http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product/detail.do?productGroup=3165&catalog=filter&menuCatalog=room&menuSubcategory=201206
And while it isn’t super expensive, there are always items we actually need (instead of just want) that get our funds instead.
And I don’t think this chair would be comfortable in our apartment without its friend: http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product/detail.do?productGroup=3126&catalog=filter&menuCatalog=room&menuSubcategory=201198
But given their total price, I’ve come to terms with never owning them. I think.
I’m feeling the Anthropologie girls… this dresser and I were made for each other, but not at that price!
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=960069&parentid=BAYNOTE&tabStyle=Reviews
i would love to get a closet organizer system. ours is a mess!
for all you DSLR lovers-my husband has a canon 7d for work and it takes beautiful pictures and video!! it is definitely worth the money. :)
No way! That capiz light fixture is my “one thing I admire from afar but will never buy”. Except I found it at Viva Terra and it was about twice the price…I think it was a bigger size.
I actually wrote about it here: http://efedesigns.com/blog/?p=476.
I wanted the Company C tulip rug a few years back and when it went on clearance I was still to stingy to “pay the price”, now I regret it since we may pull up the old carpet and redo the hardwood floors under it. I hope I don’t regret getting rid of the carpet (cold floors in an old house).
I have always wanted the Chippendale bamboo chairs from the breakfast table in the Golden Girls’ kitchen. It was something I knew I wanted in my house someday, even when I was a kid watching the show. I can’t even go to Jonathan Adler’s website because I’ll just stare at them and try as hard as I can to figure out how to justify the purchase.
Mine is a new sofa. Specifically the Jasper from R&B.
http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product/detail.do?productGroup=3125&catalog=filter&menuCatalog=room&menuSubcategory=201198
I know it isn’t a lot of money for a good sofa, but I too am currently a renter, with tentative plans to move to another state in a year or two. I just can’t justify spending so much on a sofa that I’ll either have to ship across the country or leave behind.
Crate and Barrel has some beautiful upholstered linen dining chairs with nailhead trim that would look AMAZING in our dining room. I was hemming and hawing when I thought they were $200 each – turns out I read the price tag wrong in-store and they are actually $400 a piece! Since we want 8 chairs, that isn’t going happen soon (or ever, probably). Hoping I can someday DIY my own version on the cheap, but the shape is so perfect… sigh.
Chinese Chippendale Chairs! Google Image search in URL space!
Basically everything at Restoration Hardware.