John wanted me to work Stool Boom into the post title because of this video (which he requests that you all check it out so that you can hum the song while reading this post). Anyway, now in stool news… we got them for our peninsula! And we’re so excited about 1) where we found them, and 2) the price (because four stools can definitely be a budget breaker if they’re priced at $250 a pop). But first, let’s chat about the kitchen budget in general for a second…
We’ve actually spent some real money in certain areas like:
- new Corian counters (around $1700)
- new stainless appliances (around $2213 with the new microwave but not including a range hood that we still need)
- new cork flooring ($848 including underlayment)
- new backsplash tile (and lots of it, since we’re taking it to the ceiling on one wall – around $280)
- tearing down a wall to create an extra wide doorway into the dining room ($700 to the contractor plus $90 for the drywall/trim that we did ourselves)
- in-progress total for the big stuff: $5,831 (still need a range hood, new lighting, floating shelves, art, etc)
And like the majority of renovators, we’re also choosing areas to save, like:
- reusing our existing cabinets (they’re solid oak, full of interior upgrades, and in great shape)
- reconfiguring the layout ourselves (we had fun pushing the pantry around and building a cabinet to enclose the fridge)
- priming/painting the cabinets ourselves (we did it in our first house along with in the office for our built-in desk and really dig the finished product)
- installing as much as we can (like some of the new lighting that we have on the agenda, and those cork floors that we plan to lay ourselves)
- using as many discounts and coupons as we can (we stacked discounts when we got our appliances and our counters, along with using a coupon code on our backsplash tile, snagging clearance cork, and getting three contractor estimates to shave over 3K (!) off the highest one)
- selling things we no longer need on craigslist for money to put back into the makeover (so far we’ve sold our old kitchen table, our old granite, and the black over-the-range microwave that came with our house for a total of $815)
We still have a backsplash to install, cork flooring to lay, new lighting to buy/hang, and floating shelves + a range hood to go up – so admittedly it looks kinda crazy for the amount of money that we’ve spent (since many of the elements that we’ve purchased aren’t in yet). But in a month or two the kitchen should look significantly more finished and upgraded. At least that’s the plan! It’s all just a work in progress until then…
But weren’t we talking about stools? Back to that subject. First we debated something clear/acrylic but heard from a few people who said they really disliked how scratched and foggy theirs got with everyday use and only found a few options that we liked (all of which were over $100 a pop). So we went back to the drawing board, which basically meant examining a ton of inspiration rooms. Which (duh) allowed us to pick up on a pretty obvious theme. Apparently we have a thing for industrial metal stools. We also like that they’re not wood since there are a ton of wood-legged chairs in the nearby dining room, so a contrasting metal look is a nice variation (so not everything feels heavy and wood-y).
For functional reasons we decided that our stools had to have backs (so Clara’s booster seat can snap onto one, so bigger kiddos can more easily sit up there, and even for the added support/comfort they’ll provide for adults). So it eliminated some of the cool backless ones like the stools in this photo from atlantahomesmag.com (we’ve seen similar versions on overstock for anyone interested). But that decision still left us wide open to cool science-y stools like these from Restoration Hardware. Too bad they’re $375 each, making four of them a budget breaking $1,500 (sniffle).
So we set off to find some thrifty (preferably secondhand) options for our kitchen – hopefully at around $60 each or less (you know, in an ideal world where perfect $60 stools abound). We actually found an awesome vintage one at a local thrift store for 50 beans (it was even counter height and not bar height, which is what we need) but there was only one and we needed four. Wop wop. So we took to the internet to try to find some sort of industrial warehouse or bulk manufacturer who made science-y counter height stools in our price point. What do ya know, we found these guys on a school supply website of all places:
I know, I know – it looks more than a little nerdy in that pic (especially because they placed the backrest super high- it’s adjustable). And because it’s not in a delicious room like the other stools above (nothing looks as glamorous when it’s cut out on white). But oddly tall adjustable backrests and white backgrounds aside, there was just something charming about getting lab stools from a school supply place.
They’re admittedly not exactly the same (aka: not nearly as amazing in shape or finish) as the stools in the above inspiration images, but those were sadly (very) out of our budget. And we had a feeling in the right room these affordable guys could really be elevated (you know we’re all about mixing high and low, so things like the new counters, ceiling height backsplash, new appliances, pretty pendant lights over the peninsula, and cork flooring should really elevate them). And the price was riiight. They were $33 each (we got the fixed height 24″ ones). Which means for $168 (including tax and shipping) we got four stools delivered to our door. Here they are in our still very raw and completely unfinished kitchen (but just scroll up to see how metal stools can look pretty darn cool in more finished spaces).
As for their finish, they look nice with the stainless appliances, but once the room comes together more I’m not above tweaking them if I think they’ll look better that way (they were $33 after all…). I’ve definitely contemplated these four options:
- trying a deeper color, like the brown and oil-rubbed-bronze Elle Decor stools that are up a few photos (thankfully metal takes spray paint really well, and any painted metal chairs that you’d buy from a store are essentially just spray primed and painted in thin and even coats). I was thinking I could even upholster the seats with rough chocolate leather or something, along with using ORB spray on the leggier metal parts.
- spraying them all white with wipable leather or vinyl upholstered seats if we want them to gleam like the counters (we’re contemplating a deeper toned accent treatment under the peninsula behind them, so white could really pop – more on that in a minute).
- somehow roughing them up by scuffing, sanding, and maybe even tinting them with some sort of metal stain or glaze that would give them more of an aged/beat up look like some of the more expensive antique-ish stools out there (they could then be sealed with poly so they wouldn’t rub off on anyone)
- spraying them shiiiiiny shiiiiiny chrome like the ones in the Cote De Texas photo a few pics back
We’ll have to wait and see as the room evolves. You know we like to tweak/learn/figure it out as we go. Our house is like a big puzzle and I’m Nancy Drew… and maybe John’s Scooby Doo? Wait maybe Burger is Scooby and Clara is Nancy Drew. And I’m Angela Lansbury. And John is Mulder. Or is he Skully? I always forget which one is the guy. Update: the guy is Mulder. Thanks google.
Ugh- but those orange-y wood cabinets are really cramping our style. We’re actually working on trim and baseboards and puttying and sanding right now… which means priming and painting are just around the corner! So I know some of you might not “get” the stools at all right now (mom!) but I promise when the rest of the room starts to make more sense around them, you might come around. Just give us a chance to get the room a bit more developed. Pretty please? When in doubt, just remember that our first house eventually looked like this, but while it was in-progress it looked like this. Haha.
We especially love how the two adjoined spaces don’t look too wood riddled since we skipped wood stools for the kitchen and went with metal for some nice variety.
And although they look a bit light on their feet (thanks to the airy metal construction) these dudes are solid. Not wobbly. Not lightweight. They’re lab stools for goodness sake. So there’s no flimsy feeling because they’re made to last decades in classrooms with people/teens/teachers of all sizes sitting/beating on them. Most likely while using bunsen burners.
In the comfort department they’re actually really comfortable (there’s a bit of flex in the back rest, which is really nice). I mean it’s not like sitting in a padded armchair, but for stools at a counter we think they’re perfect. And Clara’s booster chair snapped right into the one on the end, so that was nice (it said it worked with any chair with a back, but it was good to have confirmation that she was nice and secure up there). Yup, that means we’ve all been eating (and generally hanging out) at the peninsula these days!
Look, here are Clara and John making cookies at the ol’ new peninsula (can’t see much of the stool, but she’s all strapped in and happy to help stir). More on what amazing concoction they were making here.
Speaking of Clara’s assistance, she also “helped” us assemble the stools. Check out our little leftie in action:
And now for a Burger photobomb:
He couldn’t resist getting in on the action too.
Once we have some amazing (we’re actively on the hunt) pendant lights hanging over them above the peninsula things should start coming together a little more. We sort of have something like this in mind, but we’re definitely not 100% settled yet.
Oh and speaking of the peninsula, a few of you couldn’t tell from the installation photos that we got the corners of it rounded, so here’s a pic from the top with a penny on the edge to show how they’re softly curved. Hooray for no sharp corners (for the bean’s noggin and our hips!).
But back to the stools (I’m all over the place today, huh?). Have you scored a deal from a school supply company or other unexpected source? Have you recently purchased new stools or chairs? Are you into the whole rough/ industrial mixed with fancy/polished look? It’s definitely not for everyone, but it’s funny how many of our inspiration kitchens are exactly that.
Psst- Ahhhhhh- who saw the Dexter finale last night? Don’t want to give anything away, but it was craaaaaazy! We’re still taking about it.
That finale was crazy! My husband and I sat there with our jaws on the floor for a few minutes after it ended.
Have you been watching Homeland – after Dexter? That finale was even crazier!
No, but we hear it’s awesome. Might have to Netflix the entire season!
xo,
s
Yes. Watch Homeland, awesome.
Watching Dexter finale tonight. Can’t wait! I agree – watch Homeland! It’s sooooo good! Almost better than Dexter….almost :)
Our counterop has two smooth corners and two sharp corners. It’s a laminate that we’re going to replace, but we thought that was weird.
You guys are still saving a ton of money despite what you’ve spent! $5k for a new kitchen is awesome!
We just added our first video.. it’s a time lapse of us painting our monrning room!
http://www.ourhomefromscratch.com/2011/12/our-first-video/
Love me some time lapse! Fun!
xo,
s
I love em’! I like the way they look from the dining room especially. However, I do think they would look better spray painted chrome like you were saying. Can’t wait to see paint on those cabinets. That will bring it all together!
New stools! We bought some recently that are also industrial style. Here’s a post all about our options and search, including links to backless stools similar to the first picture you showed: http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/2011/11/22/belly-up-to-the-bar/ I love the mix of traditional with industrial.
Fun! I love them all (although I sat on the Ikea ones you have first and they were sort of rickety/uncomfortable). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
I agree with Sherry. I loved those Ikea stools UNTIL I sat on one. I couldn’t believe how uncomfortable it was! You made a much better choice!
Buying them from a school supply really does make them cooler! I really like them, the metal legs, airy feeling, blah blah blah…. Not a way I would have thought to go, but I”m a girl with those giant wooden armed swivel things from Frontgate. (They work well with my traditional decor, plus the hubs wanted to spring for them.)
I really like the idea of a rough wooden back under the counter, though I wonder if that will detract from the “not wood” positive vibes you have going on right now? Maybe try it out and if it doesn’t work you would white wash the wood?
Exactly! I think a really cool tone of brown (almost gray-brown) might look awesome (without reminding us of the orange-yellow cabinet tone). Here’s hoping…
xo,
s
I was thinking that the gray/brown rough wood accent would tie in the grays on the wall and the brown cork flooring. I’m loving seeing how it’s all coming together.
The chairs are super!! You can’t beat that price..geez!
I can see how some people might not love these stools but I totally get it…I think they were a great find and are probably going to look even better when the kitchen’s done and you decide on a cool finish. Can’t wait to find out what they’ll look like in the future…nice work once again! You guys are so inspiring!
Love the stools! Will be sending that site to my boyfriend, who I’m trying to convince to buy some stools for his peninsula…
I think they will look great once the space is finished.
I’m totally seeing the vision, and I can relate to that stage where you have an eye for where it is going, but you think your friends might be looking at you like you are crazy… Just keep plugging away!
Haha- the coolest thing is that John’s parents came over and thought they were really cool (which wasn’t what we expected in such an unfinished hodge podge room)! Yay!
xo,
s
I love the stools! This is right up my alley! So excited to see your kitchen with the pendants and distressed paneling on the island because these are two things I’ve been scheming for my kitchen too! You guys are so great!
I love that you found those stools on a school supply website! I’m adding it to my list of stores/websites to browse when I need something new.
And holy cow, Dexter! I can’t believe we have to wait nine months to see what happens next!
Ahhhhhh- I can’t wait. We’re still chatting about possible repercussions…
xo,
s
We actually have those stools in our labs at the college where I teach! I’ve always thought they’d be nice in a home. Good to know that they can be purchased by the general public.
I really think those seats would look fabulous upholstered in a chunky leather. I do like the chairs, but I think when they are presented in the completed space, it will alot for them-the orange cabinets are just so not complimentary:-)
I purchased those backless metal ones on Overstock-similar to the first picture. We’ve had them a year, I still love them as much as the day they arrived! They just make the space!
I think they look great!
I seriously can’t wait to see how it all comes together! The suspense is killing me!!
Is it weird that I liked the stools MORE after you described them as nerdy? Either way, I think they look great!
~Stop Me if You’ve Heard This One
Haha- yesss! Nerd power.
xo,
s
I recently bought 2 vintage chairs (that I LOVE) for $5 each, now I have to find the courage to reupholster them, they need a serious make over and I have no idea of how to do it, but I’ve pinned some tutorials on Pinterest and I only spent $10 for the chairs, so it’s not that big of a risk right????
Totally worth a try! You’re right about the low risk thing if they were so affordable. Good luck and keep me posted!!
xo,
s
Design sponge has a step by step tutorial / series going over how to reupholster furniture if you think it’ll help! (lots of pictures and explaining)
The beginning of the series is here: http://www.designsponge.com/2011/06/upholstery-basics-tool-time.html
It’s amazing how everything looks good in your house! Great find!
I am IN LOVE with school stools. I pinned them over the summer but, alas, have no use for them in my home. Great choice.
Aw so glad! I was totally ready for people to tell us we’d lost it! But we can’t wait to see the room come together with those dorky lab guys in there!
xo,
s
Love the stools! They look good the way they are, but I can also picture them with some $herdog ORBing and colorful leather cushioning popping up at a later date.
Love those! Great idea.
Lovin’ the stools. Everything’s coming together so well! Good job!
As for Dexter, didn’t get around to watching it until about midnight (How do we have all this technology, but Christmas presents can’t wrap themselves?!), but I screamed “HOLY CRAP!” so much my roommate came to check on me. No joke.
Haha- I totally shrieked “crazy” over and over again. But in my defense, it was was crazy!
xo,
s
This is me officially siding with the “i don’t like the stools now but i vow to give you guys a chance to finish everything up before i make the final decision” peeps. I would probably jump on the bright white or ORB bandwagon mu-self but given the fact that I have been pretty much head-over-heels with everything else you have done I definitely can’t wait to see the finished product and waiting with a fork and some A-1 to eat these here words. :) I’m pretty much 100% positive it will be gorgeous! :)
Aw thanks Skye! We’re so excited to see where we end up! ORB or bright white could definitely be in the cards!
xo,
s
I love ’em! And I think your mom would like them more too if you found a way to upholster the seat and back of the seat backrest. Those are the only parts that look less like your inspiration chairs, because they’re sort of unfinished. But I think they’re great as is. Ah– science lab!
Um perfect timing, guys! I am working on my fashion collection for grad school and am spending HOURS in front of the sewing machine and working on patterns and I’ve been needing a stool for pattern making! These are actually the exact stools that we have in our design labs and I totally just had a slap-my-forehead “duh” moment when I saw what you guys got picked out. We have a bit of a peninsula that I do my pattern making on but we haven’t been able to find stools that would work. Off to text the hubs to see if this can be my early bday gift! Looks great!
Aw, so glad to help! Aren’t the surprisingly comfortable? So happy they’re not super stiff and hard on the ol’ rear. Haha.
xo,
s
They are comfy! And they can definitely take a beating. Just trying to figure out how to get around the minimum order since we can only fit three. Here’s hoping I can talk my sister into taking the fourth for their kitchen :)
Good luck!
xo,
s
Just in case anyone else is running into the same issue- I was able to contact one of their sales reps via their chat button and she gave me a custom quote on just two of the backless stools I wanted. It’s worth a shot to ask!
Thanks for sharing Alisa!
xo,
s
Love the stools! I actually love those for my basement! We have a bar that we will need stools for. I’m going to have to look those up. I also really love the lights you have picked out. Not sure where they are from but Lowe’s has a similar light as well that might be less expensive http://tinyurl.com/7ela3po
Can’t wait to see the room when it’s done! Good luck painting!
I love those stools…industrial, but not too much so! I think they’re a great addition and I could totally see them grunged up a bit to add some character! Good choice!
Great ideas Sherry!!! I never would have thought to search for a school supply shop. You guys are just so resourceful. I love the look and am more than intrigued by the idea of using a leather top!
If it helps you picture yours more “weathered” and banged up a bit, you can check out the stool makeover I did just a little while back:
http://craftedniche.com/2011/11/25/stool-makeover/
I found a stool in my mom’s garage and refinished the seat to give the wood a bit darker finish. It has the same greyish/blueish finish as yours!
LOVE the kitchen progress. Already swooning over that tile and cork combo!
That is amazing! I love that stool so much!
xo,
s
Dana, I love the mongram you put on your stool!
Sherry, you could monogram J, S, C, and G (for guest) on your 4 stools!
Could be cute!!
xo,
s
So I did a project for a client where I recommended those stools! When I saw your inspiration images, I thought….”I have to tell them to look for the school stools!” Shoulda known that y’all are a step ahead of me.
I love ’em and totally see where you’re going.
http://www.thenestinggame.com
That’s so funny! Great (lab-obsessed) minds think alike!
xo,
s
I love the stools! So fun and chic. Oh and Dexter? Yaaaaa! I can’t wait another year!!! The final scene made the entire season worthwhile. It never ceases to amaze me.
I could totally see them a fun punchy color like plum. I am also still hot and heavy for ORB. And the dark leather you described would be awesome.
Oooh a really deep plum could be really fun if we think the room needs more color. Love it!
xo,
s
Like the plum on that octopus chandelier that you had in your Reader Redesign last week? I am in love with that color and trying to figure out a place I can use it in my house.
Ooh that could be really fun! We’ll have to see where we end up!
xo,
s
Oooh I am ready for some plum! That would be pretty fun!
I love love love those stools!
OMG I am still talking about the Dexter finale too! I totally called that ending but was still like :-O!! I can’t wait 10 months till season 7…
I LOVE them and I think soft toned wooden cladding could look amazing on the end there! I see wood as a bit of a neutral (unless there’s too much, hello swiss lodge) so I dont think it would be “too much” and would tie the room into the wooden media cabinet if you go that route… but also might make the room a bit bottom heavy once the floors are a rich mocha. I know it’ll look great whatever you choose though.
Also, I was wondering of you were still planning to use your old family kid stool for Clara ?
Oh yes, I can’t wait to refinish that! She’s still using one with a front strap and a tray attached (the family one is just a tall chair without any strap or tray) but once she gets a bit older and ready to transiting to a big-girl chair, I’m totally on it!
xo,
s
My mom has the older kid stoll from when I was a kid at her house. My son is 13 months old and has been sitting in it since he was about 6 months old using a little fabric wrap thing like this to keep him in there
:http://www.etsy.com/listing/53418126/wrap-n-go-fabric-travel-high-chair-and
Such a cute idea! I think I pinned something like that on Pinterest – I love it!
xo,
s
fantastic idea!! yay for sciencey stuff.
Love the stools and love the idea of the rough wood on the peninsula. You guys are always inspirational.
Re: pendant lights.. have you thought about making your own? I made some for my kitchen, which are probably not your style, but the idea might work? If you find some fixtures on the cheap that you like, it can save a bundle!
Wow- that’s amazing! We love making/tweaking lights (for example, we reused our old brass chandelier in the office by spraying it indigo and adding a huge frame – and made a clothespin light in our laundry room). So that’s another solution for sure!
xo,
s
The stools look great.
Random aside–I was taken by surprise when I saw “School Outfitters” and realized that there is only one location, and it is directly across the street from my friend’s house in Cincinnati! Well, if you guys ever order something from there again and want someone to scope it out for you in person, I am your gal!
That’s hilarious. What a small world!
xo,
s
I love them just the way they are!! Getting them from a school supply is a fantastic idea. I’ll be interested to see what y’all end up doing with them, but I think they look geek-chic as they are!
We had stool like that ages ago. Be careful of the seat, liquid will warp it.
Thanks for the tip – so good to know! That’s one of the reasons I thought somehow slipcovering/upholstering it with wipeable leather or vinyl could be fun!
xo,
s
Update: Just heard from an antiques dealer who said some sealer on the seat will keep it from warping. Just wanted to pass that along to anyone else looking for a solution!
xo,
s
Sherry & John,
You can’t imagine my surprise as seeing my company’s screen shot on your blog (School Outfitters). I am a loyal, daily reader of yours and seeing that screen shot was definitely like having two worlds colliding – two wonderful worlds! Too funny! I just had to share :)
Haha- that’s hilarious! We’re loving our stools! Hooray for School Outfitters. Haha.
xo,
s
Ellen – I too was shocked as I was just shopping for stools for our lab and had forwarded your site to my department chair as my choice for our department! Colliding worlds all around!
I love the stools! What a great find! Great job comparison shopping. I can’t wait to see how the whole thing comes together.
I love the industrial chairs, I have Science lab flooring in my kitchen, Its hard wearing and looks utterly fabulous out of its context!
i think they look great. good job. and a great price.
The stools look great. I vote for the SHIIIINY Chrome or metal glaze with wipeable white leather. And the wood will definitely be too much if you leave the grellow. I would change the grellow to white or a light gray then add the wood. Would look beautiful! By the way, you guys inspired my husband and I to construct our own office table. He painted and retiled our kitchen table and we inherited an older dining set. I loooove our office desk now :)
I actually got some plastic classroom chairs at a school board warehouse sale for $1/each. They’re awesome and sturdy and I know, like you said, that they’re built to last–and endure the abuse of many a child.
I love the stools, and I love all of your ideas for modifying them later if you choose.
Those sounds awesome. Gotta love something that can take a licking and keep on ticking!
xo,
s
I adore the industrial look & can already see that it’ll look awesome once everything comes together. Although am not to keen on the 4th stool on the side.
P.S Love the shot with the tree in the corner. After seeing yours I have to admit I redid mine with loads of ribbon and baubles.
We like feeding Clara at a 90 degree angle (instead of sitting right next to her and bumping elbows) so we knew a stool on the end was good for functional reasons while we sat on the other side to feed her (we also plan to be at least a family of four, so we knew we’d appreciate 4 stools instead of three down the line!). Hope that makes sense!
xo,
x
The stools are cute! If you end up painting the stools, corrugated metal on the back of peninsula might be fun. It would add a little texture to it and can be seen from the front door (I think, based on the pictures). The silvery industrial feeling between the dark cork floors and the white countertop. Okay, maybe I want it for my island now. :) My parents put carsiding on their island because it was cheap. They have been in their house for 6 years and it still looks great.
That’s another really fun idea! Never thought of that!
xo,
s
Just looked up carsiding – is your parents’ island wood? It sounds like it’s some kind of metal, but “car siding” is aparently wood… I’m only asking ’cause I want to picture what that metal would look like on an island.
My parents is wood. They did that because it was so much cheaper than what the kitchen design company was going to charge for the back of the 8 foot island…about $3,000 cheaper! I just found this picture on Pinterest of a bar with the corrugated metal. I’ve priced it out because we have a wall in our house that is going to get covered in it and it’s way cheap especially if you go to a farm supply place and I love the look of it.
Link to the pictures would be nice too :) This one is new metal: http://pinterest.com/pin/95631192056944608/ and this one is old metal but white counter tops: http://pinterest.com/pin/17170042298873431/
So much fun!
xo
s
Are the seats cork or particle board? There doesn’t seem to be much there to work with, if you upholstered them would you do the whole seat, and not just the part in the centre?
Yup, I’d do the whole seat. I’d sew a circle of leather that slips over the entire seat and use heavy duty velcro or a drawstring that I could pull to tighten it from underneath the seat. Hope that makes sense!
xo,
s
I have to be honest and say I’m not sure about the stools, but I’ll wait patiently and give them a chance! You guys are always good at tying everything together and making it work. Can’t wait to see those cabinets painted!
LOVE the stools. Once you get that gorgeous floor in they will look even more amazing.