If you’ve been with me for a while you know I love a bargain. Who doesn’t! It’s the thrill of the find. A time, a place, a memory. But, what if something is a ridiculous bargain or even free. Is it an automatic find? Something you jump on and immediately grab and take home.

For some reason this topic is coming up with my clients this week. It has made me think and realize “A BARGAIN IS ONLY A BARGAIN IF IT ENHANCES YOUR SPACE.

I had a client contact me who just took delivery on a beautiful new chest for her entry. We are both enthusiastic about it because it is lovely, and well made, by a reputable company we both have had a lot of experience with. Over the weekend she was in this store, wandering around looking for pieces to fill her brand new home. In her enthusiasm, she came across a lovely buffet at a clearance price. She sent me a picture, asking if I felt it would work in her kitchen.

Would it work in the kitchen, well yes it will fit. Painted black I immediately knew it would not be right for her. We have set the tone for the room with the chest in the entry, and the new build open concept requires flow. I agreed with her that the size would be perfect but, the feel of the piece was too heavy. She walked away from the buffet and we will keep looking.

Another client LOVES a bargain and instant gratification is always a good thing. I introduced her to Habitat for Humanity Restore several months ago where we found just the perfect chair for her great room. You can read about that here.

We are now working on the new sunroom addition. I was out there last week and I did something I never do. I asked them to leave me with the room. Not completed but the drywall is up and windows are in, I wanted some time to visualize what it could be. It is a nice sized room with a great ceiling. She will use some vintage Ratan and wicker furniture she already has in storage. As I sat there on an un-cushioned wicker settee and scaffolding in the middle of the room I started to dream. What could it be. The possibilities are endless. Soon the room started talking to me. It needed farmhouse style simple trim, and the east wall needed a long farm table that will seat 8 easily. The rest we will figure out as we go along.

This house has a nice size eating area in the kitchen that can seat 8 but no formal dining room. These clients entertain quite a bit and I thought the edition of another table would be helpful. The lady of the house immediately hit Restore after I left her in search of a table and chairs, a chest for under the TV, and an area rug. My phone started blowing up. What did I think of! She sent pictures of 3 different dining sets of which none were quite right. But, there was one that we both really liked the chairs, and she said they were quite comfortable. We even both liked the table but it was round not rectangular. She went back today to take another look and for 197.00 she has convinced herself this is the one. But is it really?

Like everything with this client we compromise. I made the suggestion that she buy the set and use it until we find a farm table for the space. Then we keep the chairs and sell the table. I have to say I am torn. I know the round table is not going to enhance this space, but I really liked these chairs. We shall see what she decides, and tomorrow I will make a trip over to Restore and see for myself.

I think this is a valid statement to put in the back of your brain and bring it out when you need to. A BARGAIN IS ONLY A BARGAIN IF IT ENHANCES THE SPACE!

Have you made “Bargain” mistakes and then kicked yourself? Let me know in comments. I know that I have.

Thanks for stopping

Shelley