This blog is all about thrifty home decor.

Sometimes I'll DIY a project to recreate a more expensive look. Many times my best home decor finds are thrifted. Sometimes, though, it's all about falling in love with something that's too expensive for my taste, and then patiently waiting until I find the same thing (or its doppelganger) for less. I like to call it savvy shopping. 

Today I'm starting a savvy shopping blog series to inform you of my tips, tricks and inside methods for how to find (or make) upscale home decor for less. 

So welcome to the first installment of my savvy shopping series! 

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While my Thrifted vs. Styled posts share my thrifted (mostly vintage) finds, this series will mainly focus on items I've seen for a certain (high) price and then miraculously (!) find for way less somewhere else (although sometimes the less expensive item I find is thrifted).

It's not always a speedy process. I might see something I love -- but can't afford -- and I make a mental note of it. If I'm lucky, some time later, I come across the same (or virtually the same) thing for much less money. And I'm always happy I waited!   

 

My first post in this series is about a piece of canvas wall art I initially saw on Antique Farmhouse called French Country Roses Canvas Wall Art. I absolutely fell in love with the painting, but was not going to buy it for $69.00 (for the 12" x 16") plus $10 for shipping. But I took a screen shot of it so that I could remember it and be on the lookout.

Many months later I was at Hobby Lobby when they were having 50% off all wall art. I wasn't even there for the art but got sucked into looking at all their framed paintings. And guess what I found?     

I found the exact same French Country Roses painting (although this one was framed) I saw at Antique Farmhouse, but this one only cost 23.99. So my price ended up being $11.99.

Funny thing is, at the time I bought it I didn't realize it was the same painting. I just knew I loved it and the price was right. Once I got it home I saw it again on Antique Farmhouse's website (I get their daily emails) then the light bulb went off -- this was the painting! Cue angels singing.

Antique Farmhouse offered two larger sizes, for $78.00 and $169.00. Both equally out of my league price wise. But that's okay, because I am super happy with my 14" x 20" framed rose wall art!

 

So happy that I used it as the backdrop for my living room Christmas mantel with vintage brass French horn candlesticks.

 

 

I also used blush velvet ribbon and burgundy spiral candles on the Christmas mantel which complimented the painting incredibly well.

Since Christmas I've been using it as part of a display on a farmhouse shelf in the living room. I honestly think I like the framed version better. The gold beaded frame is more in line with my decorating aesthetic than wrapped canvas.

 

It also fits in seamlessly with the other floral art in the living room.

Ironically, our wedding china pattern is Old Country Roses by Royal Albert! Just another coincidence that told me the purchase was meant to be. While I regularly change out decor or move it from room to room, I don't see me moving this gorgeous painting from the living room any time soon.

Price comparison:

Their price: $69.00 (12"x16")

 What I paid: $11.99 (14"x 20")

Savings: $57.01

So what's the one takeaway I want to share with you today? Be patient! I know it's difficult to forego purchasing an item that you've absolutely fallen in love with. (Trust me, I'm the most impatient person I know.) But there are rewards for waiting! I have proven that to myself time and time again. How about you start proving it to yourself? I promise, you won't be sorry!   

Stay tuned for more of my tried and true tips and tricks for savvy shopping.