Whenever we finish up a project, we get a lot of questions surrounding the budget. “How much did this cost” is coming through in my DM’s and I get it! I get reluctant to share only because I realize everybody is working within different budgets and I want what we do to always feel inspiring and approachable. In the spirit of being transparent however, I’m breaking it all down–everything from the faux peonies to the custom mural wallpaper!
One thing to note is that I definitely DON’T buy everything brand new for a room renovation like this. Most of these pieces I’ve had for years, and they’ve made appearances in other rooms of ours. Including the heirloom piano of course, which we inherited from Chris’s grandmother. The credenza that has popped up in several rooms. The rug, which used to live in our closet. The lamps were in our old dining room. I like to think that some of these pieces will have future homes (in different rooms not a different house!) as well and their journey is just getting started! That being said, let’s take a look shall we?
$700 – Wainscoting Material (see the full tutorial here)
$60 – Paint (SW Sheraton Sage in Emerald line)
$7,290 – Mural Wallpaper (roughly $405 per panel)
$2,529 – Bubble Light
$4,465 – Sideboard (not sold anymore. This one is similar)
$858 – Lamps (x2)
$299 – Fluted Bowl
$1,162 – Desk
$600 – Chair
$90 – Faux Peonies
$2,750 – Rug: The Vintage Rug Shop
$3,900 – Armchair (vintage from Chairish)
$167 – Floor Lamp
$125 – Fringe Stool
Obviously the big spender was the mural wallpaper! It wasn’t necessarily custom, but when we gave them the room measurements and placement of the windows, they made adjustments so it’s all seamless. It’s pretty incredible! When we budget for a room, I generally have one splurge-worthy piece and for this room it was definitely the statement wallpaper.
Again, my intention in sharing is to inspire which is why I like to pair these budget breakdowns with a look for less! Everybody’s budget looks different but if you’re have an idea of what you like, then you can search for pieces that are within your range! I would also encourage anyone who’s trying to achieve a look they’ve seen before, to bring in their own collected pieces! It’s what gives a room character and charm, and what makes it special to you! Without further ado, here’s how you can achieve the study look, but for less!
1. Wood Lamp Base $60
2. Mural Wallpaper $168+
3. Scalloped Bowl $30
4. Fringe Stool $125
5. Glass Vase $26
6. Wood Credenza $1299
7. Marble Links $35
8. Black Cylinder Lamp Shade $22
9. Upholstered Chair $170
10. Bubble Light $209
11. Leather Armchair $599
12. Desk $419
13. Gold Picture Frame $6
14. Rosemarie Ivory/Natural Rug $249
15. Faux Peonies $10
16. Brass Floor Lamp $95
Our wood grain Shaker cabinet fronts were designed for busy, high-traffic homes like ours. Clad with durable textured thermofoils, this line is compatible with Sektion, Akurum, Godmorgon, and Besta cabinets from IKEA. It's the perfect, practical way to add the warmth of wood to all the rooms of your home.
We have teamed up with Loloi to create a line of rugs that are as affordable as they are beautiful. This collection houses a great mix of traditional and modern rugs, in cottage-y colorways, as well as vintage-inspired beauties that you’ll want to roll out in every room.
We partnered with Stuga on a line of hardwood floors — The Ingrid is really livable, and the color is very neutral. It doesn’t lean warm or cool, it’s that just right in-between. We have really loved putting it everywhere in our house. It’s the best jumping-off point for design, no matter your interior style. In addition to being beautiful, Ingrid is really durable — we have three kids, and we always have a home construction project going on. Ingrid stands up to it all.
SHop all
Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop.
Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
A reader recently asked me if I’m starting to fully embrace traditional style and whether we still consider our house to be a “modern Colonial” and why. It was a really great question and so timely — I had really just been thinking about my approach to this home and how my style has changed […]
We've been doing this since 2009 and we've posted a whopping 24145+ blog posts and counting. You might need a little help searching, huh?
Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!
Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
Links
Get Around
Make yourself right at home
Portfolio
Design
Casual Friday
Projects
Lifestyle
Gift Guides
All Posts
Shop
RivrLinks
Links
Get Around
Make yourself right at home
Portfolio
Design
Casual Friday
Projects
Lifestyle
Gift Guides
All Posts
Shop
RivrLinks
From where did you get the piano! I’ve been on the hunt for almost a year for a vintage piano. Can you recommend places to look!?
Ours is actually an heirloom piano passed down from Chris’s grandma. I would recommend searching your local Facebook Marketplace!
thanks for sharing the budget! I understand why you are reluctant to share because I dont believe you are trying to ‘brag’ about how much you spent. However, your idea of a splurge and mine are very different. $2500 on a single light is a splurge. $4K on a single chair is a splurge. $900 on 2 lamps is a splurge. The whole room is full of splurges and thats wonderful!
one thing I really love about you is your transparency about budgets! we have been lucky to inherit a lot of beautiful (and expensive) pieces for our family home that I mix with thrifted and new pieces. I find that I am very open and up front with friends who want my help, b/c otherwise it seems that we have amassed a secret fortune. the study is so beautiful and my one day dream is wallpaper for our stairwell/entry but it has been so hard to get a ballpark, so I very much appreciate how you guys break it down!