Homeless Housewares: knit edition!

If you happen to follow my Pinterest boards, you might have noticed I'm becoming more and more obsessed with needle work. Knit, crochet, embroidery, cross stitch... really I don't know too much of what I'm talking about, but I definitely love it!

Well, why not use craigslist to enable some of that obsession? Meet Homeless Housewares Knit Edition!!

(After image from SF Girl by Bay)

Bertoia Chairs - $140

No, these aren't cheap at $140 each - not even a little. BUT they're beautiful and I haven't run across a better deal. (Yes, I've been looking.) I adore the idea of weaving oversized yarn into the wire grid. Not only does it add completely unique (and comfy) character, but it looks like it would be pretty easy to change if you wanted to mix up your room's look. Versatile pieces are always worth the investment.

(After image from Bloesem)

Unfinished Pine Armoire - $100

Ok, also not super cheap (this isn't turning out to be a "great deal" Homeless Housewares post), but a fair price for a large piece of furniture. I had never thought of using pegboard for oversized cross stitch. What a great idea! With paint and other supplies, this project might run you a total of $150, which isn't so bad for such a great statement piece. I'm thinking I might try this for kitchen cabinets some day...

(After image from Ikea Hackers)

Two Wicker Baskets - $15 each

Here we go, this is a totally decent price. The thing that inspired me about this project was that it really showcases that you can weave yarn or thread into ANYTHING with a grid! While I didn't see gridded pencil containers on craigslist, these wicker baskets would be very cute with a little yarn or ribbon embellishments. I have a wastebasket that has velvet ribbon woven throughout and I love it. Highly recommend.

(After image from Freshome)

2700 Ft Manilla Rope - $324

At first glance this is a lot of money, but it's also a lot of rope. To be honest, I'm not really up-to-date on rope prices... BUT if you were to weave this rope into a giant doily rug(!!!!) then $324 is a great rug price! I have no idea how to crochet doilies, but that is exactly what the internet is for :)

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For those of you new to Homeless Housewares: I don't sell these things -  I just think they're great buys with a lot of potential. Hopefully you're inspired to search your local craigslistings, OR to find these pieces, search the San Diego craigslist furniture listings using the titles above. Maybe you can snatch these up before someone else does!

Homeless Housewares: adopt a dresser!

Oh yeah, we have a theme going today. I've been super inspired by several dresser makeovers I've seen lately, so I'm jumping in on the fun.

1. White Dresser - $20

I think I've mentioned the card catalogue look before, but no dresser themed Homeless Housewares would be complete without it. Also, I recently ran across an amazing resource for card catalogue hardware: Schoolhouse Eclectic. $20 for the dresser and $32+ for the hardware, add a little paint? You've got a fabulous card catalogue inspired dresser for about $80! 

(Photo from Oh Joy)

2. 1950's Antique Dresser - $180
This is a good example of a craigslist find you should go for if you're in love with it or already have the supplies to DIY it up on hand. $180 is a totally totally fair price for this piece, but if you start adding the cost of new hardware or paint you'll be looking at a much steeper final price tag. Always remember to estimate the final cost of a c-list DIY before you drive out to make the purchase.

3. Solid Oak End Table - $60
I love this little guy because I think it's the homeliest looking of the group. What if.... you gave him a coat of paint, changed up the hardware, and... painted a portrait silhouette on that little oval! How fun and unique! I have to be honest, it's over priced for the work you would have to put in, but keep an eye on it the price might come down :)
(Photo from Portfolio of my Knowledge)

4. 5 Drawer Dresser - $15
And finally, a totally blank slate. Bam $15. It's saying "do whatever you want, I'm game for an adventure." If you're looking for a project this is the price you're looking for. Just make sure the piece you grab is a) the right dimensions for your room and b) made of solid wood.

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For those of you new to Homeless Housewares: I don't sell these things -  I just think they're great buys with a lot of potential. Hopefully you're inspired to search your local craigslistings, OR to find these pieces, search the San Diego craigslist furniture listings using the titles above. Maybe you can snatch these up before someone else does!

And we're back!

I'm back from my blogging vacation as promised! It felt so good to take a week to myself and tie up a few loose ends. Of course, there was plenty of serious loafing too. You know, the best kind where you feel completely guilt free about wasting time.

I've decided to skip homeless housewares this week, but here's a mini one for those of you who need your craigslist fix.

Dresser and Two Nightstands - $40

What's so great about this bedroom set? Not much as it stands right now, except the price. But with 10 drawers between these pieces, you have a great opportunity to make a bookcase out of drawers!

(from Pinterest)

I've been crushing this thing for ages. Why not give some old furniture a totally reimagined new life!?

Homeless Housewares: adopt a rug!

1. Office Conference Table and 3 Chairs - $50

2. Retro 2 Chair Set - $80

Two super deals on craigslist this time! To get three chairs for $50 or two for $80 is a pretty fabulous deal any day - especially if you also like the color of these chairs (which I happen to). If you don't like the color, the cost reupholstery would still keep you in the realm of totally reasonable price. A particular reason I wanted to point out #1 is that it's listed with a conference table. Well maybe you don't want a conference table. What do to? Buy it anway and resell the table for super cheap! If you listed the table for $15 it would probably go in a few days. Then you would have 3 great chairs for only $40 dollars! Don't want three chairs? Sell the ones you don't want. Selling one more for $15 would get you a set of two unique chairs for only... $25!!!! Don't be afraid to resell things you don't want!

3. Chest of Drawers - $85

I'm not thrilled at the $85 price tag for this one... I'm thinking more like $60 max. But if you could talk them down, this would be a super cute candidate for an ombre effect like this... (to the right there).

4. 5x8 Abstract Rug - $50

Rugs for $50 are a pretty good deal, especially if they're in good condition. If you've ever gone rug shopping, you know the prices can be a real shock. Why not just snag one second hand? Too traditional for you? If you're brave, you could take on an ambitious DIY like this one...

I'm dying to try it!!!


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For those of you new to Homeless Housewares: I don't sell these things -  I just think they're great buys with a lot of potential. Hopefully you're inspired to search your local craigslistings, OR to find these pieces, search the San Diego craigslist furniture listings using the titles above. Maybe you can snatch these up before someone else does!

Homeless Housewares: adopt bunk beds!

1. Antique Carved Wood Sofa - $150

I would call this couch a borderline steal. Any couch with this much character for only $150 is totally worth it, but maybe not quite on the "steal" spectrum of an $80 or $100 couch. You could always negotiate though... It looks like it's in great shape, and if the colors don't match your home reupholstery or painting the wood would be easy fixes! I might be tempted to change the fabric to a beautiful green velvet myself... Something like this couch, but with wood? Yep.

2. Vintage White Sitting Chair - $35

Nice chairs under $40 usually seem like a pretty good deal to me. The fabric on this guy could be a little dated, but reupholstery would still put you in the range of a store bought chair ($200ish) and you could have all of its unique charm to yourself.

3. Rustic Pine Coffee Table - $45

I don't know about you, but I'm a big fan of rustic. Getting any coffee table for $45 is a pretty great deal, but one with this kind of character? Forget about it! If I had to tweak one thing on this it would be the legs. They just tip from the natural to the cabin scale of rustic, which doesn't quite work for me. Well why not cut off the legs and add industrial casters!?

8" casters aren't cheap at $24 each, but you might be able to find cheaper ones. They would still give you the feel of this coffee table from Jordans at a steal: $141 vs. $399.

4. Brass Bunkbeds - $500

I have no need for bunkbeds. None. But I can't handle how much I LOVE these beds!! I've never seen anything like them. Have you!? Look beyond the not-working-with-brass bed spreads and you can see beautiful lines and patina. Since I've never seen anything like these, I'm not sure if $500 is fair. I would guess that it is though... If you want super slick vintage bunkbeds, these are the ones.

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For those of you new to Homeless Housewares: I don't sell these things -  I just think they're great buys with a lot of potential. Hopefully you're inspired to search your local craigslistings, OR to find these pieces, search the San Diego craigslist furniture listings using the titles above. Maybe you can snatch these up before someone else does!

Homeless Housewares: Adopt a screen!

1. Antique Wardrobe - $200

This price is steep, I'll admit that. But this piece is just so so pretty. No paint, no re-imagining... sometimes it's worth it to plunk down the extra cash for that perfect piece you know will fit your room perfectly. Here's a picture of the inside as well. Hello storage!

2. Room Divider Solid Oak - $200

Ok, I would NEVER pay $200 for this. (Is it overprice day on craigslist or something? What is going on??) I just thought I would point it out because there is a huge opportunity to give this piece new life! First off, if oak isn't your style, you can sand and re-stain - easy peasey. Step two: The fabric covering it is awful (if you like it I'm sorry, this is just how I feel), but a modern fabric would make this piece shine!! SO MUCH POTENTIAL. But sadly, so over priced. Keep a watch out though, I will bet you anything this piece is around in two weeks and that the seller might be up for negotiation...

3. Rattan Room Divider - $100

Still over priced. Boo people - price your stuff more fairly!! I wanted to post this one because I got on a little screen kick after finding the one above. I'm super in to wicker... Even if you didn't need a room "divided" this would add a lot of natural color and texture to a room you couldn't paint!

4. Wild Horses Painting - $10

Skeptical of this one? I thought so. Here's my vision... I'm really digging the idea of taking a boring painting and snazzing it up with my own painting additions. I would LOVE to pick this up and paint a T-Rex chasing those horses... I know I know, definitely a quirky piece of art, but the next time you're browsing a thrift store ask yourself... how could I spiff up that boring landscape?...

(from Oddball Daily)

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For those of you new to Homeless Housewares: I don't sell these things -  I just think they're great buys with a lot of potential. Hopefully you're inspired to search your local craigslistings, OR to find these pieces, search the San Diego craigslist furniture listings using the titles above. Hopefully you can snatch these up before someone else does!

Homeless Housewares: Found a Home!!

I am very very excited to share this post that I just ran across. Joy from Oh Joy! shared a super cute sneak peek of her baby's new room and one of the pieces looked a little familiar...

                         (photo by Oh Joy)

It's the same set of twin dressers I posted on Homeless Housewares a few weeks ago! She switched a few of the drawers around, which I think made a huge difference with the color scheme.

I'm so glad these dressers found a good home and can't wait to see more of the room!

Homeless Housewares: Reupholster!

I'm very excited to focus on a few potential reupholstery projects today. Reupholstering can be scary, but there are SO MANY great resources out there for DIYers and for finding the right professionals.

Some examples:

31 Days of Upholstery at My Crafty Home-life

Emily Henderson's upholstery thoughts

1. Yellow Tufted Chair - $30

This little guy could be as simple of a fix as removing the skirt to give him a modern look. Just be sure to check the legs before you go home with him! Better yet, ask the seller to send you pictures of the legs.

2. Antique Chair - $125

This chair might not end up being a steal after it's reupholstered, but it will be totally within the realm of reasonable prices for cute chairs. AND it will be an original piece all your own! Scalloped back? Nice detailing on the arms and legs? Win.

3.  Stylish Camelback - $80

This couch looks pretty rough right now... look past the crazy floral. Add some tufting and a beautiful velvet and oh my gosh yes. You'll still end up spending less than a new sofa!

4. Settee Sofa - $80

I'm a big fan of couches with a little wood. I'm an even bigger fan of couches that show off a lot of wood :). While not huge and comfy-cozy, this sette would be a fabulous little sister couch in a larger living room or as a nice small seating area for an office.

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For those of you new to Homeless Housewares: I don't sell these things -  I just think they're great buys with a lot of potential. Hopefully you're inspired to search your local craigslistings, OR to find these pieces, search the San Diego craigslist furniture listings using the titles above. Hopefully you can snatch these up before someone else does!

Homeless Housewares: Adopt a Desk!

1. Small Oak Desk and Chair - $135

This isn't something I would pay full price for, but it's cute and has a lot of potential so why not haggle? Another technique is to just wait a while - if it's still there in a few days it's your chance to strike OR they might lower the price on their own. If you took this baby home, how cute would it be to paint the drawer faces white while leaving the drawer pulls wood? While you're painting, why not try a chevron or other graphic stencil on the top?? 

2. Old Wood Chairs (Set of Four) - $60

At $15 a chair, this is really decent. This seller described these chairs as "shabby chic with a lot of character." It could translate to super shabby / rustic perfection or just be junky. I love a banged up piece of furniture, so I might be inclined to keep them as is.  BUT if you really don't like it why not paint them each a different color for a fun eclectic look. Blue, green, yellow, and orange?? Like Anna Spiro did here.

3. Magazine Rack - $5

Yes please! I love how strange-but-in-a-cute-way this little guy is. It would make a great nightstand or end table in a tight space. If it looks all banged up in person - don't be afraid to repaint or to re-stain it. For such a quirky piece with nice proportions a a great price? Worth it.

4. Rocking Chair Sette - $495

Ouch, too much. I just wanted to post this because I thought it had some GREAT detail and would look AMAZING with a little reupholstery. If you kept an eye on this, it might go down in price. My favorite part of this listing was: "We are restructuring our living room into a parlor game room and would love to sell it to someone who appreciates this piece and who will enjoy it." Aw - this is what craigslisting is all about :)

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For those of you who follow Homeless Housewares loyally: what do you think of the new layout?
For those of you new to Homeless Housewares: I don't sell these things -  I just think they're great buys with a lot of potential. Hopefully you're inspired to search your local craigslistings, OR to find these pieces, search the San Diego craigslist furniture listings using the titles above. Hopefully you can snatch these up before someone else does!

Homeless Housewares: adopt some chairs!

"Gorgeous Looking" Wood Desk Chair - $25

I love the look of a dinning set with mixed chairs. If I had room in my apartment, this baby would be mine for just such a project. At first glance, this chair might look a little dark and drab, but with easy DIY reupholstery it would brigten up and match any room! If you've never reupholstered before, chair cusions are the perfect place to start. Still nervous? Check out all of the great tutorials on the web.

House Cleanup - Make an offer

I hope beyond hope that somebody adopts this chair. Clearly these are motivated sellers, and with reupholstering, this chair would be AMAZING! This might not be a DIY reupholstery, but there's so much potential here it's worth shelling out the cash. If you see posts on CL with titles like "House Cleanup" and prices like "make an offer", pounce. These are people who are more interested in getting stuff out of there house than in making a giant profit, so you're about to get a great deal!

Comfortable Chairs - $40

Ok I know - orange. But, I wanted to post this for two reasons.

1. If you took the arm slip covers, the matching pillow, little matching throw on top off, then cut off the skirt, this piece would look so modern and slick! Talk about a statement for a room (just don't put it in a room painted orange too - let it shine on its own).
2. This seller is posting two chairs, but will sell them individually for $40. You might be searching for the perfect accent chair and this could be the one... BUT they never said the word "chair" (singular) in their whole post! If you're only searching for a "chair" you would have totally missed it. Always use singular and plural searches in CList.

Solid Wood Dresser with Mirror - $90

This could be a very special DIY. I've wanted card catalogue furniture for a LONG TIME. But it can be very expensive and isn't easy to come by. Who says you can't make your own? The way this dresser is embellished on the front looks an awful lot like mini drawers… Just drill a few holes and add the hardware with a few cute typewritten lables and you would be all set! Just be sure the holes from the existing hardware could be covered by your new, cute, card catalogue ones.


*I don't sell these things - I just think they're great buys with a lot of potential. Hopefully you're inspired to search your local craigslistings, OR to find these pieces, search the San Diego craigslist furniture listings using the titles above. Hopefully you can snatch these up before someone else does!

Homeless Housewares: Adopt a Mirror!

Wicker Wall Mirror - $20

Some people are afraid of wicker because it can slip on to the farm, beach, or old lady spectrum.  I say, it's a great opportunity for texture in a space.  Take this mirror - in a fun color and in the right context it could look very modern.  At $20 it's a great price for a mirror.  Try spray painting it high gloss turquoise!

Vintage Coffee Table - $100

$100 for a coffee table is not a steal, but it's definitely within the realm of reason.  Add in the value of having a unique piece like this, and you're looking at a happy furniture situation.  OR, if you don't want to spend this much, use this ad for inspiration!  Get a vintage suitcase from a flea market and buy legs to attach (you can get cute ones from Ikea).

Shabby Chic Vanity Desk - $140

This isn't the kind of piece you just buy on a whim, but if you're looking for adorable storage, this could be perfect for you!  And don't get stuck picturing this in a bedroom - it could be in a craft room or as a catchall station in your entry way or mud room.  So here's the fun part.  You may think "um Jen, giant missing mirror there - no thank you..." BUT it's a great opportunity!!!  You could... 1. buy a new mirror 2. paint behind it with chalk board paint 3. wrap the mirror frame with twine and clip pictures to it 4. back the frame with cork or fabric! Cute, crafty, and very functional.

Mid Century Wood Dresser - $90

Now this is a pretty nice deal.  If you are looking for a dresser this could be your guy.  Treat the wood with a little TLC (use this tutorial from Brickhouse) and it will shine.  I'm jealous of whoever gets this one :)

*to find these pieces, search the San Diego craigslist furniture listings using the titles above. Hopefully you can snatch these up before someone else does!

Homeless Housewares: Adopt Twin Dressers!

Vintage Dressers - $275

Now they're asking more than I would spend on dressers, but aren't these cute?  I highly recommend stealing those color choices for the drawers.  They're not a color combination I would have thought of, but very very pretty!  One thing that makes this piece stand out from your standard DIY type dresser is the hardware, BUT these can be bought at a hardware store like Home Depot too - just go the extra mile if you want to recreate this beauty :)

Huge Tree Stump - $35

Oh what potential and at such a good price!!  A tree stump end table at West Elm will run you $200, but with a little elbow grease (and heavy lifting) you could make your own for under $100!

Queen Wicker Headboard - $35

Did I say (type) $35?  Why yes I did!  Now this, is a good deal.  Headboards can be ex.pen.sive, but this one is a cutie and a steal.  Wicker brings texture to any space and the white is a fresh neutral.  PLUS, you can hang little pictures from the weaving, or weave in some yarn for a little pop of crafty color.  Pounce people pounce.

Patio Table and Chair Combo - $20

Now here's a little refurb project for you.  If I bought this guy, I would sew seat and back cushions out of a natural white or fun pattern and leave the wood sun-bleached as is.  You could paint it too though. I just really like the potential here :)

Happy Hunting!

*to find these pieces, search the San Diego craigslist furniture listings using the titles above. Hopefully you can snatch these up before someone else does!

Homeless Housewares: Adopt an Arm Chair!

Vintage Wingback Arm Chair - $100

Yet another beautiful velvet seating option. The pictures look grey to me, but the description says this is a turquoise wingback, which could be even better :). Yes, yes I would buy you, you pretty chair.

Three Drawer Cabinet - $29

This is a nice moment for thinking outside of the box. This is listed as a cabinet, but could be a great end table or nightstand. It could slide under a desk for added storage or live in a bathroom. Not a steal, but it looks fairly priced. Styled with a few apothecary jars, it would be a beautiful little vintage piece for almost any room.

Glass-Top Dining Table and Four Chairs- $175 obo

At first glance this may look a little dowdy BUT it has great potential. First off, the chairs don't have to stay with the table. If you're looking for just a table, you can buy this baby and sell the chairs or vice versa. So let's just look at the table for now... What if you painted it bright orange? Clean white? Or leave it a natural wood, but balance the vintage/tropical with clean modern chairs? There are a lot of options here. Exciting! Potential! Yay!

Mid-Century Dresser - $30

This is a really fabulous deal and a cute cute piece! They suggest you re-paint it on the listing, but I say leave it as is. One thing you miiiight want to mess with is the knobs/handles. If you want to mix things up, you could always buy some cute knobs to spice things up. Anthropology has some especially nice hardware.

Happy hunting!

*to find these pieces, search the Boston craigslist furniture listings using the titles above. Hopefully you can snatch these up before someone else does!

Homeless Housewares: Adopt an armoire!

Mid Century Armoire - $425

This is a lot more pricey of an item than I would usually list, but I wanted to point it out for two reasons.  1) It's BEAUTIFUL.  I leurve the lime green on the inside.  Clearly this piece is in great shape and worth the price (though it's not a deal - it seems fair).   2) This is a great example of the kind of pictures you should use to sell your things.  Lots of bright light - stylist surroundings (cudos on the antlers) - and pictures that show both the sitting look and the beautiful inside details.  Well done seller.  Take note all.

Victorian Accent Chair - $50

Again a little more than I would spend, but fair if it's really that old.  This chair might be one that you'd overlook initially, but reupholstered in a nice modern fabric like this one (above right), it could look updated and so cute.  I would highly recommend doing the reupholstery yourself to save money.  Keep those awesome nailheads surrounding the seat and reuse them on your new fabric!

Wicker Drawer Tower - $30

Now for the real deals.  This is definitely a steal for this piece.  It cooould look really traditional and boring, but in the right space all of this texture could be the perfect touch.

Vintage Bowling Alley Benches - $150

Oh and the big finale.  Now THIS is an exciting find.  You would need enough space, but this could be a kitchen banquette dream.  $150 may seem like a lot at first, but when you think of the size and just raw material, it's totally a steal.  Trust me, just google kitchen banquette and you'll see how much those things can run.  I'm super jealous of whoever gets to take this one home...



*to find these pieces search the Boston craigslist using the titles above.  Hopefully you can snatch these up before someone else does!

Homeless Housewares: Adopt a couch!

Blue Velvet Sofa - $75

Oh such a hot couch.  Love the tufting, love the velvet - oh so cozy and beautiful.  If a velvet couch wouldn't act as a giant lint roller for my cat's hair I would snatch it up today.  That and the fact that I'm moving cross country...

Oh oh, one red flag for all of you craigslisters out there - those sad little throws and blanket make me think there might be rips or damage.  Red flag...

If you list a couch like this - show off the tufting!!  If you want to buy a couch like this - ask about damage before you make a long drive to pick it up!

White Vanity - $50

Ohmygosh so cute.  So imagine: bright teal spray paint?  Such a happy piece :)

Art Deco Headboard - $20

This could be a great centerpiece for that special bedroom.  Tip: If you show up and this is ratty you can a) refinish if it's solid wood and the damage doesn't look too brutal or b) paint it with a couple of complementary tones that highlight the super great details!  AND you don't have to paint the whole thing - this kind of piece can totally handle a mix of wood tones and paint.

Mahogany Library Table - $175

Mmhm yes please.  This definitely has some damage so it needs the love of an owner with vision. Since this is solid wood, some elbow grease in the refinishing department would do wonders. Then again there's always paint. Bright pink??  Beautiful white?  White top with wood legs???


*to find these pieces search the Boston craigslist using the titles above.  Hopefully you can snatch these up before someone else does!