:: Before

:: After

This is actually not quite an “after” shot of our guest bedroom at Pearson House, since we have yet to hang art and add other touches that will really make this room shine. But the bedroom is definitely well on its way to being finished — and it’s a vast improvement over the “before” state in which we found it when we purchased the home a few months ago.

My favorite detail by far in this room (other than Beebs, who’s perched at the foot of the bed) is the salvaged chandelier, which I bought for only $15 at Builders ReSupply Store, located in the small town where my husband and I live. The store is run by the Sustainable Living Center, a nonprofit organization that operates a resource center year-round and provides community events and workshops on a variety of sustainability topics.

I had initially scoped out a lovely — and much more expensive — light fixture for this room, but we went so far over budget that being spendy with lighting simply wasn’t an option. After cleaning this fixture up, I had our electrician make sure it was safe. He gave it the OK and had it hanging in a matter of minutes.

I hope to paint the chandelier at some point to give it new life. Even in its current state, I think it looks quite cheery in this colorful room. This piece is a great reminder that good design comes at all price points, and that — with a little time and creative thinking — you can find fun and funky design elements in unlikely places.

Next up: Finish the home’s master bedroom, living room, dining room, kitchen, hallway and two bathrooms. No biggie.