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If you had to spend 5K on accessories

10 years ago

If someone stopped you in the street and handed you $5,000, and the only caveat was that you had to spend it on accessories for your home, what would you buy? It has to be accessories that would bring you aesthetic pleasure only (so, no sofas, DR tables, new washer/dryer, and so on).

I'll go first:

1. A few months ago, I discovered a rug shop about 5 miles away that I didn't know existed. It's in an old mill and run by an eccentric gentleman who has an eye for beautiful antique rugs with just the amount of patina that only a vintage lover could appreciate. I don't need any rugs in my home, but I would buy 3 antique runners from him. I priced them about $800 each x3 = $2,400

2. Outdoor planters from my favorite garden shop. What I currently have are fine, but I'd love to have a few from this place. I could easily spend $1,000 on planters and accessories for outdoors. (I live in a northern climate, so this would truly be a luxury).

3. I'd then go to my favorite antique shop (which is actually a farm about 20 miles away) and find something funky and interesting for a blank space above my breakfast room window. It's one of those places that doesn't really need anything, but if I came across the right piece, I'd love to buy it without thinking twice. Allow $500 for the piece, and perhaps another oddity or two.

4. I have $1,100 left. I'd visit a local art gallery and buy a painting (or 2) from a local artist to hang in my center hallway. There's nothing there right now because I can't decide what to put there.

Comments (38)

  • 10 years ago

    I think I would buy one of those gigantic Lladro things that is something like Cleopatra on a barge or Geishas crossing a bridge. But they might be more than $5000.

    For some reason I love those.

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    My first thought was art. But we actually have more art than wall space already. Rugs would be a great idea. I could also blow some money on lighting of various kinds.

  • 10 years ago

    Definitely art! I'd find a local up and coming artist and start my collection.

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    I would spend the entire amount on a landscape painting that ive been dreaming about....havent seen it yet but i feel sure it exists somewhere.

    (Pal i would never have guessed....although there is a certain appeal to the sweeping lines of those ceramics and talk about a conversation piece! Right after Christmas i bought a two foot tall ceramic Fitz and Floyd Santa....fabulous red cloak and nice detailing....could not help myself. Bought mother a green and gold Gregorian Santa by same company....everyone has a guilty pleasure although these are not in the same league pricewise as Lladro.)

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Beryl, i am in need of an antique runner and those sound very reasonable. Does your local dealer sell online?

  • 10 years ago

    A sculpture of a human form about 5 feet tall made from 16 penny nails painted red. I saw it in an art store in Cedar Rapids IA about 8 years ago and still wish I had bought it.

  • 10 years ago

    A couple of paintings, antique rugs, a chandelier for my dining room, antique Swedish grandfather clock, and new everyday dishes and silverware.

  • 10 years ago

    sculpture piece


  • 10 years ago

    I'd splurge and buy an antique Navajo rug to hang on the wall, probably a third-phase chief's blanket from the late 1800s. They have wonderful graphic stripes and bold cross patterns, so they're old and modern at the same time. Some would cost too much, but I'd happily settle for a $5000 one.


  • 10 years ago

    Javachik

    That red nail torso is still in that shop

  • 10 years ago

    I went for years without proper lamps in our living room. They are not cheap. The money was better spend on furniture. I inherited some money and used it for lamps and art. $5000 is much more than I could ever spend on "accessories" at one time. I cringe when I think of what Americans spend on comfort while the rest of the world struggles to eat.


  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Money spent on lamps, rugs and accessories is for aesthetics, not comfort---although i suppose a case could be made for lamps. However, the more robust nature of our economy is what enables our country to be one of the leading nations giving foreign aid.


    Adding---if he is not an Internet reseller I guess the contact info would not be needed as I am guessing you don't live within a day's drive of rural central Georgia, Arcy, But thank you!

  • 10 years ago

    Art. And a nice rug

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    fully2

    I couldn't find it in the on-line photos??? However, if I win this $5000 contest, I'll call about it pronto! ;)

  • 10 years ago

    Mora clock. No question. Although I don't think $5000 would be quite enough...



  • 10 years ago

    Well, it would have to be more art of some kind (lol)! This place is filled to overflowing with wall art so I'd look for some really great yard art. Big enough to be seen from inside the house and heavy enough not to be knocked over by our canyon winds or by a wandering bear, coyote or mustang.

  • 10 years ago

    swaraski crystal chandelier

  • 10 years ago

    I would buy something vintage that would go up in value, but that I could display in the house - George Nelson clock, a Girard piece, Evelyn Ackerman tile piece. Or else a unique art piece that I will cherish forever.

  • 10 years ago

    I would spend it on a gorgeous piece of sterling. Candlesticks maybe or a drop dead soup tureen. I might have to add a bit of dollars to it but would be totally worth it.

  • 10 years ago

    Original art work by a local artist who captures the feel and look of the riding/biking trails through our local rainforest with impeccable detail and eye for light. (I would buy two of them).


  • 10 years ago

    I would sculpt a 1/4 life size rendition of my son and his first dog. I've got a small one that's almost done (I'm working off an old photo). My son is four years old in the picture and he is kneeling beside our American Eskimo Dog and hugging his neck. Then I would have the larger sculpture cast in bronze with a lovely patina. That's the $5,000 part!


  • 10 years ago

    rugs. original art.


  • 10 years ago

    Oh! So many things!

    Certainly a garniture set : I love the slight formality of the balanced look but the different options for center and outside pieces. This one matches our not-yet-installed slate fire surround.


    Probably a Cloisonne clock that I've been eyeing...


    At least one pillow for the couch in Scalamandre Marly.


    Some prints - these are my favorites right now:


    Among other things :) Lol, that enough pictures for everyone!!??

  • 10 years ago

    beryl469 I hate that restoration hardware clock. It comes up every time I do a Google Shopping search to see if there are any new antique Mora Clocks for sale!

  • 10 years ago

    A good rug or two. Then I would s-can everything else and build around them.

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Easy, I new back walkway made of bluestoe. In my world that is an accessory. If that doesn't count, then it have to be anything for or making my porch even more inviting than it already is. I can start with all weather floor covering, then new sun filtering shades. Perhaps I would build out some shelving for plants. Of course, I would find the most comfortable couch around!!

  • 10 years ago

    Hand painted Gracie wallpaper. $5K might buy one panel, I think.

  • 10 years ago

    stained glass for windows that are strictly decoration, ceiling light and outdoor light fixtures. Where do I sign up for this offer???

  • 10 years ago

    Bpathome...I'm with you...Richard Gere! But since that's probably not going to happen, new rugs for the foyer (almost need custom for the narrow hallway to the kitchen) and some original art.

    (Never got the movie "Unfaithful"...... Diane Lane cheats on RICHARD GERE.....what was she thinking?!! Lol)

  • 10 years ago

    Original Hawaiian painting by Maui artist. In dining room.

  • 10 years ago

    I'd use the $5000 to fly to London to pick up some little trinket for my home:)

  • 10 years ago

    Water feature for outside, on the new paver patio I would put in. A new front window, guess that's not an accessory. Rugs, yes. Lamps/lighting Yes! New curtains and bedding all around. New Christmas dishes (not stoneware).

  • 10 years ago

    I like miracx answer, but I'd be headed to the Galapagos...


  • 10 years ago

    A really nice glass-doored display cabinet or two or three for my pottery collection.

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    I think I would hire a professional picture hanger and have him/her unpack all of my unused art and framed photographs and make a gallery wall in my home office.

  • 10 years ago

    Chihuly glass anything...

  • 10 years ago

    And if we are allowed to change our minds and pick somewhere to travel, I would go to Ireland and Scotland.

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