How I Do Pottery Barn

April 30, 2014

Today I'm going to share some tips on how to know when to DIY it, versus when to break down and buy it at Pottery Barn.
 
Pottery Barn store front


OK, I know my post title sounds a little bit, um, unorthodox.  But you get what I'm trying to say, right?  While I know that my goal as a thrifty DIY home décor maven is to churn out those PB knock-offs at a fraction of their original price, I just can't help myself sometimes.  

But I certainly don't just go PB shopping all willy-nilly or anything like that.  Oh, no.  All the planets have to be in perfect alignment for that purchase to happen. Well, that, or the following three things need to happen first:
 
1.  I have to r-e-a-l-l-y want a particular item.  For, like, a long time.
 
2.  It has to be something I don't think I can make any cheaper myself. 

(Or, when being totally honest, I just don't see my lazy self ever getting around to making it.)
 
3. There has to be some type of sale/discount/promotion/freebie-ness involved somehow. Yes, freebie-ness is a word. Embrace it. 
Then pat yourself on the back for maintaining this frugalista requirement.

 
Lucky for me, the awesome Mr. OHH gave me a $50.00 Pottery Barn gift card for Christmas.  He purchased it through our cash back program with Discover Card.  So the $50 card cost him only $40.  AND he somehow scored a 15% off total purchase coupon -- with an April 30th expiration date. So time was running out, people.

Since we have a Pottery Barn store not too far from here, I've stopped in a few times since Christmas to see if there was anything I absolutely loved that I could actually rationalize buying. I also get their emails so I was constantly checking out their sale items online as well. And today I found this.   

brown square Pottery Barn storage basket

Pottery Barn Benchwright Daytrip Coffee Table Basket 
(No longer available.)

I'd been looking for a similar basket in thrift stores for ages, and had finally given up.  And this one is nicer than any I've seen at Goodwill in a LONG time!  I especially love the handles and the metal decoration on each corner.
 
I like the idea of using it as a tray for staging pretty décor items, as well as using it for purposeful storage and organization when need be.
 
How would you use it?
 
It was originally $59.00, which is way more than I would normally ever spend on a basket. But it met my three criteria for a guilt-free Pottery Barn purchase! And with the discount I ended up paying only around $14.00 for taxes and shipping. (They didn't carry it in my local store.) So all is right with the world today.
 
And tomorrow I can go back to making my DIY PB knock-offs. (See list at end of post.)
 
Have you ever felt guilty after making a big-ticket purchase, thinking that maybe you woulda/coulda/shoulda made it yourself?
 
 
For those of you interested in my many PB knock-offs to date, here's a list you can check out:

1.PB Bath Storage Ladder Knock-off
2.PB-inspired Book Bundles
3.DIY Pottery Barn Faux Coral
4.DIY Pottery Barn Hurricane
5.DIY Pottery Barn-inspired Christmas Candles

Well, that's it for today, friends!

I hope you've enjoyed reading about 

How I Do Pottery Barn

 and that I've inspired you in some way.

Don't Forget To Pin It!

Pottery barn store front

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Leave a Comment!

Anonymous said...

pretty nice blog, following :)

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Nice deal on the basket - you did good. How do I do PB? I stay away as much as possible, cause I am still trying to declutter not add. :D

Stacey said...

I do shop at Pottery Barn too.. I confess. If there's something I absolutely want, I watch for sales or at least free shipping. I have bought several pieces of furniture over the years and have been happy. You have to admit they have a wonderful look.

Our Hopeful Home said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ivy and Elephants said...

You got a great deal, and should enjoy it guilt free! Great shopping, and great job on your knock offs!
Keep 'em coming!
Hugs,
Patti

NanaDiana said...

That is a GREAT looking basket. I love the handles and metal bits on the corners, too. I'd say that was a SCORE. We don't have a PB store locally so I am lucky that way...lol...if you want to call that LUCK!;>)

Love the fur chair!!!Reminds me of the 60s/70s...lol xo Diana

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I can totally relate, Kathleen! I usually only buy stuff from them if it is on clearance. I know if you wait too long with them it is either gone or discontinued. I agree though ~ I will buy something if I really, really want it. : ) I did splurge and buy drapes for the master bedroom from them when we first moved. I still love 'em 2 1/2 years later, so broken down over time it was a good investment.

Aimee at Refresh-Renew... said...

I think you made a great purchase. I have "rules" I follow as well for guilt-free purchasing....but sometimes you just have to allow yourself to buy-what-you-want-because-you-love-it...and not feel bad...Have a great weekend! (new follower)-aimee

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Nice buy on the basket! I think I'm allergic to retail. LOL I always go for discounts, find it at a garage sale, or, make it myself.

Decor To Adore said...

Oh yes! What a great basket. I will admit that sometimes my DIY projects ended up costing way more that if I had just made it. LOL!

Have a lovely weekend!

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

Wow, what a deal and you even have money left over for when you find your next big bargain.

The Polka Dot Closet said...

No, I don't feel guilty because i so seldom treat myself and so often like you said you can't make for any less than you can buy it......That is one great basket!!

Carol

At Home in English Valley said...

That basket/tray will never go out of style, you can use it in every room...you used a gift card and discount...I say the perfect PB purchase. I have several real PB items, but their styling is what I visit the store for and I keep the catalogs for reference. Happy Mother's Day my friend...here's hoping for another gift card;-) Love, Penny

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