When we were finishing our home renovation, I was adamant on finding comfortable barstools (preferably upholstered) to ensure the guests would hang out for a while and hopefully keep me company at the island while I cooked and loaded the dishwasher.
My dream counter stools! https://www.serenaandlily.com/ross-counter-stool/mRDCS.html#start=28
However, we were already at over budget on our renovation, and needed 4 stools. So there was no chance in France I could pony up $4,800 for counter stools. Being the bargain hunter that I am, I was on a mission to find the look I wanted on a budget.
Wayfair. Joss & Main. Home Goods. Home Decor. Warning – what I saved in budget, I gave up in hours. Many many hours. Ultimately we had success at Home Sense – we are fortunate enough to have one in our town. Only the 2nd in the US. It is Home Goods but with lighting, more rug & furniture choices. And there are multiples vs home goods 1 lamp, or 2 chairs but it is pretty rare to find several.
One Major Problem – my $100 stools were bar height not counter height!
Luckily, after 4 months of a major renovation & addition, we had a great relationship with our Contractor. The carpenter happen to be working that week and we asked him to cut a 3.5 inches off the bottom of the legs. And there you have it! $400 vs $4,800.
Not too shabby, huh?
....but will there be wine? 
Leave a comment