Hi Everyone!
Happy Wednesday sweet friends. So my blog was hacked ya’ll. It was down for over a week and I’m so happy to finally be back up and running. Hackers suck. In a major way. Apparently I was one of several bloggers who were hacked all at the same time, by the same entity. It was such a headache to deal with, not to mention it cost me money I wasn’t expecting to have to shell out. #aintnobodygottimeforthat.
All that said, the worst part of it was not having access to communicate with you guys. I hated not being able to get a post up when I was ready to. It gave me an appreciation for it for sure. I don’t blog as much as Id like to, but having the opportunity to literally taken away from me was eye opening. I’ll definitely be doing it more often now. I think I felt it was necessary to have tons of pretty pics or something major to blog about in order to hit publish. I love blogging as an outlet and as a way to journal and compound my thoughts, and to deliver those thoughts to an audience whom I feel connected to. To like-minded people. To people who get my excitement over the latest Threshold line (which by the way is bananas good), or the newest trend in home décor, or a super inspiring space. Because I love my wife, but she could care less! And so could most of my friends, because it’s just not their thing. So thank you for being my people. And although I wanna punch you in the face hacker, whoever the hell you are, I also have to thank you. You gave me my perspective back.
Now let’s get to the best part of today’s post friends. As you know I’ve had some really good luck hunting finds lately. I snagged up our Eames, coffee table, and a pair of fabulous mid century chairs that now live with my sweet friend Brittany. Well, I’ve yet again managed to find something AMAZING on Craigslist.
We have a new sofa guys! And I’m crazy in love with it. EEk! It’s the most random thing ever and I’m still in disbelief that it happened.
You all know we’ve been on the hunt for a new sofa for FOREVER! We’d been actively looking for 4 years and I was honestly just over the whole thing. The decision of what to choose was stressing me out so much. I mean, I never would’ve imagined it would be so darn hard to pick a sofa! But I think I was so scared to make the wrong decision and end up stuck with another one we didn’t love for yet another 10 years. We’d gone back and forth over what style we wanted so many times. It was giving me a headache. I think I was even resolved to just keeping our crappy tattered one because it was already here and it was really comfortable. But the reality is it was time.
After visiting tons of stores and trying out several styles in person we decided to go the custom route. We were actually just going to commission a custom sofa from Clad Home so we could get exactly what we wanted and have it be perfectly fitted to us and our home. I had decided on a chesterfield in the end because I’ve been in love with them for 8 years and no matter what style I considered, my heart always came back to the it. Coincidentally I had just been emailing with Rosa this past weekend and was quoted pricing for a 96″ chesterfield sofa with a bench seat, down filled, in both a fabric and leather option.
We were prepared to get the ball rolling and then I ran across a listing on Sunday night for a Restoration Hardware Kensington sofa in like new condition for $1800. I couldn’t believe it. This sofa retails for over $3000…on sale! I’ve seen, and sat in, this sofa before and I looooooved it, but there was no way I was shelling out that kinda moolah for it. Not when I would get something custom made for less. I was cautiously weary, but yet really kinda excited at the same time. I reached out to the seller the next morning and after some negotiating was able to get it down a bit more to $1500. #sold. I mean chesters NEVER come up. EVER. And I definitely didn’t expect one to pop up in the condition and at that price. I couldn’t say no. The thing is in immaculate condition. No rips, tears, stains…nothing.
The only indication that it isn’t brand new from the store are the cushions. They are down filled, but they are worn down. Its not even that big a deal, honestly. It’s still comfortable, but not brand new down ultra fluffy comfortable. We came from super overstuffed down cushions in our last sofa, so it’s what we love and are used to. Thankfully having the cushions restuffed is super easy and really inexpensive so I’m gonna have them refilled. Since the fabric is in excellent condition and no other repairs need to be made, it will be WELL worth the costs and she’ll be good as new…maybe ever better than new.
Im so happy we finally have a “new” sofa and that its what I’ve been dreaming of for a long time. Our little bungalow is coming together and this new addition is a major thing I can cross of the list. Operation get rid of the big monstrosity is official over. Now I can get busy loading it up with allll the pillows!!
Have you found any thing awesome on Craigslist lately? Until next time friends….
Xo-Shavonda
Michelle says
That just happens to be my dream sofa!! It looks perfect in the space!
Pamala says
One would think people would use their computer programming skills for good deeds instead of wreaking havoc on innocent people lives. Enough about those kind…but want to say that I have followed your blog since I read your feature story in Better Homes and Garden and I did not realize until I couldn’t access it that I am addicted. I am talking about serious withdrawal symptoms (lol). I needed my design inspiration and creative juices stirred. So glad you are back AND that sofa is right on. Your living room looks great. I have been waiting to see what you would select or rather, what would select you! Now I am holding my breath waiting for that kitchen reveal.
Shavonda says
Awww Hi Pamala! And thank you so much for your sweet words. I love seeing your comments in my feed. I appreciate your readership so much. Yes, Im beyond thrilled to have had my boy Craig hook me up…again! Im steadily ticking away at the kitchen friend. Im awaiting some light fixtures and then Ill post an update. They should be here any day now:)
Michele says
That sofa is amazing! What a find. And your interior photography is beautiful. I’ve made it my mission to master that darn manual setting but it is hard!
Shavonda says
Hi Michele! Thank you so much. Yes, shooting in manual is tricky friend. I challenged myself to only shoot on M from the beginning so Ive had to learn through lots of trial and error. I also purchased the online photography course Shoot Fly Shoot. I still haven’t made it through both sessions, but I have access to them forever, so if I ever need help I can pop on and learn. I highly recommend it. Its great for visual learners.
Brandi says
So sorry to read about your site. Things like that make me so nervous. But your sofa is stunningly beautiful. Love it and I can imagine how happy it makes you and your family.
Shavonda says
Thank you so much Brandi. We are absolutely loving it!
beks says
#wellplayed!
Erin@liveprettyonapenny says
This was a great find, Shavonda! It looks great and it was so meant to be. Its a beautiful sofa!
Shavonda says
Thank you Erin! Im pretty sure this sofa picked me out and not the opposite. Things really lined up perfectly. I couldn’t be happier.
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
Oh I’m sort I’m late to your post! I gasped, I can’t believe your luck. I’ve always wanted one too and this is an amazing find. High five!
Shavonda says
Woot Woot!. Thank you friend.
Corinna - A Designer At Home says
Yay! That is so amazing! Super fantastic score. The whole space has really come together <3
(And I'm super sorry about the hack.)
Shavonda says
Thank you lovebug. I feel like it is too. This find was a huge step in pulling it all together.
Katrina says
Your new sofa looks fantastic, I’m so very happy for you! Talk about a epic score!
Shavonda says
Thank you sweet Katrina:)
Kyla @HouseOfHipsters.com says
Woah! Just woah! That sofa is the BOMB! That truly was the score of the century. And I’m so glad you got your blog back up and running!
Shavonda says
Thanks Kyla! Im so happy I could scream. Im still pinching myself. Also…YOUR chester is fabulous friend.
Jen says
Wow, what a great find! And I totally agree about Target’s new line.
Shavonda says
OMG isn’t it fantastic! Thanks sweet friend.
Kristin says
OMG!!!! Your persistence paid off and I can see it being the spotlight in many pictures, no longer hiding and dodging the big ugly couch(your words)!!! I’m so happy for you. I’m actually headed to Aiken for a Stocksund sofa today. I’d love a chesterfield but it ain’t gonna happen; new or used. I live in a big rural state so Craig and his list are not really my friends. Everything is far away and not really worth a drive (unless it was the chesterfield score of the century!)
Shavonda says
Girl YES!! NO more ugly couch. Its been a long time coming. Fingers crossed for you that my boy Craig comes through for you soon:)