Monday, April 23, 2012

New Kitchen Bar Stools

We ordered some new House Candy from Target.
For a while now the kitchen bar stools have been a thorn in my side. You might have seen me mention all the bar stool drama on Facebook or Twitter. But in January I decided that because the bar stools aren't technically in the kitchen, and were in fact in the dining room, they needed to be more formal.
We moved one of the three into the office as my new corner desk chair, and the other two we were able to sell on craigslist, earning back $100 to add towards new bar stools.  Just to make it clear, we were really happy with the quality of the Ikea Ingolf stools we had before, I just felt they weren't formal enough.
So, Here's the Short Version of what happened:
Back in January, I decided we needed new bar stools, so the first thing I did was sell our two remaining bar stools. NOT SMART! It would take until the middle of April to source, buy and ship new bar stools.

But oh, so worth the wait, here's how it looks now:
Our New stools are so comfy, thanks to the large seat for your tooshie. And I think that they are a bit more stylish then their white wood predecessors.
Like I mentioned before we were able to sell two of our old bar stools for $100 ($50 each woo hoo), so with $100 from the sale, I set out to spend no more then $200 total for bar stools (that's only $100 out of pocket). I had a really clear idea of what I wanted! Because our stools are technically in our dining room I think that they should be a little more formal. So Upholstered, parsons style stools were on my short list.
I ignored my number 1 rule, if your working with a strict budget you have to stay open to options that come up. I wasn't open, I was as closed as a teenagers text book on Friday night. I wanted upholstered chairs and I wasn't willing to settle for anything less. I did eventually find what I was looking for, in my budget, but it cost me time  . . . 3+ months to be specific.

Speaking of budget, how did I do? Well I came in WAY under budget! Each Stool was on sale for $82, then it was save 20%, and free shipping. My total came to $143.17! Subtract the $100 we sold the old bar stools for and we spent a grand total of $43.17 out of pocket!!!
With our new neutral scheme deciding on a color for the stools was easy enough, a nice neutral taupe. I think they tie into the dining room, with out being too matchy matchy.
And I like the way they work with the dark wood cabinetry we have going on in the kitchen.
My only concern is that the backs of the stools don't stick up above the counter top as much as I would like. Not because the chairs are the wrong height, they're a perfect 44 inches, but our builders seemed to have picked the height of the bar out of thin air. It's a minor detail we could always fix in the future, but since both Lee and myself are on the tall side, the slightly higher then normal bar, is actually a pretty darn good height for us.
We're both really happy with the bar stool switch up. I love the way they look and Lee loves their large size and comfy seat.
Mostly we're both just thrilled to have bar stools again, I didn't realize how much we used them until we didn't have them there anymore.
What do you think??? Worth the Wait???

btw . . . we'll be posting the winner of our "No Brainer Wardrobe" E-Book giveaway this afternoon. Make sure to pop back and see if you won.

41 comments:

  1. Hold the phone - these stools are from Target?!? Wow! Love them - they look great in there. I'm in need of new barstools as well, as mine are a thorn in my side too! But you're right, it does take time to find the right ones!

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  2. Oh yes, definately fantastic and even better on the purse strings..you did well. Love them. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia

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  3. Love, love the new bar stools! Mine are so ugly, I am going to the Target website and check it out!

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  4. they are awesome and i think you are right, the more formal ones were the right way to go. and w2g on the savings, thats how to do it. i might even be persuaded to look at barstools looking at those, lol

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  5. I saw these EXACT stools on the website and LOVED them and as soon as you said you wanted more formal stool, I thought you'd pick something like those. I hadn't scrolled down to look and was so excited to see you picked those same ones (is that ridiculous? Yes, this is the stuff that excites me :) ). LOVE, LOVE them! I too have wood ones and want something more formal and comfortable but may do a slipcover for any upholstered stool as I have 3 boys and, uh, all upholstery in this house needs to be machine washable!

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  6. Beautiful! I never thought of checking out Target online! We need dining room chairs BADLY. Love your stools - totally worth the wait.

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  7. I think these are stunning...perfect compliment to your wonderful home! GREAT shopping!

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  8. Those barstools are great! Amazing shopping with such a great deal you found!

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  9. I love the color and fabric design of those chairs!

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  10. Wow, those barstools are really fantastic! I'll be honest, I really like the IKEA stools and thought they looked great...until I saw the new Target ones next to your bar. You were right - more formal looks a lot better! And I think it is great that you waited to find exactly what you wanted. I think we all tend to rush into things "just for now" and then end up giving away/donating/selling the items anyway when we find something we really, really love instead.

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  11. Love the new bar stools. I actually really liked the look of the white stools too, but I have to say that these do look much better. It's a more polished look and it does blend in very nicely with the dining room. Good choice!!

    Lori S.

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  12. I am in LOVE! They are gorgeous! And, did you say Target??? We are looking for some new ones as well. With Kate gone next year, Mark and I will probably eat the majority of our meals together at our bar, so we want something more comfortable. And, I actually like that they don't stick up too high...I like the view of the kitchen! Beautiful.

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  13. Love the new bar stools! Sooo pretty!

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  14. looks great! So pretty! Did you have them shipped to your home? or to Ship Happens?? Love the pattern!! Cant wait for the hostas unveiling!

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    1. Hi Becky!
      We shipped them to Point Roberts Lee's been "on site" working for the last couple weeks so he's SUPER close to the point roberts border!!!
      ~A

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  15. Love the look! Simple lines and fun neutral colored pattern.

    I found bar stools for our island that were an exact match to our dining room set so I scooped them up. Only upon assembly did I realize they were too high. And I didn't have the energy to return them. So we are STILL (4 months later) not utilizing the seating at our kitchen island because the stools are too tall. Any suggestions? Can you simply cut a few inches off the wooden legs? A little scared to do it..but it's worth a shot. I mean, we aren't using them as they sit now.

    Jamie
    www.mainemommy.com

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    1. I would definitely LOP off a couple inches from the legs!!! There is not reason that wouldn't work.
      I'm assuming you have a counter height bar (36 inches or so), and your chair are bar height (30 inches from the seat to the ground). The general rule is that Bar Height stools are 30 inches from the seat to the ground, and counter height stools should be 24 inches from the seat to the ground!!!
      I say give it a try, maybe cut a small amount off at a time and stop when the stools work for you!!!
      There is definitely no reason i can see why you shouldn't give it a go!!!
      Lots of Love
      Ashli

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  16. Love your new barstools!

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  17. Great job on the stools! Where did you get the cool pedestal stand holding fruit on your counter?

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    1. Thanks Sandhya!!!
      I found that at Homesense (Homegoods in the states) it was meant to be outside. I found it in their garden section!!
      Hope that helps
      Ashli

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  18. They could not be more PERFECT if you had custom designed them! Love everything about them, and love them in your space!!! Fantastic job, and so worth the wait!!
    xo-Lisa

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  19. Score! Much more visually appealing than all of the white "lines" of the old stools.

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  20. I can't help but stare at your pendant lights! Can you share where your purchased those? I've been looking high and low and those would work perfectly. Thanks.

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    1. Hi Steph!
      The Pendant lights are from RONA here in Canada! They were $89 each.
      If you are in the States, Lowes had some that looked really close to the ones we have . . . and they were a better price!
      Hope that helps
      Ashli

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  21. I was wondering how you ordered from Target - I didn't think they shipped to Canada and I thought you lived in BC? I am constantly drooling over their website so if there is a way to order now please share!!! :)

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    1. Hi Crystal,
      Target doesn't ship to Canada sadly. We live close to the border, infact Lee works 10 minutes away from the Point Roberts / Tsawwassen border so it's a quick trip across to pick up packages.
      We use The Letter Carrier, it's a 1 minute drive across the border. Here's the address:
      145 TYEE DRIVE
      POINT ROBERTS, WA 98281
      PHONE: (360) 945-0515
      FAX: (360) 945-0979

      They Charged us $3.50 per package (there were two) for the two days they were holding them. I believe they charge less for smaller packages.
      We cross the border at least once a month to pick things up from the letter carrier and have never had a problem! They're great!
      Hope that helps
      Ashli
      I've also heard of SHIP HAPPENS just outside of Bellingham, I believe for an extra charge they will ship it to Canada for you!

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    2. Thanks so much for this information!! Cheers :)

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  22. I love your new bar stools! They look like they were made for your home! They are beautiful and I love the fabric. It was worth the wait for those. Your kitchen is beautiful, too....as is your whole house. Have a great week Ashli!

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  23. The stools are perfect with your dining room and kitchen! Definitely worth the wait!

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  24. I absolutely love these stools, especially the unexpected pattern. The affordable price tag is something that can make you even more proud!

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  25. Target's website drives me crazy, but these barstools and your taste are fabulous.

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    1. Oh thank goodness, Target's site drives me crazy too. They don't list any of their dimensions and when they do they aren't correct. These barstools said they were 34" tall, they are 45" tall! Then when sent an email asking them to clarify, because that didn't make sense they said that 34" was the height. But it's not even the height of the seat the seat is 30" CRAZY!
      So frustrating!
      Anyway I'm glad someone else has issues too! :)
      Lots of Lov e
      Ashli

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  26. Just found your site through Pinterest and LOVE your ideas. We're slowly redoing our house and I'm about to paint my first "beige" wall and am a bit nervous. Can I ask what color your painted your walls in your dining area? I love that's it looks both warm and inviting AND neutral. Thanks! I'll definitely be checking back for more new ideas.

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    1. Thanks Laura,
      Our Main floor color is Mourning Dove by Martha Stewart. It's a real grey, green beige color! We LOVE IT!!
      Hope that helps
      Ashli

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    2. Thank you! I'll check it out and see if it works with the light in our space!

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  27. To really get the math correct on you coming WAY under budget as you say. you first have to realize you SPENT $$ in the first place to purchase the 3 IKEA stools. Okay then whatever that cost (including tax) then you deduct the $100 Craigslist PROFIT. I know for a fact those bar stools each cost about $70 each (including tax) so just right there you already lost $20 if you sold each one at $50. I think when budgeting and it requiring selling something for a loss on Craigslist you should factor in the ORIGINAL price you paid for the items you are about to sell. Because that too came straight out of your pocket!

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    1. Yes I see where you are coming from, But I budgeted $200 out of pocket, on top of the barstools I already purchased. I know I had already spent money on white barstools, and I was willing to go $200 over that amount. Coming in at $143 makes me under budget as I budgeted $200. Had I not already purchased White Barstools I would have been able to set aside $400 for stools.

      And If I factor in the loss on the white barstools I still came in under budget. I lost $20 a stool so that's a total of $40. I spent $143 + $40 that's $183 still under budget. Maybe you're the one who needs a Math Correct! :)

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  28. The cover designs of the bars stools are really impressive. I can't imagine how comfy those seats might be. Great additions to any kitchens or personalized lounge. Really appreciate this post.

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