Feb 6, 2017

This setup has been in the works for quite some time.  I had been using the same $10 painted desk the last seven years for a makeshift vanity and while that absolutely served it’s purpose, and worked for many years, it wasn’t something I ultimately loved.  Plus, it was so  l a r g e  I found myself filling it with more and more stuff.

I have been on the hunt for a new vanity since the beginning of last year and found myself almost settling and pulling the trigger on a couple options, but they never felt quite right.  In short, I was looking for a quick fix.  A buy that would make me happy, but ultimately something I would later regret and probably have me looking within a year for another solution.

Enter West Elm.

This is the first time I’ve ever bought a new piece of furniture.  I’m a used-vintage-thrift furniture kind of gal, which basically means I feel like I can salvage almost anything with the right amount of paint and there is no wobbly drawer I haven’t met.  SO when this brand new, never used piece of furniture landed on my front step I was quite in awe.

The drawer closed.  (And didn’t wobble)

My paintbrush was no longer needed.

… And it was tiny.

I essentially cut my vanity space in half with this buy and at first that terrified me a bit.  Though it really just forced me to sit down one night and purge from my extra large vanity.  Going from four drawers to  o n e.

I tried to keep my space simple and let the thrifted gold antique mirror take front and center on top of the marble top, while my makeup dailies are setting on top of my favorite beauty book + a favorite Rifle Paper print. The smaller drawer is a bit easier to accept with a drawer organizer for the makeup I don’t reach for on daily basis and there is plenty of room for my hair products around it.  I won’t lie that I’m having some shelving added to my closet to provide myself with more storage space, but I’ve noticed each week I actually get rid of more and more unused makeup.

Less truly seems to be more.

I had to sell so much furniture in my home to afford this one piece (plus hop on the tail end of a New Year’s sale), but so far I couldn’t be happier with the mini desk turned vanity.  It’s perfect in my eyes even though it’s compact size was a bit of a deterrent at first. And I’ve definitely given myself  a pat on the back for such an intentional buy!  (Nothing like an expensive piece of furniture to deter any frivolous spending 😉 )

From mudcloth pillows to instructing L on how I want my closet built, I’ve been happily dipping my toe into lots of home decor lately and I would love to hear what you have invested in lately for your space!

xo Kelsey