The answers

OK, it’s time for the results of our budget buy or designer splurge quiz. How do you think you did?

Let’s start with the accent pillows. Pillow #1: budget buy. Can you believe it? It was purchased for $8.99 at Ross. Pillow #2: Designer splurge, and oh, was it worth it! From Lyn Jean Designs, a custom-made pillow with Swarovski crystals for $95. Pillow #3: designer splurge. The fabric was special-ordered from Johnny Mango, and then sent to an upholsterer to be made into a pillow to perfectly accentuate a sofa: approximately $100. Pillow #4: budget buy. A great find from Walmart, under $14!

Next, on to our throws. So which of the three did you think was the budget buy? Your picks were all over the map. Guess what? You were all wrong! I had to throw in a trick question—all three were budget buys! The first, the chenille, was $12 from Ross. The second, the faux fur, was $9.99 from Ross, and the third, the soft bamboo, was $14 from Sam’s Club.

And then the plants. Even from the picture, I think this was pretty clear that the one on the left was the budget and the one on the right was the designer. The first was under $50 at any local craft store. The other was about $500. I found it in Las Vegas, but it can be purchased at upscale furniture stores.

So this was fun. Most of you got at least one right. For those who got more than one correct, keep up the good shopping! I know Walmart is going to get lots of people looking for that sequined tank top, but sorry, that was over six months ago.

If you didn’t get a chance to see that KITV segment, it’s now posted at rsvpstyle.com. Here’s your chance to see how Dan and Mahealani did!

As for testing your own décor smarts, we’ll do this again sometime!

You asked for it, you got it—another workshop!

We’ve just confirmed the date and location for our next big Invitation to Design workshop: Saturday, October 25 at the Dole Cannery Ballroom. As always, it’s going to be an action-packed full day of learning with lots of fun thrown in!

Like our past big workshops, this one will be more of an introduction to design and decorating for those who want to learn how to incorporate color, texture and style into their spaces. But also, in this economy, we’ve had lots of requests to teach about staging. Those who have homes languishing on the market can learn how to spruce them up quickly and affordably to get them sold. So it’ll be great for homeowners and sellers and Realtors alike.

We already have our presenting sponsor on board. Primary Residential Mortgage is a great company headed by Nelson Oyadomari. I’m looking forward to working with them and seeing you at our next workshop—stay tuned to this website for details!