Beckie from Infarantly Creative and Knock Off Decor

 To kick things off this week we have Beckie from Infarrantly Creative and Knock Off Décor with an awesome post about Knock-offs!

Hi I am Beckie, author of Infarrantly Creative and Knock Off Décor. I am kicking off Knock off Week with a little knock off theory. As I peruse the latest design catalogs like Pottery Barn or Ballard Designs I see the potential of mimicking the amazing designs in my own home. Here are a few things that go through my mind when I attempt a knock off project (and a few of my own knock off projects for your viewing pleasure :-). Now Keep in mind I am focusing on home décor knock offs. Of course you can knock off accessories and clothing as well.

1. Do you have a use or purpose for it in your home? Yes everything in the Ballard Designs or Pottery Barn catalogs are gorgeous. Don’t just make it because you can. Will it serve a purpose in your home? Do you have a space for it? Or will you have to get rid of something else in order to accommodate your new piece? That is fine if the answer is yes but make sure you have a plan ahead of time for where you new item will go. The goal is beauty in my home not clutter.

Knock off Ballard Designs Laundry Sign

2. Creating an imitation of something you see in a catalog will save you money but will it cost you money? Most of the time the answer is yes. You can usually save about 90% making it yourself but it will still cost you something. Make sure you take into account how much your supplies will cost. There are times I have knocked something off and it cost me $25 and six hours of time when I could have bought it for $35 from the catalog.

PB Kid Catalina Bookshelf Knock Off

My cost: $15

Their cost: $119

Totally worth it!

3. Look at the shape of things you might already own, can you revamp it? Many times you have items in your home that can be repurposed to look more high end with a little paint and some imagination. Take for example this 13 year old hope chest I had received as a gift from my father-in-law.

Pottery Barn Turned Chest Knock Off

Removing the lid and framing out the edge gave me a Pottery Barn Kids Turner Chest wannabe.

Image Credit: Pottery Barn Kids

PB Kids Turner Toys Chest Knock Off

4. Do you have woodworking skills or can you cozy up to someone who does? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many times a retired man in your church or a neighbor down the road would love to help you with a small project. Don’t be intimidated by tools, they are really easier to use than you think. Plus Home Depot will cut nearly everything to size for you. I had Home Depot cut this large board to size and then I just had to screw everything in place.

Ballard Inspired Junction Paper Holder

5. Do you think outside the box and let the designers inspire you? You don’t always have to have the exact replica of something to call it a knock-off. Use the catalogs as a jumping off point. Don’t be afraid to add a little YOU into it. I loved Land of Nod’s Wash Your Hands sign.

However it was a bit juvenile for my purple board & batten bathroom. So using the same wording I did a faux glass etching that fit more with the décor of my room.

Wash Your Hands Knock Off

Thanks for letting me kick off this week of amazing talent. And if you need more daily knock off inspiration I have the place for you. I feature two knock off projects a day from talented women like yourself!