So, who's watching the second episode of Million Dollar Decorators on Bravo tonight? I know there's been lots of mixed feelings about it already blogged about elsewhere, but I for one, was thoroughly entertained. Maybe that's because it's so far removed from the kind of projects I do. Some of the designers were more down-to-earth than I expected, while others could use a strong dose of reality.
Take Martyn Lawrence Bullard, for example, who was in the midst of designing an apartment (a temporary residence, I assume) for Sharon Osbourne. After watching the episode, I started thinking . . . If a client's budget was really "unlimited," could I ever recommend a $30,000 rug with a clear conscience?
I think it's okay to have nice things, but I would personally have a hard time looking at that rug (hidden mostly by her overpriced bed), knowing there are lot of hungry, homeless people in the same town who would be thankful for even one meal. I think he called the rug "decadent", but based on the price, I would have to go with "disgusting."
Anyway, back to Sharon Osbourne, I know she and Ozzy have oodles of money, but I still think she could benefit from my savvy shopping (and some common sense). Here's a shot of the bedroom designed by MLB for her on episode one:
And, here's a similar room I pulled together using readily available online sources:
Sources:
(just in case Sharon is interested)
And, I'm curious. . . If money was no object, would you ever pay $30,000 for a rug?
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It made me sick to watch him buy a rug that cost $30k and the Beatles artwork that was also exorbitant. I am not sure I could ever stomach spending money like that.
ReplyDeleteLove your mood board option!
I can think of a lot of other things I could buy with 30k! I don't think a rug would be one of them. It would be nice to not have to think about a budget though.
ReplyDeletei didn't see the whole episode. (and i was focused on the guacamole) however, if $30K wasn't too much, what would be? the room was alright, but not $30Kamazing, right? it would never matter how much money i had--truly, i know what i want to pay for something, and i stick to it. if i'm paying $30k for something--it better seat 6 and get good gas mileage.
ReplyDeleteI was not impressed at all by the first episode so depending on what else is on tonight, I may or may not watch the 2nd. The one I'm most disappointed in is Mary McDonald. I've been a fan of hers ever since I saw her home on Kitty Bartholomew's show years ago but on this show, she comes off rather bi----...if you know what I mean!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I love your inspiration board and Sharon would be much better off with your design rather than that of Ms. Bullard....oops, I mean MR. Bullard (LOL)!
Judy
I mean really how on earth do you justify that! I would feel like I was ripping people off. Love your mood board!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
I think Sharon better wake up and see what she is missing......she can do better wtih you! I agree there is no rug worht 30k (barring a rare old Perisan antique for someone who collects them) but seriously that is almost disgusting and I would have rathered they not disclose the price on TV. Its too "in your face" and who can possibly relate to that! I missed it last week but will stay tuned tonight, expecting to see over inflated egos, temper tantrums and excess galore. Hope I can stomach it. Should be good entertainment!
ReplyDeleteNot in a million years would I spend 30K on a rug. Love the design board you put together. She should hire you.
ReplyDeletewow! no way!!! i would never spend 30000, let alone 3000 on a new rug!!!! i have kids, dogs, and we actually live in our home.... it would never survive. and i just would never feel right spending that money frivolously on a rug, when i could buy something cheaper and use that money for a better cause.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more with your post Emily! 30K is beyond extravagant but then...when you have a "limitless" budget perhaps a 30K rug would be the equivalent to me spending 2K on a rug. It's all relative but I'm just relieved I'll never have the option! I think having that much money can be a curse. Awesome blog!
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Emily!! Just because you HAVE oodles of money, doesn't mean you have to SPeNd oodles of money! Love your voice of reason. :)
ReplyDeleteIve been meaning to watch that show! Need to add it to the to-do list!
ReplyDeletehmmmm...
ReplyDeleteI know I couldnt.
However, when you look at the price of things and the socio status a $30K rug could possibly translate into a $300 rug for others.
I think the same thing happen when P.Diddy bought his soon a near $500K car for his birthday.
Extravagant for me, but perhaps common place for them.
Rashon aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting
I wouldn't on a rug- just not where I'd spend it. If I was rich, rich, my money would be spent on artwork. And I didn't even like that rug or room for that matter- I'd happily take yours over what he put together.
ReplyDeleteNever! I don't think I could walk on it knowing that it was 30K and would always be reminded of what I could have done with that money. Can we say charity? or Child College fund? I think your room is beautiful and I am sure that it would still leave a little money in the bank!!
ReplyDeleteGood for you Emily! I didn't like the show, but I will probably give it one more chance today. A 30,000 rug is ridiculous nommatter how ,uch money you have.
ReplyDeleteLynn from Decor Arts Now
The 30k rug didn't even do much for the room, it's not that fabulous or that gorgeous to be honest. If you are willing to spend 30k on just one decor, that decor better have a wow factor. And I agree, your rug does look better!
ReplyDeleteJessie
www.mixandchic.com
If I was to spend 30k on a rug and heaven knows what on the total room... I would hope it turns out better than hers did.
ReplyDeleteI could remodel my entire house for the price of that rug. LOL
Never.
ReplyDeleteWith an unlimited budget, it is easy to create a beautiful room. What impresses me, is creating that same space on a budget.
ReplyDeleteAnd I wouldn't spend $3k on a rug, let alone $30K!
I can imagine that there are rugs in the world that are worth $30,000, but it certainly wouldn't be something mass-produced. After I watched that episode I was thinking the same thing--if I were to become rich now I couldn't spend $30,000 on a rug. I don't think I could be convinced to spend $30,000 on a bedroom redo, period. Plus I like the rug you picked better.
ReplyDeletegreat post emily. I went through a phase during design school where I felt like I was preparing myself to go into a materialistic, un-necessary profession, but then this lady who designs churches explained to me how everything is designed, even churches, which I've never actually worked on a church. but you get my point, so I stuck with it. I 110% agree that some things people specificy could feed a town and it's gross.
ReplyDeleteHeck-to-the-no! Never! My dog would throw up on it or something. With the money you save her, she could feed her town for the night Emily.
ReplyDeleteI was pretty disappointed with the show...but I am going to keep watching. It is funny that some of them were my design idols and I have a new view on their work after watching their attitude. Seriously. I love this post....when they walked into The Rug Company (which I love) I was shocked they just dropped $30 K w/o a thought. Seriously, who does this? It was like the equivalent of me walking into the clearance section at HomeGoods....
ReplyDeleteYou're hired.
ReplyDeletei could NEVER buy a rug for the cost of a car... even if money were no object you can still donate that money to a worthy cause.. just sayin! xoxo jillian:: enter in TWO GIVEAWAYS over at cornflake dreams
ReplyDeletesmart post, emily! as i was told by a local boutique tore, some people really want the high priced item for bragging rights, to be able to tell their friends that they paid "x-amount" for this item that was CUSTOM designed just for them. it's not my lifestyle, but i sure would love to be able to AFFORD a $30,000!
ReplyDeleteNever. That rug cost more than what I earned after my first year out of college for an entire year! It's crazy, but we live in a crazy world. Your design is prime example of how you can get a similar look for a miniscule of the price. (Not like 30K should be the standard price for a rug - it should not!)
ReplyDeleteEven if I had oodles of money, I would like to think that I'd still be a bargain shopper. Thirty grand for a RUG... NO WAY... ever! Love your comparable design... even better.
ReplyDeleteOh Emily, you speak my language! I didn't see the episode, but have often thought I'd be a terrible millionaire (or maybe an always wealthy one depending upon how you look at it; ). $30K, no matter how much money you have, for something that you WALK on just seems absurd to me. Your mood board was beautiful and it just shows that while more expensive might make for good t.v., it doesn't always equal better, or more class. Great post!
ReplyDeleteyou can buy a brand new car for $30k.
ReplyDeleteI think your use of the word "disgusting," when it comes to that rug, hit the nail right on the head. It's materialism at its worst! What I can't understand, and this may come from never having millions of dollars, is why someone would want to spend the equivalent of what equals some people's yearly salaries on a rug, when there are perfectly good alternatives!!
ReplyDeleteI watched it and couldn't relate to most of it, seeing as I decorate using alot of DIY and what I find at Home Goods. LOL! I think 30K on a rug is ridiculous!
ReplyDeleteI may or may not use a $30k rug one day, but if I do, let's hope the room doesn't end up looking like it belonged in a Z Gallerie catalogue. Sharon didn't get what she paid for.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you will not be surprised to receive a deluge of comments on this post. Not sure if it is a good idea to have shows like that on tv in times like these (budgets are/should be personal) but I guess it has an audience..your design board-amazing!
ReplyDeleteI watched the first episode and was not impressed. I really can't imagine ever paying 30,000 for a rug. I just couldn't do it. The results for all of that money was pretty average I thought. If I watch a decorating show and my take away is I could've done that, then I feel like I didn't learn anything. I'll give episode two a chance...but I don't know if this will be on my watch list.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post! I so agree. I would never pay that much no matter how unlimited my resources were. I don't see that room as worth THAT much. Yikes.
ReplyDeleteThat would be a no....yep still a big fat NO. I have often wondered if I had unlimited resources if I could spend such obscene amounts of money. Now, while I often dream of spending more money than I do now, I am certain I could never reach the "disgusting" levels of a $30,000 rug. Insane....and sad (holy cow, soo many things could be done with that money!!!!!!!)
ReplyDeleteArgh! I missed the premier of the show. Will have to catch up on reruns, and set my DVR. Anyway, the space has a nice design but could be done for waaaay cheaper. And the rug isn't all that -- especially not $30K all that.
ReplyDeleteNICE work! I have to say, I've thought about this issue a lot, and I would NEVER recommend for someone or buy for myself a single item costing as much as a car. Or anywhere close. I do wonder where you draw the line, though. $30K is obviously "decadent," but what about $3K? Or $10K? I don't know, it's a slippery slope in the middle there!
ReplyDeleteNever! I don't care how much money I had! Plus, I'd have to kill someone if they spilled anything on my $30K rug! haha
ReplyDeletenope. don't think i could do it. the whole time i would be thinking..."this is a CAR....a year or two of COLLEGE tuition..."
ReplyDeletei would for sure splurge on some things, but not a $30k splurge.
I keep forgetting to DVR that show, but from what I've read in the blog world, it's rather ridiculous. Your real-life finds look just as great as what Sharon has. She could have donated her leftover $ to her favorite charity!
ReplyDeleteNo matter how much money I had, I would never spend $30,000 on a rug!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is the struggle I had when I was in college and thinking how fluffy of a degree is Interior Design sounded. People are going to college to get degrees to help change the world and I am learning how to tell someone they need a $30,ooo rug? So no I couldn't spend it or advise someone too.
ReplyDeleteBesides that room wasn't impressive, sort of like an abstract painting that one says a child could replicate. Anyone could have designed that room.
But rich people need to spend their money some how?
Ok so I have to keep it real...if I were not limited by money AT ALL, I would be way more likely to spend 30K on a rug than a luxury car....however, it better be one incredible rug and that one didn't look very original or interesting. I also understand that its hard for people who don't make a lot of money (ehh hem my firefighter wife-stay at home mommy self)to comprehend spending that kind of money on things, however, at the end of the day it is their money and what right do we really have to judge how they spend it.
ReplyDeleteNever in a trillino years would I pay for or suggest that a client pay that kind of dough for a rug. Your inspiration board is perfect. I say you mail it to her and see what happens:)
ReplyDeleteNot unless it was a magic carpet that I could use instead of my car! I can't even think in those terms.
ReplyDeleteHi Emily, I haven't seen the show, but I have to say that I think this kind of post is what make you and your decorating philosophy to appealing to people!
ReplyDeleteCamille
It's not the 30k that made me queasy...it was the way it was just thrown out there. I can see someone spending that much on a rug, some giant antique situation in an old historic home etc. But to just walk into a store and toss out 30,000 on a completely generic mass produced rug shows how numb you can become when you spend money for kicks. I don't care how much money you have, and I don't think it's disgusting to spend it if you have it- But any 30,000 purchase you make should be special and meaningful and have VALUE to you reflecting the amount spent. Hope that makes sense.
ReplyDeleteI DVR'd it, but didn't even catch the $30K rug reference. The show itself was pretty entertaining, I must say, but NO, I would never be able to spend that kind of dough on a rug. No way! Your mood board is just as good!
ReplyDeleteI'm currently debating buying 4 chiang mai curtain panels for my bedroom. I can afford them, if I really want them, but I'm having a hard time forking over that much money for CURTAINS. Even though I could if I wanted to, you know? So, I guess that means I'd probably never buy a $30g rug.
ReplyDeleteShe should TOTALLY hire you! I watched the first episode and I found it to be both entertaining and an inaccurate depiction of most people's reality. Their designs were beautiful though!
ReplyDeleteFabulous Post!!!! I love what you came up with...probably for much less than that one silly rug! Thanks for putting things in perspective...I agree with you 100%! My husband and I have often had this same discussion (although he usually talks in terms of cars). If we had oodles of cash, could we justify spending $85,000 on a car. Nope. Couldn't do it. And definitely not 30K on a rug.
ReplyDeleteI actually have the dash nightstands from crate and barrel and they look almost the same as the one in her expensive room!
ReplyDeleteI love your moodboard. I have to watch this serial!
Great post! I love the new bravo show, for watching the drama and seeing the design ideas. I think most of them need some humble pie, but it's still fun to watch/pick apart. I love the design you made, and think it's better than Martin's! I would never pay $30,000 for a rug! I didn't even know you could! :)
ReplyDeletelike you.. NO WAY could i do that with a clear conscience!! not when you know full well that there are much more affordable resources out there that will lend the same exact look & feel! it's disgusting & takes advantage.. for sure!
ReplyDeleteI think about this kind of thing a lot and ultimately, I believe it's all relative. There are people who would look at something I buy from J. Crew or Anthropologie and say, that's an outrageous amount of money to pay for "a cute top." And then I can look at the Paris Hiltons of the world and say, "really? $200 for a t-shirt that barely covers your...um..." So at the end of the day, we can all judge.
ReplyDeleteBUT - I'd like to think that once you surpass a certain level of wealth, you'd create some limits for yourself. $30,000 for a rug is absolutely excessive. For anyone. Especially for a "temporary" living space!
And for what it's worth, I think you're design is lovely and Sharon probably wouldn't know the difference.
I think it's totally crazy to spent $30K on a rug, but then I think it's all relative - what I would pay for something seems like a gazillion dollars to people living in other parts of the world...so it's a tough call. I certainly liked your design just as much (if not more) so I think that's where the budget gets out of hand! Great, thought provoking post!
ReplyDeletehttp://bjdhausdesign.blogspot.com/
I mean, sure, I can see how a rug would cost $30k. I can even imagine having the lifestyle where I would spend that much (I have a very active imagination).
ReplyDeleteBut then I think about how a rug is used. And how easy it is to spill something on it. And how I don't like no-shoes-in-the-house policies. And how it would suck to have to send it out to be cleaned (or have someone in to clean it) ever other week because of my red wine habit. So no, no $30k rug for me. Even with unlimited funds.
I don't think any of us can relate to that level of money or decadence. I guess it all relative to your reality. I would imagine she did not blink an eye at the cost since it truly would not put a dent in her bucket so to speak. I think the show is two-fold, in representing the abilitly of over the top design and spending and then it also shows how down to earth and real even a high-high end designer can be when they have good design aesthetics. I am not sure what i think of the new show, yet, but I will say that Mr. MB needs to come down a couple of notches to be more human and real. I love your board and I think Sharon would be in awe at what she could have gotten for much less!! Kathysue
ReplyDeleteHere's what I absolutely don't understand... (and I don't watch the show so that may be part of it but...) why does the room look so generic? It borders on boring. Seriously, I would expect something much more interesting from a well known designer. And esp if the budget was limitless.
ReplyDeleteAbout the 30k... there's just no question. But, I can only judge it for myself because extravagance is all relative to what you compare it with. Every single one of us live just as lavishly as Sharon Osborne and her 30k rug when compared to the majority of the world population. Check out the "If the World were a Village" childrens book. Very sobering.
No, I would NEVER pay that much money for a rug. That's insane! I'm completely intrigued now though- I haven't watched that show yet but now I'm going to! Thanks for giving me something to watch now that all my regular shows have ended for the summer!
ReplyDeleteNO WAY! Of course, I would love to have that kind of money to spend, but I don't think I could ever do it. There are too many causes out there I would love to pour into given the opportunity. I like nice things, I LOVE nice things, but I think there's a difference between that and being wasteful. Especially, when there are such great things reasonably priced.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't spend $3k on a rug, much less $30k!!!! That is absolutely absurb!!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. Trust me, I have no problems with a good splurge on something you love, but there are much better things to do with that much money. It's not like you couldn't find a rug that was just as nice and then buy a car, too!
ReplyDeleteI get to see plenty of higher end items on a daily basis working with some of my clients but a $30K rug? Totally not justified. Especially when the room looks like it is out of ZGallerie. No good. It's like he bought the rug just because he knew there was the budget for it. Who knows...that could have all been for show and the rug could have cost a lot less. It's called 'Million Dollar Decorators' for a reason!
ReplyDeletemy husband and i have a deal where we cannot spend over $50 without consulting the other person (the exception being groceries) to make sure it is okay. that being said i am sure he would think i had gone off the deep end since i have trouble with even a $150 rug! i am currently working on our girls room ~ just took the crib down for the final time ~ and having a hard time justifying money for curtain panels! think of all the meals, clothes and good that would do in the weather torn areas of our country right now.
ReplyDeletei have not watched the show...although i do love million dollar listing. as far as the osbournes go and their unlimited cash flow...maybe the IRS should come pick up the rug, because they owe the IRS 1.7 million dollars!!! absurd.
ReplyDeleteBravo Emily! I agree, that is frivolous! Never would I spend that much. So wasteful. I grew up with frugal parents who were immigrants and they taught me to be thankful for what and to be happy with what we have:)
ReplyDeleteThose "stars" need to walk in our shoes for a change!
If that rug could take me on a magic carpet ride then maybe ;) I'm pretty sure that even if I was rich I'd still shop at Home Goods and Target.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen tonight's episode yet so I can't judge the whole room. That picture you posted though is a bit ho-hum to me. Yawn!
ReplyDeleteHey now, maybe that rug was secretly hiding 26kt gold nuggets in it? Maybe that's why it cost 30K...? Ugh, I can't believe one rug cost $30,000!! That's insanely gross.
ReplyDeleteI know the show is called Million Dollar Decorators, but it left a bad taste in my mouth, too. I suspect the drama about timing was staging, because seriously, who runs out and buys a 30k rug and 25k artwork without any plan? And I was NOT impressed with his work for the price. I mean, it's nice but rather generic, and if you are spending that much money, you shouldn't be generic.
ReplyDeleteI have always loved Mary McDonald, and I still admire her work, but I really don't like her after seeing the show. I really don't like any of them, although some seemed less obnoxious than others. The show was also too personality-driven. I want to see more than a few minutes of the finished product and more of what goes into the planning. I doubt I'll be watching again. BIG disappointment in terms of execution.
My Dr office over looks the Sierra Towers (the building Sharon moved into) and every time I'm there I look at the building and think those people don't have a sense of reality.
ReplyDelete$30,000 for anything (except maybe a down payment on a house) makes me cringe. I grew up with very little (by American standards) and to this day I struggle with spending money. I find I am more satisfied if I can find nice things for my home for a good price or that I took the time to make myself.
ReplyDeletegreat mood board!
gosh no....sooo crazy. But i get a good laugh when this show is on!
ReplyDelete:)))))
www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com
I know I'm a little late in the conversation but watching this show last week I was blown away he would spend so much money on just a rug, as well as all the art work. Do they really need a picture of the Beatles for $25k. I think not. I love your redo of the bedroom, you can do so much with $30k and get so much more. Glad I was not the only one who was watching in shock.
ReplyDeleteI would never pay that much for a rug! Like you, I think I'm clever and creative enough to find alternatives. I also think of the people who could use food, clothing, clean water and what could be accomplished with an extra 30 grand!
ReplyDeleteI have yet to watch the 2nd episode on my DVR. Maybe now? I did find the first episode fun AND was anyone else horrified by Kathryn Ireland's sons making the b-day food with NO handwashing?
Yes! Sharon should so hire you! She certainly would have saved a truck full of money. NO...I would not pay 30K for a rug. For a car....yes.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny that because I blog read and usually don't post comments... I actually feel like IM WATCHING-slash non-creppily (I know it's not a word.. Just go with it ...lol) stalking you!! I feel like I'm watching blog readers lives play out in front of me!! And I'd love for you to check out my blog whenever you get bored..
ReplyDeletewww.kelleyfoodies.blogspot.com
Happy reading!
Yours looks just as great as hers! When you found the items, did you tally up what your option would have cost?
ReplyDeleteWell, call me crazy but I can't stand shows like this. I think of starving people, especially children, not to mention homeless people and neglected animals (don't even get me started on those Humane Society commercials...). To see rich people and how they spend their money makes me physically ill. I have never wanted to watch those shows like Selling New York or in the old days, MTV Cribs (how many expensive cars does one person need anyway?).
ReplyDeleteI would make a terrible wealthy person, I would give most of my money away!
You would all freak out when the designer spent 3 million dollars on ugly furniture for the house that he spent three years curating.
ReplyDeleteNever! But I feel that way about a lot of "interior design". Love, love, love OneKingsLane but the decorator tag sales always crack me up: $300 for a set of candlesticks identical to the ones I purchased at a garage sale for $3.00?????
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm just in the wrong business. I think that if I were an interior designer I could not, in good conscience, advise people to spend money like that.
Well, to most 30 K sounds like a lot. But on the other hand the stuff we have in our own houses would feed many people many meals so we're all guilty of the same thing as Sharon and MLB, just not on the same scale.
ReplyDeleteAnd who knows how much they both give to charities? Maybe one thing balances out the other?
That said, at least where I'm concerned, the decorators would have been held in higher esteem if I'd never seen the show. Maybe having that kind of money or working with those that do make you weird? Because the clients certainly don't seem to be better off in that department.
I think that's unpractical and inconvenient to buy a rug for $30,000. That's a lot of money and ordinary people like me wouldn't think that's a great idea. Well for me, it's a big NO. end tables
ReplyDelete