A Beautiufl Home For Less
Although some people have all the money in the world to spend on furnishing their home most of us are likely on a budget and as we know having money does not give one good taste. On the up side is that we don't have to be rich to have a home that looks beautiful and that invites others to come in and chill with us. This blog is going to help you to create a home that rocks:
When you are decorating it is important to know where to find things. Otherwise you may be wasting a lot of time and I believe that "time is money". Here are some stores and what you can find in them:
Stores:
My list of discount stores that I love and what you can find there include:
Ikea: Dressers, closet organizers, tables, chairs, kitchen ware, outdoor lights and furniture, cool folding chairs, lighting and rugs
Home Goods: sofas, sofa chairs, ottomans, cocktail and occassional tables, lamps, throws, home accessories, bath towels, sheets, frames, kitchen stuff, area rugs and small gourmet items.
Marshall's: chairs, sofa chairs, decor pillows, accessories, paper goods, and more...
Ashley: Urbanology is their nicer line of furniture and it's contemporary and great matresses
Goodwill: It is always a guess as to what you may find but when you do think about how easy you can spray paint an item and give it a new look. Mondays are a great day to find things in the late afternoon when things get put out for the week that were donated over the weekend.
Once you know where to go visiting stores frequently will heighten your chances of finding what you want. When you shop this way you must know what style you are looking to create in your home. Once you decide this the rest is really easy. When you find it, buy it. It won't be there long. Keep the receipt in case you are able to change it down the road. If you are careful to select things that are in the same style and colors that combine you can end up with a beautifully decorated home.
There are not any strict rules about mixing styles so think about mixing modern lighting with contemporary of traditional pieces. The trick is to start with a neutral base like tan and add the colors you want in the accessories like the decor pillows or bowls. When you are buying a piece that needs some TLC start with the idea that you can paint it black or white in a mat or a shiny lacquered finish.
Express your inner person. When you are picking items for your home shake them or move them to get an idea of how sturdy they are. Pick items that speak to your personality. If you are playful then you might chose a sofa in orange fabric or red leather. If you are more traditional a white canvas slipcovered sofa may be more you. Let your heart have it's way and feel your own vibe when you decorate.
Different magazines have different looks they usually feature. Take a look at Veranda, Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Traditional Home, Lux Chicago, House and Garden and Southern Style. They will help you to get ideas that you will find in the stores I suggested for a lot less money than the one in the magazine. A publication like Elle Decor loves that "Bohemian" look. It is ethnic, colorful, very eclectic and all about color while AD is more traditional, modern or a mix of the two. The fact is that there are many trends you will see that places like Home Goods know about and are imitating for a lot less money.
You will find that once you visit a store you will know what their strong suit is. Home Goods has a great selection of rugs and lamps while Ikea has great lighting at a great price. Don't "poo poo" any store due to the reputation you hear about. I found the famous "wishbone: design chair at Marshall's for 100.00 while at "Design Within Reach" they average 800.00 each. You just have to know where to go and keep your mind open. Just one more thing: Paint works miracles.
More to come...
When you are decorating it is important to know where to find things. Otherwise you may be wasting a lot of time and I believe that "time is money". Here are some stores and what you can find in them:
Stores:
My list of discount stores that I love and what you can find there include:
Ikea: Dressers, closet organizers, tables, chairs, kitchen ware, outdoor lights and furniture, cool folding chairs, lighting and rugs
Home Goods: sofas, sofa chairs, ottomans, cocktail and occassional tables, lamps, throws, home accessories, bath towels, sheets, frames, kitchen stuff, area rugs and small gourmet items.
Marshall's: chairs, sofa chairs, decor pillows, accessories, paper goods, and more...
Ashley: Urbanology is their nicer line of furniture and it's contemporary and great matresses
Goodwill: It is always a guess as to what you may find but when you do think about how easy you can spray paint an item and give it a new look. Mondays are a great day to find things in the late afternoon when things get put out for the week that were donated over the weekend.
Once you know where to go visiting stores frequently will heighten your chances of finding what you want. When you shop this way you must know what style you are looking to create in your home. Once you decide this the rest is really easy. When you find it, buy it. It won't be there long. Keep the receipt in case you are able to change it down the road. If you are careful to select things that are in the same style and colors that combine you can end up with a beautifully decorated home.
There are not any strict rules about mixing styles so think about mixing modern lighting with contemporary of traditional pieces. The trick is to start with a neutral base like tan and add the colors you want in the accessories like the decor pillows or bowls. When you are buying a piece that needs some TLC start with the idea that you can paint it black or white in a mat or a shiny lacquered finish.
Express your inner person. When you are picking items for your home shake them or move them to get an idea of how sturdy they are. Pick items that speak to your personality. If you are playful then you might chose a sofa in orange fabric or red leather. If you are more traditional a white canvas slipcovered sofa may be more you. Let your heart have it's way and feel your own vibe when you decorate.
Different magazines have different looks they usually feature. Take a look at Veranda, Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Traditional Home, Lux Chicago, House and Garden and Southern Style. They will help you to get ideas that you will find in the stores I suggested for a lot less money than the one in the magazine. A publication like Elle Decor loves that "Bohemian" look. It is ethnic, colorful, very eclectic and all about color while AD is more traditional, modern or a mix of the two. The fact is that there are many trends you will see that places like Home Goods know about and are imitating for a lot less money.
You will find that once you visit a store you will know what their strong suit is. Home Goods has a great selection of rugs and lamps while Ikea has great lighting at a great price. Don't "poo poo" any store due to the reputation you hear about. I found the famous "wishbone: design chair at Marshall's for 100.00 while at "Design Within Reach" they average 800.00 each. You just have to know where to go and keep your mind open. Just one more thing: Paint works miracles.
More to come...
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