Decorating a home is always a matter of taste and style.  I often get asked how do I pick out my items or how do I know where to find them.  My simple answer is I pick out what I like and build on it.  Lots of times it’s hard to decide on how you want your space to look, but once you decide, then it’s a matter of putting the space together.  Some dilemmas are, where do you start, what piece do you buy first, do you paint, or do you build around a particular fabric or art piece. It can be overwhelming, but if you take it in steps, you can easily master the art of designing your space.  If you’re looking to change things up a bit, start with pillows, lamps or even mirrors.  You can find a very nice array decorative mirrors at any thrift store.  Estate sales are a prime venue to shop because you’ll find stately pieces.  In this post, I’ll share my little tips about home decor on a dime.  As you know, I’m an advocate for second hand shopping and have mastered how to navigate my style around decor pieces.  For pieces that I plan to keep around for years, I thoroughly inspect for the quality of the piece.  My bedroom suite is from the 1920-30’s era and has withheld the test of time (quality made).  When I want to change small decor items, I look for inexpensive items, to freshen the look.  If you recall in this post, I invested in having the leopard chair reupholstered because I knew it was a quality made piece.  To add decor around it I purchased this antique mirror at an estate sale.

To freshened the space, I simply changed the chair, pillow and lamp and rotated my plants.  I needed a chair that would stand the “married to a mechanic” test.  I noticed the fabric on the arms was beginning to show small signs of wear and did not want it ruined, so, I chose to switch it out with an inexpensive rattan chair,  Here I freshened this corner for under $30.00.  The chair was $20.00, the pillow was $3.00 and the lamp was $5.00 – simple changes that made a difference.

Another tip is to keep an eye out for rare pieces. This mid-century table top bar caddy was the first item I purchased for the BCP dining room and it became the basis of how I created the vintage decor of the room.  I later found the cabinet and barware.  Look for these items at any estate sale or thrift store.  Don’t forget to check out the linen as well.  These signature vintage napkins were estate sale finds for $3.00 (nicely starched and pressed)

Candle holders, rattan placemats, vase (gifted), and bar utensils, jute basket and bookend were all purchased from thrift stores for under $15.00 total.  When decorating your space, think about small details to complete the look.

Rotate your pieces around the house for a new look.  Move art, chairs, and decorative items.  I recently gave this room a low-budget makeover and had this antique chair in this space.

I  brought in the chair from the bedroom and also purchased a scalloped edge jute rug for an additional layered look.  It was on sale on Overstock for $24.99 – but on backorder, so I chose to wait it out, instead of going to another site and pay more to have it sooner (exercise patience).

A strong recommendation is, if you really like something, get it, because 9 out of 10 chances it won’t be there when you go back.  I bought this brass lamp three years ago for $10.00 because I loved the shape. I’d been wanting different lamps for the bedroom because the acrylic pair were too bland in front of the window (I wanted more color there)

I recently found the mate to the brass one that’s pictured above, for $5.00 and changed the lamps.  See how the changing the lamps made a difference (side note- I sold the acrylic pair at the yard sale = no cost)

Perhaps you like collecting things.  Find those items to decorate with.  I have a fetish for glass swans and use them around the house in various ways.  Here I showcase some on the etagere.

In the guest room I have a pair I use as planters

and this one I use as a fancy dip dish.  I find them all over for about $10 and under.

Another item that makes a cost effective impact are rugs.  Rugs can be purchased really cheap and come in an array of patterns.  Last year I added the blue rug in the foyer.

I switched out the art and the rug and added the chair from the living room.  The cheetah print rug was purchased online at Rugsusa.com during one of their holiday sales for $40.00.  I really love the added color it gave this space.

Be open to being different. You can purchase a dresser set without the matching headboard or end tables.  As long as the wood tones blend, you can accomplish a cohesive look.  In this room, the pair of nightstands were from a Pieces of Time estate sale.  The dresser was a roadside freebie and the wardrobe was purchased on FB marketplace.

Notice how they’re blended but different.  Pull the look together with more thrift finds to complete the look.

Store your measurements in your phone so you’ll always have them handy.  You may find curtain panels or blinds out there and can’t buy them because you don’t have the measurements.  When I stumbled on these Levelor blinds for $2.00 each, I prayed hard for my son to be home to take the measurements so I could get them.  So don’t get caught like me on a wing and a prayer.

Check those bins at the stores, you’ll be surprised what you find.  Because in addition to the blinds, I found the drapery rods and rings for under $15.00 to complete the look of this room.  If you’re at an estate sale, ask about the window treatments and hardware – they’re usually for sale as well.  Don’t sleep on them, because you’ll pay far more at the retail stores.

Make your home your happy place and don’t go for broke.  Financing furniture should be a big no-no if you’re budgeting your money and want a beautiful home.  With tons of estate sales, antique and thrift stores, Craigslist and now FB marketplace, believe me, the look is attainable.  I hope you enjoyed reading my decor tips and get the logiest of how I decorate on a dime.  Peruse magazines, blogs (like me), and home decor sites to inspire you to develop your style and decorate your home on a fab yet frugal budget.  As you see, it can be done!  So happy hunting, while you thrift your house into a home!!

CIAO!!!