– My tips on how to create an Epically Stylish home on a budget-
Although most of you are used to me sharing all things clothes and style, I wanted to kick off my very first blog post by sharing how I create an epically stylish living space on a budget. This has been in the forefront of my mind recently as my husband and I have just moved into our new home. I feel your home is a direct reflection of who you are. It’s an extension of our personalities and a fun way to showcase ourselves. When you invite friends and family over, you want to be proud of the space you live in! Sometimes creating the look you want can be a challenge, especially when you have a budget. Furniture and décor can be seriously expensive. So here are a few things I do and places I shop that can help you create the perfect glamorous look without breaking the bank. First, I find the exact items I want. My go to places are usually Z Gallerie, Pottery Barn, or Restoration Hardware for inspiration. Don’t act in the moment and purchase right away. Take pictures and take your time searching for that exact piece online. Many retailers carry almost identical pieces for different prices, so always shop around.
Which leads me to my next point. When you’re creating your perfect space on a budget, there’s no need to rush the process and purchase everything at once. If you take your time and look for pieces you REALLY love, you won’t need to worry about buyer’s remorse down the road or the hassle of returning big ticket items like light fixtures, big furniture, area rugs, etc. These pieces are significant purchases and it’s never a good feeling when you come across the one you really wanted, but your money is tied up in a refund on an item you didn’t love. Take the time to think over and ‘sleep on’ each piece before you purchase it to ensure you are not buying something you ‘like’ just to have an item immediately. You have to love what you choose, because usually the bigger items you’re shopping for are not items you will be switching out regularly.
Third, don’t worry about shopping at name brand stores. No one will ever know the difference. Here are a list of my favorite stores to shop for home décor & accent pieces for a fraction of the price – HomeGoods, TJMaxx, Kirklands, Tuesday Morning, Pier 1, and Cracker Barrel. All of these stores have amazing selections & new inventory daily. For bigger furniture pieces my go-to places are American Furniture, Dynamic Home Décor, Baxton Furniture, Costco and, believe it or not, resale stores! It is amazing what you can find at a good resale store or antique shop! Just because a piece of furniture is used, doesn’t mean it’s a bad. So remember, creating the perfect living space is all about how you visually design it. Put your heart and soul into what you are creating and the outcome will be a unique reflection of you!
Xoxo
Epically Stylish
Joelle Masterson