I’m a new home owner (YAY!) and it is finally time for me to invest in quality home furnishings. I always said I wouldn’t spend a lot on home decor or furniture until I bought a home. It seemed like such a waste to invest when my things were being dragged to a new home every other year.
I still believe in a mix of new and thrift goods. Certainly I’m not about to buy a used mattress, but things like dressers and side tables can easily be found and mixed with some DIY to make a fresh an unique piece.
So where am I shopping? Let’s see the list!
West Elm
West Elm is classic. I love the quality and the customer service. Of course there are some pieces I find overpriced but if you pay attention, they have some amazing sales. Everything also either comes assembled or they’ll do it for you in home. For me, that’s a huge win. I also had them deliver a wrong bed to me and they fixed the issue immediately. I’ve invested in a bed, rugs, a dining table, coffee table, and side table from here and they’ve been worth it for these staples.
Interior Define
I came across this gem from a random Google search. They were having a pop up in my area so I stopped by. I love the quality and the fact that you can customize so many elements of the furniture you buy. I bought a custom sofa in a super durable pet friendly fabric that is a bit mid century modern and fits my aesthetic. With all my customization and a discount, it was under $2500. Couches are expensive so this felt like a deal. I’m also going to buy an over sized accent chair from ID.
Real Rooms
This was another Google find! I needed new dining table chairs and kept finding ones I liked but for around $300 each. As someone who barely uses her dining table. I wasn’t willing to spend that much on chairs. I took a chance and ordered some gorgeous cognac faux leather (you guessed it, mid century modern) chairs. They’re SO well made, SO comfortable and I only paid about $200 for four!
Crate and Barrel
A classic for sure! I have found super simple and reasonably priced (on sale!) small decor items as well as cups/plates/silverware. I like staple pieces to be super classic and neutral. I spice up my decor with the cheaper accent items that are easily replaced when I’m wanting a change. Crate and Barrel is amazing quality and has your everyday classic clean line items.
Amazon
I know, I hate giving Amazon money too, so I try my hardest to not spend too much here, but look, we all do it. I’ve found a ton of great storage solutions on Amazon. As much as I’d like to buy it all at The Container Store, I am not a billionaire. Amazon has some incredible quality organizational pieces for pantry, bathroom and even closet. Often for 1/3 or even 1/2 of the price of pieces at The Container Store.
Local Thrift Stores
I bought a solid oak night stand for $30 at my local Goodwill. For another $15 I bought wood stain and drawer pulls and I’ve got a gorgeous mid century modern night stand for under $50. There’s a similar one I had been eyeing at West Elm for over $200. Thrifting is not for the faint of heart. You have to be willing to invest time and energy to keep looking until you snag a unicorn. But, the amount of money saved and the ability to customize to exactly what you want is well worth it in my opinion.
Consignment Stores
Consignment stores are like a little upgrade to thrift stores. The pieces are more gently used or sometimes even new! Things are more expensive than thrift stores but there’s a much larger and better selection. Really great place to find rugs and couches super gently used if you really can’t swing for full price new.
Use what you have!
I actually utilize my own pictures that I’ve taken on trips and frame them (pro tip: there are some awesome gently used frames at thrift stores!) as my decor. I love that I get to see the trips that bring me joy and it’s a really inexpensive way to decorate. Plus, most of my furniture is neutral so my photos add much needed pops of color. I also have some really incredible family heirlooms, like my grandma’s vanity that I’m re-purposing into a bar cart. I love pieces that have a story and meaning to me, makes my home feel more special.
Where are you shopping for your home decor? Share!
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