Turning a House into a Home on a Thrift Store Budget: Day 1

I stood in the grocery store line staring at all the picture perfect homes featured on the displayed magazine covers. Their glistening perfection mocked my reality.

Those homes looked so inviting and put together.

How did they know to paint that table that color? Put those different patterned pillows on the same couch? And hang those pictures in an offset way that still looks so very balanced?

I decided to go home and give it a whirl. But I walked into my space and felt overwhelmed and paralyzed.

Have you ever felt that way?

We want our homes to have a welcoming look that functions well for our family but for the life of us, we can’t figure out how to pull it all together. And even if we have a decorator’s knack and a grand vision for making our space lovely, our budget taps us on the shoulder and reminds us of just how limited we are.

Well… what if I told you that what you’ve already got in your home, coupled with a little thrift store shopping, is enough to turn at least one of your rooms into a space you’ll love?

That’s why I want to do a special series this week. We are about to learn together how to turn a house into a home on a thrift store budget. One of my co-workers, Alison, has agreed to be our featured makeover.

Alison only has $250 and three days to take her den from drab to fab.

And since I’m really no help at all in this area, I’ve invited my sweet friend, Myquillyn Smith (also known as The Nester), to do this fun decorating project with me and my team. You don’t want to miss our thrifting and sifting and wandering through all kinds of fun places!

I think you’ll find some simple ideas that you can easily incorporate into your own space.

And the best part? You won’t break the bank. Not even close.

Watch the video below to see what I mean. (If you’re viewing this in an email, click here to watch the video.)

“Nester Notes”: 5 Simple Reminders for Thrifting, Yard Saleing and Antiquing

1. Go with an open mind. Don’t walk in looking for a 20-inch green leather ottoman. Instead have a general idea of things you could use like a wooden chair, a lamp, a large decorative vase, etc.

2. Ask yourself, “If this was in Anthropologie would I love it and want to buy it?” If the answer is yes, you should buy it now!

3. Look first at size, shape, condition and function of items. You can usually change the color and fabric if you like it.

4. Don’t expect to find something every time you shop. Grab a drink from Sonic and just enjoy the process of looking through the items. If I can hit five stores in one day, I usually (but not always) end up with a few interesting items.

5. Start small and work up to bigger risks. Don’t buy the $150 dresser from the thrift store in hopes of refinishing it if you’ve never tried it before. Instead, start with the $7 night stand. What’s the worst that can happen? You hate it and lose $7. But if it works?! You now have a nightstand you LOVE for just a few dollars; this is SO worth the risk.

Isn’t Nester so smart and adorable? You will absolutely want to get her book, The Nesting Place. Click here to purchase your copy! You’ll find it chock-full of great tips, beautiful pictures from Nester’s home, and sweet perspectives teaching “it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.” You’ll feel right at home reading it.

Today, I’m giving 3 commenters a signed copy of The Nesting Place. To enter, leave a comment below telling me which friend you plan to invite to join us here on the blog this week.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for more decorating tips and to see the exciting progress on Alison’s room makeover.

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