Ross’s Appliance and Furniture

If you want basic, no frills appliances and furniture for your home, then Ross’s is the place for you. They have a wide variety of affordable appliances and furniture to fit any home style, from traditional to colonial to country to modern. Also with styles in brass, leather, wicker, or rattan, they’re bound to have what you need. No matter how big or small, Ross’s will definitely fit, and not break, your budget. Check out their showroom to find out what they have in store for your bedroom, office, living room, and each room in your house.

http://www.rossappliancesandfurniture.com/; 401 Mokauea Street, Honolulu, HI; Tel. (808)841-7336

Discount Furniture Warehouse

Shopping for your home, even on an island, has never been better – Discount Furniture Warehouse will make sure of that. With hundreds of items to choose from, you’re sure to find at least a few items perfect for your house that will not break your budget. Discount Furniture Warehouse guarantees they have the lowest prices on any island.

http://hawaiidiscountfurniture.com/; 345 N. Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI; Tel. (808)535-9695

SoHa Living

What is a home without all the little details to make it complete? Founded by two sisters who both love traveling and business, SoHa (South of Hawaii) Living provides home products that clearly reflect the heavy Southeast Asian influence on the lifestyle in Hawaii. They’ve got products for every room, from the bedroom to the living room to the dining room, as well as products for every occasion, from entertaining guests to just relaxing. Check out their online store or visit their shop.

http://sohaliving.com/; Kahala Mall, 4211 Waialae Avenue Suite 1390, Honolulu, HI; Tel. (808) 591-9777

How often can you shop for much-needed furniture and perform a good deed at the same time? At Furniture For A Cause, you can do both at the same time. Furniture For A Cause sells both new and donated furniture, and all profits (100%) go to benefit SAMMinistries, a local organization that provides shelter and services for the homeless. They’ve got a lot of furniture on sale, but it changes often. Be sure to visit their showroom to find out what they have in stock as well as their current specials. You can also find this information on their website.

http://www.ffac.org/; 5254 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX; Tel. (210)340-1678

Cris’s Bare Wood Furniture

With a combined experience of 30 years in the furniture business, Cris’s Bare Wood Furniture has been serving the furniture needs of people in San Antonio, TX since 1994. They offer guaranteed low prices, and they feature furniture for every room. They also specialize in customized furniture and finishing wood furniture. Drop by their showroom to find out how they can help you design your home’s interior.

http://www.crissbarewood.com/; 2313 Northwest Military Highway, #109, San Antonio, TX; Tel. (210)349-6696

Budget Blinds

A home is not complete without windows having their own decoration. Budget Blinds helps in that aspect by offering a full line of window treatments, including blinds, shutters, and draperies. They even go a step further and visit you at your home for an initial consultation. They’ll gladly recommend what you need, and they will install it all for you.

http://www.budgetblinds.com/NortheastSanAntonio/; Tel. (210)573-1655

Builders Surplus Atlanta

Some people opt to buy the fixtures and furnishings, and some hire people to do it for them. Some people, however, prefer to do it themselves for a cheaper price. Builders Surplus Atlanta recognizes that and goes a step further by offering what homeowner’s need for a discounted price. They have a large selection of doors, windows, cabinets, floorings, and plumbing products for 40 to 60% off retail. They scour the world for overstocks and overruns in materials to be able to provide these same products to their customers. Don’t exactly know what you want or need? Visit their showroom for tips and advice on how to go about DIY construction.

http://www.builderssurplusatlanta.com; 2960-B Olympic Industrial Drive, Smyrna, GA; Tel. (404)350-1772

Underpriced Furniture

Underpriced Furniture believes, “If it’s not underpriced furniture, then it’s overpriced!” They carry a complete line of furniture, from the bedroom to the living room to the dining room, and present it at the lowest price possible. They offer great service and financing options, which definitely seals their purpose of 100% customer satisfaction. Visit their showroom for furniture that will fit any budget, and any lifestyle.

http://www.underpricedfurniture.com; 6694 Dawson Blvd, Norcross, GA; Tel. (770)441-1154

Savvy Snoot

Voted Best Consignment Store in Atlanta by Atlanta Magazine, Savvy Snoot carries a collection of consigned designer furniture that constantly changes. Traditional sofas share the same space with more modern lamps and antique bookcases. Better grab that piece of furniture you like once you see it, because it might not be there the next time you come back.

http://www.savvysnoot.com; 1187 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA; Tel. (404)355-1399

A Classy Flea

A Classy Flea is the place to shop for that hidden treasure for your home. With an assorted collection of furniture and antiques collected from estate sales and auctions, you’ll surely find something. And even if you don’t today, you can come back and check the next collection. All sales are final and cannot be returned, so be sure the item you got is the one you really want. And try to bring a big truck when you pay them a visit. You may need it to transport all the items you’ll be buying at A Classy Flea.

http://www.aclassyflea.com; 1355 Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA; Tel. (770)579-2555

Abodeon

Abodeon, a mixture of the words abode and beyond, was founded by Dale and Terri Anderson in 1998 as a place for interesting items that people will never regret buying. In Abodeon, they sell both new and modern items as well restore vintage items they’ve acquired. And they make it a point to sell items that fit every budget.

http://www.abodeon.com/; 1731 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA; Tel. (617)497-0137

Diseño

Diseño’s owner has worked in food and wine, real estate, and corporate America for decades and decided to travel to South America for a break. What he saw was something greater. He saw an innovative and fresh take on home furniture design that he decided to bring back to Boston. Now he goes back a few times every year to search for new ideas from the Latin community.

http://www.disenobos.com/; 409 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA; Tel. (617) 423-2008

Garage Sale

If you have home items that you need to get rid of, then Garage Sale is the place to go to in Boston. They take your used furniture, accessories, jewelry, and art, and sell it for you. And it’s the place to go for items for your house at affordable prices. If you want to sell your items through Garage Sale, simply send them a photo of the item, and include all basic information, like year purchased, manufacturer, dimensions, materials used, etc. Then they’ll contact you with their resale price, and, if you agree, they’ll pick it up for you for free.

http://www.garagesaleboston.com/; 55 Waltham Street, Boston, MA; Tel. (617)482-7044

Classic Remix

Classic Remix is a furniture shop in Chicago, which features classic pieces from different time periods and mixes them to create a unique home experience. Launched in 2011 by Mary Garvey James, the store is unique in the fact that James picks one classic piece and builds the whole room around it.  She puts unlikely pieces together – from something old to something really trendy. Visit Mary and Classic Remix for the right transformation for your house.

http://classicremixchicago.com/; 1015 W. Webster St, Chicago, IL; Tel. (773)661-6796

Brimfield

Owned by Julie Fernstrom, Brimfield came to the US and Chicago from the UK. Their 4000-square foot shop specializes in unique and one-of-a-kind pieces to make your home special. They also specialize in the reupholstery of early to mid-20th century furniture. Besides furniture, they also carry blankets, lighting fixtures, pillows, and kitchen accessories.

http://brimfieldus.com/; 5219 N. Clark St. Chicago, Il; Tel. (773)271-3501

Patina Antiques

Patina Antiques is the place to go to for rustic antiques. You’ll find unique items from art pottery to dental cabinets to mail sorters and classic mid-century chairs. Allan Shull, the store’s owner, travels all over the US to search for these unique finds for his discriminating customers.

http://www.patinachicago.com/; 5137 N. Clark, Chicago, IL; Tel. (773)334-0400

Roost

Daniel Malone offers a mixture of farmhouse, primitive, and modern furniture in his store, Roost. Roost underwent an expansion in October 2009, and it now boasts tons of industrial work benches, farmhouse tables, mantels, and the like on display inside the 1700-square foot store. Malone visits estate sales, auctions, and warehouses all over the US to find the unique furniture he displays and sells in the store.

http://www.roostchicago.com/; 5632 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL; Tel. (773)506-0406

Do you have leaves changing color in your area?  If so, you have found a bargain decoration.  Collect a bagful of leaves of various colors.  Make sure that the leaves are dry and have no insects on them.  (There’s no need to add any new “pets” while decorating.)  Choose a decorative bowl or two that you already own and fill each with leaves.  Larger bowls can be used as centerpieces.  Smaller bowls can be used on endtables or can be clustered as a centerpiece.

Does your family eat winter squash?  Hopefully, the answer is yes because this produce can start as a decoration and end as part of a meal.  Whether your family prefers butternut, acorn, or spaghetti squash, this vegetable can be used as a centerpiece for your dining room table or breakfast counter.  Set the squash atop a colorful placemat or cloth napkin, and you have a multi-purpose item.

Do you own trick or treat buckets?  Don’t just save them for Halloween night.  They can be used as decorative pieces on end tables, counters, and more.  Add a battery-powered votive to add a little glow after dark.

Make your home festive by using resources that already are available to you.  If you have other simple suggestions, please share them with us.

Seattle Home Company

Seattle Home Company opened in 2008, selling consigned and used furniture. They used to have a big showroom on 1st and Madison, but they had to close it in spring this year because of economic reasons. But the good news is, they haven’t totally closed yet; you can order from their website, and, without overhead costs, they’ve slashed their prices! If you need a new bed, a new dining table, more storage for your knick-knacks, or just a really comfortable desk chair, head to their website to check their selections. You can either pick it up at their warehouse, or you can have it delivered to your address.

http://seattlehomecompany.com/

The REStore

REStore is an environmentally-responsible store that sells affordable building materials from repurposed and recycled materials from Washington state. They stock inexpensive and unique items, including cabinets, doors, windows, tub fixtures, and sinks, among others. They are vigilant in promoting a green, sustainable culture, and they make sure sure everything and everyone, from the employees to the customers, are exposed (and eventually practice) to sustainable and green living options.

http://www.re-store.org/; 1440 NW 52nd St, Seattle, WA; Tel. (206)297-9119

Retrofit Home

Retrofit Home is the brainchild of Jon Milazzo and Lori Pomeranz, friends/business partners/artists/decorative painters/concrete floor finishers/color consultants/designers. They’ve been working together for 18 years, but they only opened Retrofit Home 5 years ago. And unlike other furniture stores, they sell custom-designed sofas. Simply bring a photo of your place, and they will sit down with you and design something just for you. They can design and customize any sofa from a regular one to a chaise lounge to a daybed, a sectional sofa, and sleeper sofas, in different colors and fabrics. So if you’ve been searching high and low for that perfect sofa, but you can’t find it anywhere, a trip to Retrofit Home might just be the answer.

http://www.retrofithome.com/; 1103 East Pike St. Seattle, WA; Tel. (206)568-4663

Vastu

Founded in 2002 by Jason Claire and Eric Kole, Vastu believes art and design should be represented as inspiring and friendly. They sell unique and high quality pieces from independent artisans. They have everything for all the rooms in your house. They’ve got cocktail tables, credenzas, sofas, and benches for the living room. They’ve got bar stools and buffet tables for the dining room. And they’ve got a lot of modern and personalized pieces for the bedroom, home office, and outdoor living space. Be sure to pay them a visit for your home furniture needs.

http://www.vastudc.com; 1829 14th St NW, Washington, DC; Tel. (202)234-8344

Z Furniture

Z Furniture features modern and contemporary discounted furniture. It was founded in 1993 to serve the Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland communities. They feature all types of furniture for every room, and they offer all of them at below market prices. This is the perfect store for people on a strict budget. The best part – you can either shop online or at one of their stores. They have stores in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC.

http://www.zfurniture.com

Greater Goods

Greater Goods sells products that help people live a greener life. They believe in sustainable living, and doing simple things at home to make a difference to the family, neighborhood, and the world. They sell composters, solar phone chargers, and recycle bins. They also sell low-flow shower heads, rechargeable batteries, and chlorine-free diapers. If a sustainable and green life is important to you, then Greater Goods will be a perfect store for your home needs.

http://www.greatergoods.com; 1626 U Street NW, Washington, DC; Tel. (202)449-6070

Ginkgo Gardens

Ginkgo Gardens features and offers high quality plants, flowers, garden products and services for the urban gardener. They’ve got indoor and outdoor plants, shrubs, bagged stones, pots, seeds and soil. They also offer on-site consultation of your garden as well as provide design and maintenance for it.

http://www.ginkgogardens.com; 911 11th Street SE, Washington, DC; Tel. (202)543-5172

H.D. Buttercup

H.D. Buttercup may have one-of-a-kind pieces, but they will definitely have something for every floor, wall, and ceiling. Check out their website where they have a planning parlor, which has been utilized to help you design every room in your house. Their furniture is hand-picked, with new pieces coming in every week. So if you don’t find anything today, come back next week to discover that one-of-a-kind piece perfect for your home.

http://www.hdbuttercup.com; 3225 Helms Ave, Los Angeles, CA; Tel. (310)558-8900

Potted 

If you live in Los Angeles, chances are you’ll have some kind of outdoor space. It doesn’t matter if it’s just a window ledge or a full-size yard, you’ll need decor to spruce it up. Potted is the place to go to. At Potted, they believe outdoor living is every bit as important as indoor living. At Potted, they have every type of decor, from vintage to modern and even kitschy. You’ll find pots with different designs, fountains, fire pits, tabletops, garden ornaments, and other items designed to give life to your outdoor space.

http://www.pottedstore.com; 3158 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA; Tel (323)665-3801 

Plushpod

Plushpod specializes in modern furniture and contemporary decor that is designed to be timeless. They have all types of furniture for every room. If you have a certain type of furniture design in mind that isn’t available anywhere, they can custom design and build it for you, in whatever color or material you want. Visit their showroom to get started!

http://www.plushpod.com; 8406 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA; Tel. (323)951-0748

Fitzsu

Fitzsu is an online home store that has all the decor you’ll need for your home. They have flatware, silverware, cookware, and dinnerware for the kitchen. They also have clocks and bathroom accessories. And they also have knick-knacks for your office. They’re also the perfect place to set up a wedding registry to help newlyweds decorate for their first home.

http://www.fitzsu.com; Tel. (323)655-1908

Do you have other home stores that you’d like us to feature in Go Shopping Info? Leave us a comment below!

Chop, cook, and store…as you know, the main purpose of the kitchen surrounds food. Because of this, you need something to cook on, as well as cold storage. Hopefully, your new apartment or home comes with a decent stove and refrigerator. In addition, your life will be a lot easier if you have a microwave to zap quick snacks or pre-packaged dinners.

Beyond these items, you will need to purchase a set of knives, eating utensils (including plates, cups, saucers, serving bowls), and bowls for mixing.  Make sure to buy a set of kitchen tools: ladle, spatula, large spoon, slotted spoon, pancake turner, and whisk.  If you love pizza, you may also wish to purchase a pizza cutter. Finally, every kitchen needs a bottle opener, a can opener, and a wine bottle corkscrew (if you plan to imbibe).

Next, you need a set of pans. You can purchase them open stock, which means one pan with lid at a time, or in a set. The choices of pans are seemingly endless, with both regular and non-stick surfaces; however, if you don’t know exactly what you like, make sure you buy at least a pot to boil water in and a large frying pan.

With your stove top cooking covered, move on to buying items for baking in the oven. You need a baking sheet and a casserole dish at minimum.  Later on you can purchase cookware for baking pies and cakes if you wish.

Small appliances come next. Do you love toast and coffee in the morning?  If yes, then make sure to buy a coffee pot and toaster. Do you have to have a smoothie every night?  Then buy a blender. In addition to these items, you can begin thinking about what you would like later on…maybe a hand mixer, a George Foreman Grill, a panini maker, or even a waffle iron.

Of course, once you’ve cooked the food, you will need to clean up. To do this you need paper towels, dish towels, and dish cloths.  Don’t forget the dishwashing liquid or the dishwasher soap. Invest in a decent dish drying rack as well.

Finally, you will need to have items to help with food storage and disposal. Buy plastic wrap, freezer bags, and a variety of plastic food storage containers to begin with.  You will also need a garbage can and garbage bags.

If you’ve ever visited a kitchen gadget store, the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming.  Hopefully this article gives you an idea of what you need to buy right away when moving into your first home or apartment.

Gump’s

Gump’s has been in San Francisco for around 150 years – since 1861. Founded by brothers Solomon and Gustav Gump, it started out as a mirror and frame shop, and it has since evolved into a primary destination for luxury gifts, home decor, and artful objects. They’ve got Asian-inspired decor and Moroccan rugs on sale. They have furniture for every room, and they have dining and entertaining items in different designs. Their newest collection features plates with fall designs. Shop in store or shop online; it doesn’t matter, but if you live in SF or happen to be in the city, check out their store, and the events they hold regularly.

http://www.gumps.com; 135 Post St. San Francisco, CA; Tel. (800)766-7628

LIMN

LIMN is a San Francisco and Sacramento based art and design company. All of their products strive to reflect their effort to combine art and design together. Their products range from worldwide inspired designs to regional artists. Products from Europe are their trademark though. Most of these products have never been available for purchase in the US, and some are being sold for the first time outside of Europe. Check out their showroom in SoMa, which also houses an art gallery right next to it.

http://www.limn.com; 290 Townsend St. San Francisco, CA; Tel. (415)543-5466

Funky Furniture

If you want not-so-basic furniture, then try Funky Furniture. They’ve got 30 colors in microfiber and different fabrics. They’ve got office chairs, desks, shelves, and dining tables for your home. You can also choose to have your furniture customized if you don’t find anything in their showroom.

http://www.funkyfurnituresf.com; 1100 Folsom St. San Francisco, CA; Tel. (415)302-2461

Studiopatro

Studiopatro is the place to visit for cute and affordable tea towels and aprons for your kitchen. They use hand-painted textiles with different patterns, wordplay, and symbols. They’re super cute and get softer and more absorbent with every use. They don’t have a showroom, but their products are available and in different stores in San Francisco and other major cities. Check out their blog for the list of stores.

http://www.studiopatro.com; Tel. (415)775-3432

Which stores in San Francisco do you go to to buy furniture and decor for your home?

Here is a list of some of the best home stores you can run to in New York City.

Chelsea Market

The best part about Chelsea Market is you can spend all day there, and manage to check off several items on your to-do list. There’s Anthropologie, where you can buy homey furniture that’s designed to make you and your guests comfortable. They’ve also got curtains, lighting, decor, and kitchen items from dinnerware to glassware to serveware. And when you’re done, you can re-energize at one of the dozen restaurants and shops.

http://www.chelseamarket.com; 75 9th Ave, New York, NY

John Derian

The home items at John Derian are a little fancier and more expensive. They’ve got different kinds of basic furniture, as well as decoupage plates and platters. Their multi-piece wall hangings are worth checking out, too.

http://www.johnderian.com; 6 East 2nd St. New York, NY; Tel. (212)677.3917

Darr

If you prefer vintage pieces, Darr is the place to go, especially if you like the exotic and not-so-ordinary. They’ve got a bunch of taxidermy, antiques from the Little Princess era, and unique knick-knacks. It’s always fun to visit this place for the surprises you might discover browsing through the store.

http://www.shopdarr.com/; 369 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY; Tel. (718)797-9733

Apartment 48

Founded in 1994 by Rayman Boozer, Apartment 48 fuses European influence and rural America roots. Where else can you find Marie Antoinette bookends, polka dot ceramic trays, a Taj Mahal decanter, and compass cufflinks in one space? They’ve got furniture, home decor, and a lot of cute kitchen decor, including magnetic measuring spoons, chalkboard mugs, and an elephant bottle opener.

http://www.apartment48.com/; Tel. (212) 807-1391

A&G Merch

A&G Merch is a Brooklyn-based furniture shop that sells quality items well within any budget. They’ve got the usual furniture, including comfortable lounge chairs, sectional and sleeper sofas, as well as decor for the kitchen, office, and the entire space. This is far from the usual basic furniture and decor though. All their items have their unique, urban design with a tinge of youthful energy.

http://aandgmerch.com/; 111 North 6th St, Brooklyn, NY; Tel. (718)388-1779

But all is not lost! Sometimes we need a little patience and a lot of imagination to make these deal breakers work.

Ugly Carpet

So your new place is literally drowning in carpets? And you’re either allergic to carpet fiber, or your roommate/husband/kid is, or someone has asthma, or you just plain hate it. If you’re buying the place, all you need to do is to rip out the carpet, and replace it with hardwood flooring. If you’re renting, or you can’t afford to rip it out, you can still make it work for you.

First, clean it or have it cleaned. It’s best to work from scratch with a clean carpet. Next, invest in colorful, interesting area rugs. Make sure to get something that you will love looking at everyday! You can also choose a focal point, and decorate it with a similar theme. Maybe pepper the walls with travel-themed frames of your vacation. Anything to keep people’s eyes away from the carpet.

Small Kitchen

I have a kitchen with no counter space, which I don’t like since I love to cook. Fortunately, the kitchen is big enough for me to bring in tables and carts to store all my pots, pans, and small electric appliances, and to also serve as my counter space for cooking prep. But for the unlucky ones with little counter space in a small kitchen, do not fret. There’s still a way to get what you want. This is different for every kitchen because of the layout, but  all can take advantage of a wall and hang anything that has a handle. This includes pots, pans, ladles, – anything that can be hung on a hook. If you want to make it look better, set it against an interesting wall decal. It could be anything, from a poster to a collage photo that you DIY-ed.

As for counter-space, remove bulky items, and place them on top of the fridge or maybe on a corner shelf. If you can’t do that, though, then all you really have is the stove to store things on.

Next, place racks in cabinets to store small items. Also, invest in a lot of hooks, both adhesive and magnetic, so you can hang anything that can be hung and leave more space for the ones that can’t be.

What are other deal breakers, and how did you make it work for you? Share your stories in the comments below.

Trees/Shrubs

The selection may be picked over, but if you search carefully at your local home and garden centers or discount stores, you can still find great deals. For example, I found pine trees priced at $2.00 each, and saplings for $3.00. Look for perennials that will brighten your landscape as well. A bonus is that many stores offer guarantees, which means they’ll replace any plants that die over the winter. Just make sure to keep your receipt.

Paper Products

Local stores have paper products, including plates, napkins, and banners discounted at this time. Pick up your Easter or Fourth of July paper products now. Also, remember that if your child is graduating next spring, you should buy graduation themed items still available for tremendous savings.

Lawn Furniture

Been putting off buying comfortable seating or a table and chairs for you patio? Think about purchasing what you need now. Stores do not want to place items in storage; they would rather get rid of them. Remember, folding lawn chairs are also priced to sell. Grab some to use at next year’s parades and visits to the park.

Grills

Some stores may offer deals on grills this time of year; however, since grilling has grown in popularity, these savings are more difficult to come by. If you need a grill, but you don’t find one that fits your budget, you may want to wait for the day after Thanksgiving sales (Black Friday). Like TV’s, many stores now offer blowout pricing on grills then.

Picnic Baskets and Tableware

If your family loves to go on picnics, or if you camp often, now is the time to stock up on tablecloths, reusable flat ware, and plastic cups and plates. Also priced to sell are margarita glasses, and other “fun” drink paraphernalia. Coolers and ice packs can also be purchased for cents on the dollar. Again, stores do not want to put these items in warehouses, so you will save big.

Gardening Supplies

Because the growing season is winding down in most of the country, grass and flower seeds, garden implements, and other accessories are on clearance. Check the expiration dates on seeds, if one is given. Also consider purchasing wind chimes and bird houses, at rock bottom prices, to use as Mother’s Day or birthday gifts next spring. I found beautiful pots for my front porch for .99 cents that were initially $10.00 each!

Did these deals temp you? If yes, you may want to make it habit to visit the clearance section in your local big box store or home improvement center at end of each season. Always have your eyes open for items that can be used as gifts, and for product you know you will need – next year!

So what else can you do to add more personality to your space?

Go Bold

Okay, this is a strong statement, no longer small. Go bold and do one big thing. You can buy a big, orange sectional sofa. You can buy a big entertainment center that takes up an entire wall. Or, like me on a budget, paint an entire wall a solid, bold color, like red, blue, or green, a color that stands out in the entire room. You can choose not to put any furniture in front of it or hang frames on it. Or you could make it your personal spot and place your comfiest chair against it, creating a reading nook.

Research

Be sure to research the best things that will fit your space. Determine your needs, the physical dimensions of your space, limitations and allowances. Don’t attempt to put in something so big, it won’t literally fit in your place. Or you may want to paint your wall, but not a color so bright, it keeps you up at night, every night. Do your research, and plan before you do anything drastic. It is supposed to represent your personality.

Be Spontaneous

Sometimes, you just have to be spontaneous. Even when you think something won’t work, but if your instincts say it will, you have to follow your instinct. Sometimes when you say you’ll make it work, you can actually make it work.

What other suggestions do you have for adding personality to your space?

But I don’t want to fill my apartment just for the sake of filling it. I want to build my personality into my apartment. I want to find just the right pieces that I will keep for a long time. And it’s not easy. I scour shops, the Internet, ask friends and even contemplate DIY projects.

Shops

I visit every shop selling home decor and furniture. It doesn’t matter what kind of shop it is. I go to thrift shops, big-names, or discount shops. I scour each aisle, looking for the perfect item. This is a true test of patience, because you have to accept that you may not find IT on the first visit. It might take you five or ten visits before you find anything. Pay attention to sale season also. At least, when you find IT during sale season, you’ll be able to buy it at a lesser price.

Internet

I am always browsing through craigslist, eBay, Amazon, and etsy websites. There are a lot of great deals at a fraction of the price. This helps when you’re on a budget; however, if you score something through craigslist, be prepared to have a car to transport it. If you don’t, you’ll have to drag it through the streets or use public transportation.

Friends and Others

You can also ask your friends if they’re getting rid of anything they own, or if someone they know is selling their stuff. Depending on how good your friendship is, you might be able to get stuff for practically nothing. Or, if you’re like me who loves to shop online, you can also use the boxes as furniture. The big box for my coffee machine is now a printer stand.

The search is still on, but that’s okay. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this hunting, nothing in life worth having comes easy.

1. Plenty of linens

As a family of five, we use a lot of linens. The condo we stayed in not only had plenty of towels, sheets, and such, they were fresh and new! And they even had a supply of large beach towels. If I had known that, I wouldn’t have had each family member pack a towel for the trip. In addition, they had extra blankets and pillows. Those came in handy, as my oldest child decided to sleep on a fold out couch, instead of in a bedroom.

2. Recreational items

Since we were right on the beach, the condo owner had beach chairs and beach toys available. They even had floatation devices for those who wanted to lounge in the condo’s pool. They also anticipated little ones, as they had plenty of equipment to build sand castles. Another good thing is that they didn’t skimp; they anticipated a large number of people needing such items. We even had items we didn’t use, but another family may have liked, such as tennis rackets and board games.

3. More than one TV

I know, this might sound silly for a vacation, but having more than one TV proved beneficial for our family. A few times, after a long day at the beach, my teens just wanted to “chill”’ in front of the TV, and so did my husband and I. It seemed like a luxury to have three TV’s. As far as the type of TV, it didn’t matter to my kids that they were the “old” box TV’s and not flat screens…they were just glad they worked.

4. A fully equipped kitchen

I can’t say enough about the kitchen in this condo. It was clean, and it had everything we needed to cook meals, from breakfast to dinner. And because this condo was located in southern Florida, it had items available to make specialty drinks, everything from a powerful blender to a juicer for lemons and limes. It is funny, the only thing missing from the kitchen was a pizza cutter; I made due with one of the many knives available.

5. Several seating areas

When outfitting this condo, the owners realized that several seating areas would make renters happy. There were two large areas to congregate as a family, as well as several more intimate seating areas for two or three people. The owners also chose heavy duty materials for the furniture, as visitors would most likely be wet from the beach or pool.

6. Homey touches

These smart owners also included homey touches, such as tissues, laundry soap, DVD’s, and books.

Before you start anything, you have to answer a few questions that will help immensely with your patio project.

• How big is the space? Is it open, covered or closed? Measuring the exact size will help you determine if the furniture you buy or make will fit in the patio. It’s better to spend an extra hour measuring the patio and writing it down on a notebook, than to waste your time going to the store, unpacking, assembling, realizing it doesn’t fit, disassembling, packing and going back to the store to return or exchange it. Your time is too valuable to be wasted on something that could have been prevented beforehand.
• What will you be doing in the patio? Is it a meditation space or a reading nook? Is it a place where you can have breakfast with your family or drinks with your friends? It doesn’t have to be one or the other, it can be both. But you need to plan ahead to buy furniture that will accommodate your needs for the patio. You don’t want it to be a breakfast nook and all you have are reading chairs with no table in sight.
• What is your budget? It’s best to know your budget now so you’ll know where to shop. Once you have your budget set, scour the Internet first for stores that have the look you want and the prices to match it.

Here are also some things to keep in mind while you plan and decorate your patio.

• Keep the style in tune with the style of the rest of the house. It doesn’t have to be exactly the same style but it shouldn’t be out of place with it either. If you’ve invested in vintage items inside your home, do the same to your patio.
• Don’t forget the lighting. Sometimes, we take it for granted that the patio’s outside and there’s natural lighting through the sun. But what about at night? It’s not a big problem but something that can definitely be overlooked. You can use floor lamps, table lamps or use those cute hanging lights. Or you can also hang up Christmas lights all over the patio to give it a more intimate setting.
• Don’t forget to place additional plants also. Just a few flowers and plants scattered through out the patio. Don’t put too much because it’s just asking for a lot of flying insects. Just around 3-4 pots, depending on how big it is, to keep the cool air circulating around your patio.
• Invest in protective curtains, too. You’ll be grateful when it starts to drizzle and you still want to use the patio without getting wet.

What are your other ideas for decorating the patio? Share it using the comments below!

Dress Up the Windows

Dressing up your windows with some stylish window treatments is an easy way to bring some personality into your rental. You can go to Target or Wal-Mart and pick up some curtains or valances. This is an affordable way to add a homey feel to your rental.

Changing Up the Walls

When you are renting you are usually stuck with whatever color the walls currently are. If you are interested in painting your rental, check your rental agreement to see if it is allowed or check with your landlord. If painting is not allowed, there are still quick and easy ways to give your walls a new look. Shelving is a great way to add to your walls and add extra storage. You can set your favorite belongings, books, or pictures on the shelves. Most home decorating stores also have wall designs that you can rub onto your walls. Using these designs can change any room and they come off easily when it is time to move.

Landscape

Your landlord might not like you ripping the grass out, but there are still ways to bring some life to your yard. Planting some flowers, adding a small fountain or a stone walkway are all great ways to make your yard look and feel beautiful. If you have a porch, you can also add some hanging plants or flowers.

Remember that you do not want to spend too much money fixing up a rental, since you will not get anything out of the investment. If you do want to change some of the hardware in the house, ask the landlord and do not spend too much money. Changing the knobs on the cabinets, painting the walls or adding a new stain to the cabinets are all fun ways to change up the look of your home. However, you should always check with your landlord before you take on these kinds of projects.

This obsession with HGTV has taught me a lot of useful information. No, I’ll probably never own a home in the south of France, and I’m sure I’ll never become an interior designer, yet I feel more confident in the choices I make for my own home – a 1,700 square foot cottage in the Midwest.

Listed below are just a few of the things I’ve learned from HGTV:

Accessories Rule

In show after show, I’ve noticed that accessories are a must in any room. Of course, the amount of accessories you have in your own home depends on personal taste. Some people are comfortable with oodles of knick-knacks, pillows, blankets, prints, vases, photographs, etc., while others prefer a more Spartan style; however, every room in a home benefits from adornment.

When looking for accessories, remember, you don’t have to be a millionaire to purchase these items. In all honesty, I have taken advantage of Dollar General for many of my home accessory purchases. I’ve found vases with a worldly feel, woven baskets for clever storage, and kitchen rugs with unique textures. A bonus is that many times Dollar General has coupons for these types of items. My latest purchase was a welcome mat for my screened-in porch; it cost $1.50 after the percent off coupon! (Sign up with Dollar General to receive these money saving emails).

Other places to obtain accessories that you will love include: consignment shops, garage sales, estate sales, and vacation destinations. Don’t forget to display much loved collections, as well as pieces of art work to create a welcoming feel as well.

Thread Count Matters

Since you spend much of your life sleeping, why not do so in comfort? I’ve learned both from HGTV and from personal experience that thread count really does make a difference when it comes to sheet sets. This was confirmed a few years ago when I received sheets with a low thread count as a gift. Ouch! I know I’m getting older, but the sheets actually felt scratchy on my face. So, buy sheets with the highest number that you can afford for optimal comfort.

Choose Colors You Like

One interesting aspect concerning color on HGTV is that I have heard white called “clean” by one designer, while it is “boring” to another designer. The same goes for red. One person called it “rich,” but a different host hinted the same shade felt unsettling. My point? Choose colors for your home that please you. As with accessories, everyone has a different view of what colors to use in homes; therefore, make sure to pick ones you love!

Here are just a few fresh ways you can redesign your apartment.

1- Create More with Less

Minimal space means maximum creativity. Think a little less furniture and find new ways to enhance your space with functional furniture. Instead of buying separate bookcases, you could purchase a large media center that would hold your television and books. Instead of buying a coffee table, why not purchase an ottoman with a built-in storage compartment?

2- Brighten up Your Space with Accent Pieces

You can easily transform any room with a few accent pieces. This could be wall decor (framed photos or decorative mirrors) or textiles/bedding (quilts or blankets). Remember that you don’t have to match everything together, but you should keep everything within the same color family, because it looks more pleasant to the eye.

3- Use More Light

Don’t let minimal windows bring you down; purchase a few great lamps to create more light instead. If you already have a few good lamps that work, but you hate the shades on them, simply replace them with newer shades in a classic color like white, brown, or cream. Make the most of your space by placing the lamps in the corner of a room to make the light appear more expansive.

4- Grow Greenery

If you’re lucky enough to have a small patio or balcony, you can try growing a few potted plants, herbs, or vegetables. A few cool plants or potted trees will really give your home a sense of being closer to nature – which is a great thing if you’re stuck in the middle of a suburb or large city.

Most likely, you’ll end up spending at least $500, but there are a few methods that you can use to shave off costs. By taking these tips to heart, you may end up saving at least $100 on your purchases.

Buy Secondhand

If you go to a secondhand store that specializes in furniture, you may be surprised by the quality you find there. When people think of secondhand, they think of furniture that belongs in the dumpster. Believe it or not, a lot of secondhand furniture looks like new.

Despite looking like new, most secondhand furniture is sold for less than half of its original cost. Many shun people who buy secondhand furniture, but what’s so bad about buying new furniture for less than half the price? Why pay $500 for something when you can get it for $200?

Wait for the Holidays

Most of time, homeowners can put off buying new furniture for their home a little bit longer. Instead of buying a set of furniture for full price, consider waiting until certain holidays/events, such as Black Friday, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. During these times, many furniture stores hold sales on their products. Sometimes, the discounts are as high as 50% off!

If it’s April and your furniture is in horrible condition, it might be better not to wait. But if you’re only one month away from a major holiday, by all means, wait.

Try Negotiating

During these bad economic times, many furniture stores are willing to negotiate with their customers if it means making a sale. If you really want a piece of furniture that you can’t afford, consider making a fair offer. Always ask for more off than what you really want. For example, if you want 20% off on a piece of furniture, ask for 25%. The more you ask for, the more room you have for negotiation.

Buying secondhand has many advantages. Due to the many benefits, some people make shopping at secondhand stores a hobby. These people love being able to get something for half, or sometimes a quarter of the price.

Save Money

The large amounts of money that can be saved is what attracts most people to secondhand items in the first place. You might find jeans that normally cost $25 at a secondhand store for the bargain price of $5. If you need to buy a new wardrobe for school or work, buying at secondhand stores can save you hundreds of dollars that could be better spent elsewhere.

Just Like New

When some people think of secondhand, they think of dirty, unusable items for very cheap. Many times, these secondhand objects have only been used a few times. Typically, these items are purchased by people who use it once, yet no longer want it after one use. Since they can no longer return it, they donate or sell it to a secondhand store.

You may think that this is untrue, but if you look in your garage or closet, you will find truth in this statement. How many times have you purchased something, only to never use it?  Usually, these things eventually end up at yard sales, auction websites, and you guessed it, secondhand stores.

Many people see no point paying $50 for something that has never been worn before, instead of paying $10 for something that has only been worn twice.

Thrilling Adventure

Some people love the thrill that comes with buying secondhand. It takes effort to find all the diamonds among the rough. Every item you see won’t be super cheap and like new. You will find some things that belong in the trash, but rarely. Believe it or not, you can find high-end items in secondhand stores (expensive clothes, furniture, kitchenware, basically things you otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford).

Those who shop at secondhand stores are often seen as old-fashioned, but it’s really the opposite. That man or woman who’s always wearing fashionable, pricy clothing may shop at secondhand stores.

Environmentally Friendly

The state of the environment is a popular topic these days. As people become more educated about these matters, many are doing all they can to help heal the Earth. One way you can help the Earth is through secondhand items. Instead of being thrown away into already overflowing landfills, these things are being used a second time. If all things had two or even three owners during their lifetime instead of just one, there would be fewer landfills.

Master Bedroom
Traditionally, mirrors in the bedroom grace the top of a dresser or the back of a door. You may want to move beyond these types and invest in a Cheval mirror. This is a floor-length mirror encased in a frame (which swivels on a base). The benefit of a Cheval mirror is that it can be adjusted to let you view yourself from head-to-toe. Used for centuries, Cheval mirrors were usually framed in wood, but hot materials, such as metal and durable plastic, make these show stoppers a fresh accessory.

Children’s Bedroom
Children love looking at themselves. Why not add several mirrors in your child’s room? There are themed mirrors with everything from pictures of soccer balls on the frame to actual heart-shaped versions. Brightly colored frames manufactured to complement any room are available. Finally, maybe your child would appreciate a “green” mirror, one with a frame made from recycled materials, such as magazines or newspapers.

Living Room
Mirrors make any room appear larger. They fool the brain into thinking the space continues beyond the rational boundary. In living rooms across the nation, mirrors sit propped on a mantel above a fireplace or perched on a shelf across from a large window; however, they beg for an expanded role. They want to be art! For example, use a small, round mirror to complement a grouping of decorative plates. Or invest in a mirror with a scroll design over the surface. It may not serve as a looking glass, but it will “wow” as art!

Bathroom
Of course mirrors are a necessity in the bathroom. Thank goodness the days of the small, rectangle medicine cabinet are gone. Large mirrors, coupled with excellent lighting, provide the perfect spot to get ready for work or for play. If you have a large 60” x 60” mirror that is frameless, you can now purchase products that can give it a sleek finished look. One product, called “MirrEdgeTM, is an acrylic mirror kit that fits around the edges. Another way to finish a large bathroom mirror involves building a wooded frame, staining it to match your cabinets, and finishing it by adding several coats of varnish. You will be surprised how much more cozy a bathroom feels with a framed mirror.

Hallway
In an entry way, mirrors provide for last minute hair and make-up checks before leaving home. They also act to widen a cramped space. If you do choose to add a mirror to the hallway, seriously consider how high to place it on the wall – take into account the height of the person who will use it the most.

No matter where you place a mirror, it will add a bit of magic to the room!

Find the Perfect Mattress

Sleep is just as important to your well-being as it is to your health. The most important way to ensure a good night’s rest is to invest in a quality mattress. It doesn’t have to be fancy or high-tech, but it should be designed to support your body while remaining a comfortable surface to sleep on.

Shop for Cozy Bedding

Next, you need to invest in a few bed essentials like a comforter, bed sheets, and pillows.  With comforters, you’ve got several options: classic quilt, down-filled comforter, or large blanket. Which you choose for your bed is a matter of personal comfort and cost (comforter will often cost you more). You can save money by purchasing a complete bedding or sheet set; however, make sure that you know what is included in the set, because each package can vary. (Some sets only come with sheets and pillow cases, while others also come with a comforter). It’s  a good idea to know that even though most sheets are made with cotton, not all sheets are the same. Thread count and fabric type make all the difference so take note as you shop. The higher the thread count, the softer the sheet will be.

Sleep on Cozy Pillows

Basic bed pillows are all you need to get a good night’s rest, but that doesn’t mean you should buy any pillow. The best pillows are the classic down feather or down-alternative/hypoallergenic pillows. They are softer and more durable than other types.