Who doesn't love making their home, whether its a closet space dorm, or a small apartment, or a huge house look wonderful for their own pleasure? Well I know I sure do.
When we decided to move into housing on base, I immediately knew that I was going to have to do a lot of decorating to make that huge house look like a nice, warm, inviting home -- and boy was I excited!
So I began to gather ideas that I've seen on the net of different things that I could do -- but seeing as how anything decor related is uber expensive, I really wanted to keep it as thrifty as possible.
One of the things that I am most proud of - and that really anyone can do - was a little canvas I created: Pinterest inspired.. I saw this post via my endless hours of whoring pinterest >> Pretty Bird Wall Art. Being a definite rookie.. I definitely hit a FAIL moment on the first canvas that I did. But with the help of some super artsy folk, I was able to fix up my entire project.
I had an idea in my head of what I wanted.. something pretty :)
Based off of that glorious idea, I went ahead and got myself to work.
The hardest part was picking the design for my canvas.. geez does B have a lot of paper!!
I had no clue how I wanted to do it.. so I figured I'd go with my favorite colors.. blue, pink, black and white (now don't get all worked up about me naming "white" a "color").
I basically followed the same instructions that were suggested in the above mentioned blog, and it definitely was not difficult. See: PRETTY
There were a couple "oops" moments while I was making this -- hence why the middle one looks crooked -- Oh well.
Continuing on, I have luckily gathered a lot of nick knacks from mother, who loves bargain shopping, which in turn made me a faithful garage sale lover, and more recently an avid thrifty store goer. And btw, the hubs loves to bargain shop too, so it makes it all more perfect :). And it really does help. Who cares where you got it or who gave it to you, if you love it, use it!
A couple of things that I've learned is that stores like Ross, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Big Lots, etc. are the best places to get cute different things that you do not necessarily come across regularly. For example:
Venice Canvas - Ross about $30
Frames - Ross, Goodwill, Big Lots anywhere from $2- $5
Oh and btw -- picture printing is expensive, I take advantage of Walgreens coupons that get emailed to me - best idea ever!
End tables - Garage sale $10 - then we sanded and stained them
This is one of my favs: although the hubs isn't a fan.
Completely restored rocking chair: I took off all the old cushions, padding, and nails, spray painted it, added new cushions from Ross $8 each.
Paris Canvas - Bday gift from mother - Wall Wording - Dollar Store $1
Vases - Random Warehouse $7 each. Wood sticks - Dollar Store $1 each. Lights - Big Lots $3 each
So ya see .. really easy to give a bare living space some color and life.
Regardless how little or big your budget may be there are always things one can find to enjoy the little things in life. By no means did I go out and buy all of this stuff in one day, it's taken me well over 2 years to gather things here and there. There is still a lot of white bare walls in my house, but one day soon it'll all look adorned and beautiful.
Be patient and don't be afraid to make a bargain, there's no shame in being smart with your money and your taste :)
P.S. we've been living in our new house for about a month now.. and I absolutely love it :) and it looks amazing dont cha think!?
