Love the ‘eclectic, fun and creative’ idea. I think this would be easier if we were more handy. We have switched up inexpensive slipcovers, which did make a big difference! Thanks for the comment.

I agree completely! For years we lived with hard wood floors and no rugs. One afternoon we picked out a rug for $100 at IKEA and it dramatically changed the look and feel of that room. I’m not the best at home decorating. I see the pictures in books and magazines, but I find it hard to find similar options when you don’t want to spend a lot of money.

Thanks Jenna. That’s true. This house has never been a priority of mine. Not time-wise or with money.

Hi Dorothy — My husband reads this blog, so we actually had a long conversation after I posted this 😉

We’ve had this very discussion multiple times. While our son is young he likes to roll play dough on the dining room table and color with markers. None of this bothers me since the table was a hand-me-down. I don’t worry about it at all, but I do look at that table every day and think ugh, it’s so outdated.

I like the ‘one piece at a time’ approach. We can add in pieces and changes as we see fit, without feeling like it needs to be put together all at once.

It’s not so much the quality or amount of seasonal knick knacks that make it look like a nice put together home. It’s the lack of random hodge podge. You don’t have to go out and buy a bunch of matchy matchy stuff, but do stop accepting random stuff into your house. Just because you’re working with free/cheap stuff, doesn’t mean you can’t be picky and turn things down. Wait for something that fits or can be made to fit in with your decor.

For instance, go ahead and decorate your bedroom with a bunch of random wooden furniture in 7 different styles from craigslist. But then spend a weekend and paint it all matching or coordinating colors. Now it’s “eclectic and fun and creative” instead of “college chic”. Easy and fairly cheap, but makes a huge difference. Tablecloths can also hide a multitude of sins, as can slipcovers.

It’s the time. It takes a long time, especially on a smaller budget.

You have your priorities with your time as well.