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The Fashionable Housewife

The Fashionable Housewife

Because Moms Should Look Good, Too!

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Decorating on a Budget Without Looking Cheap

Modified on October 24, 2015 at 4:36 PM

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living room from target

One of the best things about DiY culture is being able to repurpose the items we find via thrifting and hunting at vintage shops into beautiful statement pieces that make our homes look just as good as the home of someone with an unlimited decorating budget. If youโ€™re new to the thrifting/budget/DiY world and are looking for tips for decorating on a budget, we can help you dress up your new living space (or redo the space you already have).

Here are some of our favorites…

Start with a Statement Piece

One of the best things you can do, even on a limited budget, is buy at least one very high quality statement piece around which you can build your decorating scheme. The key to choosing which piece to purchase is to choose something that you know you are going to love and use all the time. For example, if youโ€™re a big fan of the Beat Poets, the Raab Collection currently has a broadside collection–signed by, among other people, Allen Ginsburg–in its inventory that would look fantastic above a mantel. It could act as a fantastic conversation starter.

Other statement pieces could be a very well made piece of furniture like your living room couch or your bed. Look for something that you will love using and/or looking at every time you encounter it. Since youโ€™re going to be spending a solid chunk of change, you want the expense to be worth it!

Smaller statement pieces could include a plaid throw pillowย or a decorative pouf.

Build Your Own Using Recycled Containers

This take on making your own media cabinet is one of our favorite how-tos on Martha Stewartโ€™s website. It teaches you how to build a media cabinet that fits your space, looks beautiful and doesnโ€™t ever scream โ€œwhereโ€™s my matching barcolounger? Where are the dudes watching sports?โ€ when you look at it.

Another approach to the media center is to use a vintage dresser that youโ€™ve painted yourself as a television stand and a small stack of wooden milk crates, a book shelf or a few wall mounted shelves that youโ€™ve painted to match to act as shelving for any gaming consoles or media players you use regularly.

This approach works well for almost any sort of supply display that you might want to dress up. For example, painted wooden milk crates bolted to the wall are great for books, DVD collections, music collections or even other decorative touches.

Dress Up The Practical

It is one thing to decorate simply and thriftily. It is another to let that simplicity keep you from addressing the items in your home that are seen as primarily utilitarian and functional instead of formational. For example, covering your box spring mattress with fabric that matches your decorating scheme, painting the pipes under your exposed sink (check with your plumber first!), and painting and covering other foundational elements to your furniture and decorative touches goes a long way toward creating a cohesive look.

On the flip side of this is finding ways to use the practical items in your home as decor. The easiest place to do this is in your kitchen. Hang your pots and pans on a rack that is suspended from the ceiling or on decorative hooks placed in your walls. Julia Childโ€™s kitchen was lined with all of her tools. This is the one exception to the โ€œless is moreโ€ rule when decorating your home. Speaking of which…

Avoid Clutter

It doesnโ€™t matter how large your space is, a lot of fussy tchotchkes is going to detract from the overall look youโ€™re trying to create…unless that look is โ€œgrandmaโ€™s basement.โ€ A few framed photos, a vase for flowers or a couple of candles are all you need on your sideboard. Remember, just because a surface is flat does not mean it needs something sitting on it!

This rule is especially important for spaces that are very small or super huge. In small spaces, lots of little decorative touches can make a space feel claustrophobic. In vast and otherwise empty spaces, lots of small decorative touches can make the space feel chaotic.

Keep it Clean

Obviously, cleanliness is an important part of any decorating scheme. If you donโ€™t keep your space clean and orderly, it wonโ€™t matter what decorating scheme youโ€™ve chosen; the scheme will get lost beneath the mess. It turns out, your parents were right: taking a few minutes every day to pick up and put things away and doing a quick dusting will go a long way toward keeping your home beautiful and ready for company.

There are lots of ways to approach decorating and, even if your budget is extremely limited, you can ย find ways to create a cohesive and beautiful look that will impress even your most judgmental guests, we promise!

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Posted By The Fashionable Housewife
on October 25, 2015 at 7:33 AM
Filed Under: Home Decor, Home Life
Tagged With: decorating, decorating ideas, DIY, home decor, home decorating, interior decor, interior decorating, living room, plaid, Target

About The Fashionable Housewife

Sarah-Jean Ballard is the Editor in Chief of The Fashionable Housewife blog and Founder of Fashionable Media. Married to a sexy Molecular Biologist, housewife, mom to 5, homeschooler, Certified Personal Nutritionist and entrepreneur who's mission is to help moms just like you look and feel GREAT! Other interests include dancing, yoga, positive intactivism, natural birth and breastfeeding support, babywearing, paleo & gluten-free cooking, and promoting an overall healthy lifestyle to all.

Disclaimer

The Fashionable Housewife is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for blogs and websites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We alsoย participateย in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission on purchases made through our links. There is no extra cost to you! For more info, please see our Disclosure & Privacy Policy.

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Sarah-Jean Ballard

Hi! Iโ€™m Sarah-Jean. Iโ€™m a Christian, the wife of a handsome Molecular Biologist, and the homeschooling mother of 5 beautiful kids!

I enjoy homesteading, reading, writing, cooking, baking, crafting, home decorating, Xtend Barre, and of course,ย fashion!

This blog is a place for me to share how we live and what I love most. Iโ€™m on a mission to help busy moms like you, be fashionable too!ย Read Moreโ€ฆ

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๐•Š๐•’๐•ฃ๐•’๐•™ | Fashionable Homemaker & Large Family Life
This is what our homeschool looks like sometimes. This is what our homeschool looks like sometimes. ๐Ÿฅณ

Canโ€™t believe my oldest son is 13 and outside helping dad do home projects like building a new deck. ๐Ÿคฏ Seems like yesterday he was in his walker on this back deck and it looked a lot better ๐Ÿ˜‚

Thankful that @homedepot has great prices so we could finally afford to do this home reno project! ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ‰

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My first born son turned 13 years old today. ๐Ÿ˜ฑ My first born son turned 13 years old today. ๐Ÿ˜ฑ

Somebody hold me. ๐Ÿ˜ญ

I asked him if he could stay 12 for one more year but he didnโ€™t like that idea. ๐Ÿ˜’ Was worth a shot, right? 

Scroll for the outtakes ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚

This kid blows me away daily and makes me so proud to be his mom. I donโ€™t have enough words to describe how much I love this child. ๐Ÿ˜ญ

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Being a mom is hard. Being a mom and trying to sta Being a mom is hard. Being a mom and trying to stay healthy and fit is harder. ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿผโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿฅต

Luckily, there are holistic wellness products that can help make the motherhood journey easier!

Lost Empire Herbs stands out as a remarkable family venture led by three health-conscious brothers who share a profound dedication to a wholesome, active lifestyle. 

Their journey began with a modest kitchen table and the introduction of pine pollen, but it has since evolved into something truly remarkable, exceeding all expectations.๐Ÿ˜ฑ

What truly sets Lost Empire Herbs apart is their extensive collective knowledge, derived from years of hands-on experience, unwavering commitment, and a willingness to explore new horizons. Driven by a genuine desire to enhance lives, they made a resolute decision to make the benefits of these exceptional herbs accessible to a wider audience. 

Their primary focus revolves around offering hormonal support, a vital consideration given the prevalence of endocrine-disrupting compounds in today's world, although their scope extends beyond this singular realm. ๐ŸŒฑ 

I'm genuinely enthused about the prospect of trying out their products, eagerly anticipating the chance to personally experience the transformative effects of these wellness herbs. The brothers' evident passion and expertise have left me intrigued and eager to embark on a journey towards total wellness, guided by the offerings of Lost Empire Herbs.

@lostempireherbs #lostempireherbs #holistichealth #holistichealing #holisticwellness #holisticlifestyle #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodjourney #motherhoodthroughinstagram #unleashthepowerofnature #rootingforyourhealth #hormonehealth @apexdropofficial
Slow down a little and visit @storylandnh !! It s Slow down a little and visit @storylandnh !!

It seems like summer is almost over and youโ€™re probably scrambling to get all the things done on your bucket list. But donโ€™t forget to slow down and have some fun with your kids this summer!!

Story Land in Glen NH is a great way to make some beautiful summer memories with your family! If you live in the New England area, definitely plan a visit before summer slips through your fingers, mama! โ˜€๏ธ ๐Ÿ–๏ธ 

LIKE + SHARE if you needed this reminder to slow down and have fun! 

#motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodjourney #momlifeunfiltered #motherhoodrising #motherhoodthroughinstagram
Looking for something fun to do in New Hampshire t Looking for something fun to do in New Hampshire this summer? Living Shores Aquarium in Glen NH is an indoor walk through adventure that allows your whole family to discover the wonders of the ocean year-round. 

The aquarium includes interactive tide pools, exhibits, and tons of immersive activities. See otters, touch sting rays and nibble fish, interact with tropical birds and so much more. They even have axolotls and sharks! There is so much to see. We spent over 3 hours exploring the exhibits! And of course we had to stop in the amazing gift shop before we left. Donโ€™t miss it! 

Living Shores is a fun, interactive environment that is perfect for the whole family! If youโ€™re going to visit the White Mountains this summer, definitely make time to stop at @livingshoresnh! ๐Ÿ  ๐ŸŸ ๐Ÿฆ€ 

COMMENT and tell me which part your kiddos would like the best! ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿป

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Donโ€™t be fooled. You donโ€™t need the perfect br Donโ€™t be fooled. You donโ€™t need the perfect branch to hang a swing in your yard. All you need is a tree and Slackers Build A Branch!

I got mine from @bolderplay! ๐Ÿฅณ

Would this product solve a common problem for you too?! Comment and let me know! ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿป

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Oh the joys of motherhood! Anyone else relate?!! ๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ๐Ÿฅฑ๐Ÿ˜ณ๐Ÿ˜ณ๐Ÿ˜ณ

#momhumor #honestmom #parentinghumor #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodjourney #motherhoodrising
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This is what our homeschool looks like sometimes. This is what our homeschool looks like sometimes. ๐Ÿฅณ

Canโ€™t believe my oldest son is 13 and outside helping dad do home projects like building a new deck. ๐Ÿคฏ Seems like yesterday he was in his walker on this back deck and it looked a lot better ๐Ÿ˜‚

Thankful that @homedepot has great prices so we could finally afford to do this home reno project! ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ‰

#motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #hereisourhomeschool #motherhoodthroughinstagram
My first born son turned 13 years old today. ๐Ÿ˜ฑ My first born son turned 13 years old today. ๐Ÿ˜ฑ

Somebody hold me. ๐Ÿ˜ญ

I asked him if he could stay 12 for one more year but he didnโ€™t like that idea. ๐Ÿ˜’ Was worth a shot, right? 

Scroll for the outtakes ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚

This kid blows me away daily and makes me so proud to be his mom. I donโ€™t have enough words to describe how much I love this child. ๐Ÿ˜ญ

Drop a comment and wish this boy a happy birthday! ๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‚ 

#homeschoollife #homeschoolfamily #momlife #momlifeunfiltered #momlifeunplugged
Being a mom is hard. Being a mom and trying to sta Being a mom is hard. Being a mom and trying to stay healthy and fit is harder. ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿผโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿฅต

Luckily, there are holistic wellness products that can help make the motherhood journey easier!

Lost Empire Herbs stands out as a remarkable family venture led by three health-conscious brothers who share a profound dedication to a wholesome, active lifestyle. 

Their journey began with a modest kitchen table and the introduction of pine pollen, but it has since evolved into something truly remarkable, exceeding all expectations.๐Ÿ˜ฑ

What truly sets Lost Empire Herbs apart is their extensive collective knowledge, derived from years of hands-on experience, unwavering commitment, and a willingness to explore new horizons. Driven by a genuine desire to enhance lives, they made a resolute decision to make the benefits of these exceptional herbs accessible to a wider audience. 

Their primary focus revolves around offering hormonal support, a vital consideration given the prevalence of endocrine-disrupting compounds in today's world, although their scope extends beyond this singular realm. ๐ŸŒฑ 

I'm genuinely enthused about the prospect of trying out their products, eagerly anticipating the chance to personally experience the transformative effects of these wellness herbs. The brothers' evident passion and expertise have left me intrigued and eager to embark on a journey towards total wellness, guided by the offerings of Lost Empire Herbs.

@lostempireherbs #lostempireherbs #holistichealth #holistichealing #holisticwellness #holisticlifestyle #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodjourney #motherhoodthroughinstagram #unleashthepowerofnature #rootingforyourhealth #hormonehealth @apexdropofficial
Slow down a little and visit @storylandnh !! It s Slow down a little and visit @storylandnh !!

It seems like summer is almost over and youโ€™re probably scrambling to get all the things done on your bucket list. But donโ€™t forget to slow down and have some fun with your kids this summer!!

Story Land in Glen NH is a great way to make some beautiful summer memories with your family! If you live in the New England area, definitely plan a visit before summer slips through your fingers, mama! โ˜€๏ธ ๐Ÿ–๏ธ 

LIKE + SHARE if you needed this reminder to slow down and have fun! 

#motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodjourney #momlifeunfiltered #motherhoodrising #motherhoodthroughinstagram
Looking for something fun to do in New Hampshire t Looking for something fun to do in New Hampshire this summer? Living Shores Aquarium in Glen NH is an indoor walk through adventure that allows your whole family to discover the wonders of the ocean year-round. 

The aquarium includes interactive tide pools, exhibits, and tons of immersive activities. See otters, touch sting rays and nibble fish, interact with tropical birds and so much more. They even have axolotls and sharks! There is so much to see. We spent over 3 hours exploring the exhibits! And of course we had to stop in the amazing gift shop before we left. Donโ€™t miss it! 

Living Shores is a fun, interactive environment that is perfect for the whole family! If youโ€™re going to visit the White Mountains this summer, definitely make time to stop at @livingshoresnh! ๐Ÿ  ๐ŸŸ ๐Ÿฆ€ 

COMMENT and tell me which part your kiddos would like the best! ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿป

 #familytime #motherhoodunplugged #momlifeunfiltered #whitemountains #familygoals #familyfriendly
Donโ€™t be fooled. You donโ€™t need the perfect br Donโ€™t be fooled. You donโ€™t need the perfect branch to hang a swing in your yard. All you need is a tree and Slackers Build A Branch!

I got mine from @bolderplay! ๐Ÿฅณ

Would this product solve a common problem for you too?! Comment and let me know! ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿป

Motherhood is hard. Sometimes cool products make it easier! ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿผโ€โ™€๏ธ

#motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodrising #momlifebelike #motherhoodthroughinstagram #motherhoodjourney
Youโ€™re so exhausted you feel like youโ€™re gonna Youโ€™re so exhausted you feel like youโ€™re gonna die, but thenโ€ฆ
.
.
.
.
.
.
SURPRISE!!
.
.
You canโ€™t fall asleep!!!!!
.
.
.
Oh the joys of motherhood! Anyone else relate?!! ๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ๐Ÿฅฑ๐Ÿ˜ณ๐Ÿ˜ณ๐Ÿ˜ณ

#momhumor #honestmom #parentinghumor #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodjourney #motherhoodrising
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