I was talking to a friend last week who is building a new home for himself and his family. It’s fairly contemporary in style but their current home is traditional. He was saying how he’s most worried about their furniture not looking like it belongs in the new house. With all the expenses of building a house, the budget for new furniture just isn’t there. This got me thinking about interior design and the cost involved. I’ve never personally used an interior designer as I’ve always enjoyed the process of designing my own spaces. That’s not to say there’s no need for anyone to hire one! A good designer can help you discover a style that you love and will work best for you and your lifestyle. If you’re looking for that kind of guidance and can afford it, by all means, hire an interior designer. However, I can guarantee you that if you have the time and gumption, you can create an amazing interior on your own without breaking the bank.
I’ve put together a list of my own personal strategies for finding the best deals and getting rid of the stuff you no longer like. Go forth and decorate!
Craigslist and Ebay are your new BFFs – It’s amazing what people will buy (and sell) on Craigslist. I’ve moved more times than I’d like to admit, and every time I do, there is furniture that just doesn’t fit in my new home, either physically or stylistically. Take my advice and just post everything you no longer want. Be sure to include the brand (West Elm, Pottery Barn, Ikea) in the title and add a link to the item on the brand’s website if it’s still being sold. Include lots of high quality photos. Don’t get greedy with the price. If I’m selling a table that I bought two years ago for $200 that’s in good condition, I’ll ask for $100. You’d be surprised at the amount of people who have seen that table in the store or online and are now searching for one on Craigslist for a better price. They are getting it for half off! On the flip side, YOU can be the winner here and find that CB2 sofa you’ve been eyeing for a sweet deal. Enjoy, but please be smart. If someone sounds shady in their reply to you, they probably are. DO NOT meet someone from Craigslist alone. I’ve never had a bad experience, but better safe than sorry. Right? Ebay is best for the high ticket items like that Roche Bobois sofa you spent way too much money on in a moment of delusion. DWR, Modernica, Herman Miller, Knoll…people are searching for all of these on Ebay at this very moment. Get rid of it!
Move Loot – First, I have to state that I have no personal experience with this site/app, but it looks like a pretty cool concept. You can sell OR buy all from one interface and Move Loot handles the delivery. Seems worth a shot!
Sales, sales, sales! – We all have our go to stores that we love. However, there is NO REASON to pay full price for anything. Ever. They all have sales around every holiday or at the end of a season. The best way to stay up to date on sales is by registering for their emails. I know, more spam in your inbox is the last thing you need, but on most sites, just by signing up, you get 10-20% off your first purchase online. I also like to bookmark the sale pages on my favorite sites and take a look every couple of days to see what’s new. Here are a few of my bookmarks:
Deals, deals, deals! – There are more of these sites out there right now than I can even comprehend. You know the ones. I’m not always a huge fan, but there are some bargains to be had. A few of my favorites:
The places you would least expect – Did you know that H&M sells housewares? Or that PB Teen carries some really cool shit? Land of Nod sells beautiful lighting fixtures for under $200. Check out these sites and trust me, nobody will know your curtains were marketed to college students decorating their dorm rooms. Plus, you will be getting some great deals.
Shop local but do it smart – In LA we have H.D. Buttercup and in NY they have ABC Carpet & Home. Both carry an amazing selection of home furnishings at a pretty penny. However, H.D. Buttercup has a twice annual sale where everything in the store is up to 70% off. Call your local stores to find out when they are having a sale.
It may take some time and persistence, but YOU CAN create a home that you’re proud of.
Have fun!
Jess McNaughton 
When did H&M start doing home stuff?? Thanks Jessica!
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