Home away from home…on a serious budget

As my clients look for ways to cut cost with out compromising good design, I am constantly looking for better “budget” options. It seams like the big trend in decorating/ design is getting “the look” for less. And with HGTV and the Style network bringing so many fabulous designers and their unique shows for all of us to drool over…great design and fabulous rooms are no longer a dream. Right now I am working on a few bedrooms that require high style but come with tiny budget. I love to shop for bargains and am fortunate to be in the fabulous and resourceful city of Dallas, TX. There are tons of budget friendly finds to be had at places like Ikea, Target, Walmart, TJ Maxx homegoods & Marshall’s just to name a few. Not to mention many of the high end “outlet” stores where fab pieces from last season go to be re-discovered again. Places like Horchow Finale, Last Call Neiman Marcus, Crate & Barrel outlet, the new Lam Lee outlet and I could go on.

I was recently asked to create a room similar to the one my client gave me (below)..only on a budget. I wanted to stick with the budget friendly stores for the basics and I was able to find almost everything in the room at WAL-MART and Target!! Getting great deals is great, but I do still believe that you need to invest in quality pieces that will be classics and be able to withstand a few relocations along with average wear and tear. Her is her letter

Hi Abbe,

I am a new college grad with my first place and am in serious need of new furniture in my bedroom. I have decided to sell most of my awful college furniture and replace it with a more chic grown up look for my first place. I have just moved into my new apartment and would love to get started on my bedroom right away. I have a brand new mattress set (queen size) and a few pieces of art that I love and would like to use in the space. I am including a picture of a bedroom that I totally LOVE and want for my new place. I have started to look at things similar to the items in the picture but am hitting a wall and have no idea how to pull it all together. My budget is small ($1,300), I have money stuck back from graduation gifts and would like to use that without dipping into my new paycheck! Hopefully you can help me find things to create the look, I am open to anything you suggest but my one request is to find the wallpaper. I know it’s an apartment and I shouldn’t put up wallpaper but I really think it will make the room. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.

Thanks, Stephanie

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Stephanie has fabulous taste and I can see why she is not wanting to budge on the wallpaper! With a few clicks and free shipping as a bonus, Stephanie will be right on budget to create the look she wants. Now this college grad can come home and relax in style! Here is the finish board, I usually don’t get detailed on pricing and the location of the items I suggest but this is such a fabulous price!!

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