Decorating on a budget

One would think that being on mat leave means having to only take care of your new born. While this thought is true, I still find myself taking on many little projects. As of late I'm really into redecorating and I'm constantly thinking how I can make my space more inspirational. When one is at home a lot it's hard not to want to change the same four walls that you're constantly looking at.

Being on mat leave meant that I had to decorate on a budget. I set my budget to $1,200 and started hunting. I found myself going to many garage sales, shopping the clearance section at Homesense and making frequent trips to Ikea and West Elm. Not to mention my endless nights searching Kijiji and Craigslist either.

First I started with the little things, like picture frames, lamps, accessories, and other small items, since they were the least expensive. I really needed a new couch and arm chair, but I wasn't going to settle for second hand - so I sold off my leather couches. In return, this helped me increase my budget. Now I was able to afford a decent Ikea couch that was kid and dog friendly (machine washable).

I couldn't stop thinking of the final outcome. My mind raced day after day until every little detail was taken care of. In the end, I'm about 98% done. Still need a few things to complete it. But over all, I'm soooooo happy with the way it turned out.

Here are a few of my favs that transformed my space.

My owl and protector at night. This was a splurge at $200. I absolutely fell in love with it.

Two stools I found at a garage sale. $4 for both. 

 

 

This is what I turned it into. Designer fabric for $5.50/ per yard. In total this stool cost me $7.50

How the stool lives in my new space. The bird decals I got at Home Depot for $25. Ikea storage bins $6.50

Side chair is from Homesense - clearance plus additional discount for scratched leg. $125

Reused a bed side table by painting it all white and adding new hardware.
Table lamp $25 at Homesense on clearance.