We all want our homes and offices to be beautiful, but sometimes we do not have the budget to create the beauty we desire according to the “magazine standards.”  I have found however, that we can often do better to simply “design on a dime”.  Really you ask?  Why is that?  I believe that is because we are forced to think creative.

Begin by joining your local Freecycle Group.  You would be amazed to see what is put up and offered for free.  We’ve gotten a nice working juicer…you know what sells for $200…for free.   I’ve gotten canning jars, dolls, tea cups, etc.  Just be sure to decide what you need versus gathering to gather.

Next, enjoy driving slow on trash day!  You will never know what you will find out for the trash.  We got a perfectly good computer desk from our neighbor’s trash one day when we were driving home.  It is the type that allows you to place your computer with the pull out keyboard tray, has a storage rack, plus it has shelves at the top.  You’d pay $200-$400 for it at the office supply store, yet we found it for free.  It was only missing one rubber safety foot which did not matter since we were placing it on carpet.

Then, check out the thrift stores and Goodwill’s in your area.  Many of them sell furniture that is about one forth the price you would pay for new.  Just be sure to check quality.  Remember if you pay less yet get a cheap quality, you will end up having to replace it more frequently which can end up costing you more in the long run.

Then, consider sales especially around the holidays.  It is amazing to me what you can find at stores as “loss leaders.”  Loss leaders are when the store will sell something at cost or a loss in order to get you in the store and shop.  The best deal for you and I is to go get that item we need and leave the store!  Do not spend more than you set out to spend.

And finally, do not forget what you can make!  I took an $80 class on floral arranging and learned all the basics.  I invested about $20 into the necessary tools such as cutters.  At this point, I have created over a dozen arrangements which we have used in our home and congregation.  Assuming that the average arrangement would sell for about $80 – $100 (many of mine are large pieces) in the retails store, yet they cost me between $30-$40.  I have saved after paying for the class and tools over $500 by doing it myself!  That’s a nice paycheck bonus!

If you are a bit flexible and creative, you can have a beautiful home at minimal cost.  The key is to be creative, plan out your goals, seek quality items, and then have fun making your design on a dime come to life!