What'd you pay for that?

I've noticed in the blog world, several bloggers bragging about how little they spent decorating their home...Well, I can tell you that I decorated our house on a serious budget, and I can say with confidence that I have them all beat :)...In reality, these other bloggers just had me curious...So I actually did the math and the grand total is...drumroll please...or not, I should learn to play the drums...$1600 (give or take a few). That's right ladies and gents, that is a living/dining/kitchen decorated for $1600...Told you I would win...I totally could of been great on Trading Spaces...Do you guys remember that show? I used to make my Dad record it on our VCR, so I could watch it. ...Now I know my house is smaller and my dining room is not a traditional formal dining room, but the point is I win. Of course, I'm kidding (kind of). I didn't really go through the trouble of all this to brag (well, maybe a little), but to show you that you can make your home "you" on any budget. Don't believe me? Here's a breakdown...

Living Room Picture frames on wall.......$50.00 for all 5 Walmart
Bookcase...........................$50.00 Target
Baskets..............................$20.00 for both Walmart
Frames...............................brown frame- gift, Laugh frame-$5 clearance at Nebraska furniture mart
Gold Bowl...........................$7.00 clearance at Nebraska furniture mart
Lamp...................................$8.00 Old time pottery
White elephant...................Free, spray painted
Chair....................................$112.00 Target
Throw pillows......................$20.00 each Pier 1 and Target
Blue and green botanicals...$1.00 Dollar Store

Vase behind chair...............$10.00 on clearance at Zgallerie, covered in twine Curtains...............................$130.00 Target
Sconces.................................$5.00 Garage sale find

Framed bird print...............$5.00 Etsy

Candlesticks.........................$16.00 Target
Starburst Mirror..................$20.00 Clearance because there was a small chip in it Target
Plant pot...............................$10.00 Dollar General
Coffee Table..........................$50.00 Amazon or Ebay, I can't remember, but I know it's one of those two
Candle in center of table......$10.00 Target
Basket under coffee table.....$20.00 Target
Sectional Sofa.......................$600.00 Nebraska Furniture Mart

Dining/Kitchen Console table......................$20.00 Craigslist find
Knobs on console table......$6.00 at Hobby Lobby with a coupon
White vase...........................$6.00 on clearance at Target
Ottoman..............................$15.00 Target
Basket..................................$10.00 Walmart
Kitchen Table and chairs....$150.00 for set Nebraska Furniture Mart
Rug......................................$50.00 World Market (I've actually seen them cheaper since at Old Time Pottery)
Candlesticks........................$5.00 Goodwill

Table Runner......................$10.00 Etsy

Bar stools.............................$120.00 for three Nebraska Furniture Mart
Shelves in Kitchen...............$20.00 for both (also a wedding gift, Thanks Jessica :), but from Target)
Wine rack............................$10.00 on clearance at World Market
Bamboo blinds....................$20.00 Target
Sorry I don't have pictures of my kitchen yet, but they are coming...Also, some things are moved around in the pictures, but you get the idea...
In the end, you can make your house a home with any budget...
Here are a few tips, I've found in the few years I've been at it.
1. Target has a fantastic housewares section with great prices, but don't forget to check the end of the aisles, this is where all their clearance items are!
2. Don't be afraid to ask about a dented or scratched item. I once got the price down 50%, on a wine rack because it was missing one of the bottom rubber black pieces. By the way, this is true with clothing stores too. I used to work for a large department store, and if anyone came to the register and showed even the smallest mark on merchandise, we were told to automatically give them 20% off.
3. Craigslist.....Now I definitely go back and forth on Craigslist, I tend to think people are too greedy and expect too much money for their used stuff. But, I have found some great deals, you really just have to look. Oh, and a random hint, if your looking for something specifically but you're having trouble finding it, try misspelling a word. I know it sounds crazy but I was helping a friend look for a bamboo rug on craigslist, but we couldn't find anything, I tried bamboo aera rug (instead of area rug), and boom found one instantly. It's a great tip, but also says a lot about the American education program.
4. Barter.......Don't be afraid to barter at a garage sale or estate sale, or even in a store if you are gutsy enough. We have a side table in a guest room, that the lady wanted $20.00 for, I did the old "I only have $4 on me" routine, and got that table, they were asking $20.00 for, for only $4.00.
5. Shop online...Ebay and amazon, are great resources for home decor items. Also, places like Target and Z Gallerie have not only more choices online, but a lot of times better prices too and always check clearance!
Happy Friday all, make it a good one!