mamasaverdecorating101:

story by | melissa tortorice

BeforeI was a mom I considered myself to be many different things. One being a savvy shopper with a passion for good food, wine, and most of all DECORATING! I remember the adrenaline rush payday would bring and the thrill I’d get buying those perfect Pier 1 throw pillows I’d been drooling over for weeks—and of course I can’t forget the new paint color I impulsively decided was a must have for my kitchen. Being able to make my surroundings inviting and trendy was very important to me—it was another way for me to express my personality. Okay…I admit, when people came over for dinner or to stay with us for a long weekend, I loved hearing, “Where did you get that? How did you think of that?” My response was always light and gracious, but I was giddy on the inside.

Fast forward eight-years, two kids and another baby on the way and the money I once had for those luxury splurge items has been traded for daycare, groceries, and gas money. Those once desired throw pillows and candleholders purchased on a whim are no longer an everyday option or treat for me. My priorities have definitely changed, but I still enjoy a cohesive, cozy home to cuddle up in and THAT is something I won’t change. By simply altering my budget and motivation to seek a good deal, I’ve become a frugal decorating diva discovering ways to stretch a dollar. Here are a few ways I’ve discovered to outfit my nest.

First, I curb an impulse visit to my favorite retail store by redirecting myself to my computer where I let my fingers do the shopping. Most often I can find what I’m looking for on a discounted site, such as eBay or Craigslist. I recently became obsessed with a table for our nursery from Pottery Barn Kids for a whopping $149, but with a little luck and time I found the same one for $50 on Craigslist. Well worth the extra search and huge savings!

I’m also big into recycling. We all have those still stylish pieces we’ve grown tired of looking at. I’ve found it easy to pop a post on Craigslist and eBay at a reasonable price and before I know it I have cash in hand to put toward new things. Also, keep an ear open when chatting with girlfriends. A quick swap or exchange of décor is an easy way for a fresh and fun new look.

Since having kids I’ve also changed my view on garage sales. I never understood why people would get up at 6am with their pre-marked map route and red pen in hand all charged up to scavenge through other people’s junk—and actually pay for it!

Pre-kids there was no way I was going to waste precious sleep hours for a “thrill of the hunt,” but how quickly the early hours of motherhood changed all that. Last summer after taking a gander through a sale, I found a plain wood desk for $10. I pulled out my best DIY skills, painted it turquoise and added some antiqued white handles. The finished piece was practicality at its finest—not to mention it turned out adorable!

Flea markets, antique shops, and second hand boutiques have also captured my creative heart. The key to effective flea market browsing is to prep a list of things you’re looking for. Trust me, it will keep you from becoming overwhelmed with the need to “have it all” or launching you into a total home makeover mode. On one of my adventures I found a case of old jars for $3. I washed them up and have now repurposed them around the house as toothbrush holders, art supply containers, and the perfect table accessories for a good old fashioned barbeque. There’s something about drinking out of a jar that makes kids and adults smile.

So remember, when you become a mother you don’t have to sacrifice it all to stay within a budget. Keep true to who you are and don’t be afraid to try new things. You can have beautiful things without the guilt of a lofty price tag.

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