15 BEST INTERIOR DESIGN BLOGGERS TO FOLLOW FOR BUDGET FRIENDLY INSPO

As Seen on domino.com

photography by DAVID LAND

Decorating a home can have its challenges, especially when there is a strict budget in place. So, if there is one thing these blogs have taught us, it’s that a style-focused home does not have to be a reflection of your budget - or lack thereof. Presenting in no particular order, our top 15 budget-friendly blogs for your design inspiration!

photography by READINGMYTEALEAVES

reading my tea leaves
When it comes to most things in life, simplicity is the name of the game for blogger and photographer Erin Boyle of Reading My Tea Leaves. The lifestyle blog focuses on anything and everything from the home to personal style, with each area encompassing the original theme of taking it back to the basics.

photography by DECOR8BLOG

decor8
We simply can’t get enough of Holly Becker’s colorful approach to design! The journalist, author, and stylist (!) fills her feed with captivating DIYs, design tips, and floral arrangements with beauty and simplicity in mind.

photography by BRIT + CO VIA COCO29

coco29
Life hacks and decorating ideas on a budget are only a few of the reasons why we love coco29. This design-savvy blog proves that a style-focused interior doesn’t always have to break the bank.

photography by LEóN LEóN VIA GRASSROOTS MODERN

grassroots modern
‘...modern contemporary style at an affordable price.’ That is the motto over at Grassroots Modern, a blog dedicated to creating a more approachable take on modern interior design. The duo behind the movement, Creede Fitch - a realtor with a knack for mid-century modern homes - and Capree Kimball - photographer and design blogger - each contribute a unique element and viewpoint, resulting in a one-of-a-kind resource for interior design.

photography by MAISONDEPAX

maison de pax
Painting and design-enthusiast Rachel of Maison de Pex consistently proves that effortless style and a stunning interior can be achieved with a little patience and determination. 

photography by YOUNGHOUSELOVE

young house love
Husband and wife, John and Sherry, began Young House Love back in 2007 as a source for documenting home renovations, DIY projects, and their budding family life. Fast forward nine years later, with three impressive renos under their belt, the now family of four has gone on to write two books and even dabbled in designing products. Follow along for some serious design eye candy, organization tips, and more!

photography by ALICE GAO FOR CUP OF JO

a cup of jo
Joanna Goddard’s rather impressive background is only one of the reasons why she has us completely infatuated with A Cup of Jo! From her budget-friendly DIYs to very helpful resources for providing tips on finding more affordable decor, Goddard’s keen eye for design never fails to please!

photography by THEBUDGETDECORATOR

the budget decorator
Design duo Kathy and Steve tackle the basics of interior design, with an affordable approach that doesn’t compromise on style. With helpful tips covering everything from color pairings and design styles to storage organization and DIY, there are an array of resources for the budding decorator!

photography by LITTLE GREEN NOTEBOOK

little green notebook
We have long been fans of Jenny Komenda’s. The interior designer and DIY extraordinaire never fails to please us with her easy-to-follow projects, big or small. From IKEA hacks to mini furniture makeovers, there are no shortage of budget-friendly design ideas and projects for all.  

Get the scoop on Komenda’s Chalkboard Painted Kids Table DIY!

photography by THEPAINTEDHIVE

the painted hive
Melbourne-based blogger Kristine knows a thing or two about budget-friendly design. With Pinterest-perfect furniture transformations (that never scrimp on style), thrift store rescues, and beautiful room reveals, the self-taught interior decorator always manages to deliver.

Get the scoop on this stunning linen dresser makeover!

photography by APARTMENT THERAPY

apartment therapy
This all-inclusive design blog has long inspired both interior designers and first-time decorators with a wealth of information that cover just about every single aspect of being a homeowner or renter. With style-savvy tips and money-saving tricks, this helpful site takes the sweat out of budget-living and decorating.

photography by THE MAKERISTA

the makerista
Gwen Hefner of The Makerista is no stranger to a good old home remodel or style-savvy DIY. Featuring an inspired collection of projects, design tips, and home tours, Hefner’s down-to-earth approach to decor is not only practical, it is effortlessly chic and always on point!

This DIY Wire Basket Coffee Table only cost $50!

photography by VINTAGEREVIVALS

vintage revivals 
As if the name wasn’t a dead giveaway, Mandi’s knack for transforming various vintage finds into mod must-have furnishings always has us coming back for more! (The stunning room reveals and mini makeovers may have something to do with it as well) If you ask us, a well-styled home would not be complete without an accent piece containing a personal or sentimental value. And, there  is nothing quite like proudly displaying a piece you have worked so hard to revamp!

photography by BRITTANY MAKES

brittany makes
Accountant by day and thrifty DIY-er by night, Brittany always has us coming back for more of her ultra chic tricks and transformations. The California-based designer’s budget-friendly projects guarantee an instant style revamp regardless of how big (or small!) the space and furnishing in question are.

Get the scoop on this mini gallery wall, here!

photography by THE INSPIRED ROOM

the inspired room
Melissa Michaels’s clever and resourceful approach to interior design will have you aching for a home makeover of your own. Follow along as Michaels tackles every room in her home, transforming each space with budget-friendly tricks and tips you won’t want to miss!

Thanks For Stopping By!!

Brooke XOXO

Functional, Yet Stylish!

When you live in a small space, you realize your decor needs to serve multiple purposes.  You need functionality! I will show you several decor pieces that are super stylish and help you be organized!

I have recently fallen in love with the idea of leaning ladders in the living room for a great way to display your throws you like to cuddle up with while watching a movie.  You can use it in your entry way for almost anything, your purse, scarf, etc. or in your living room for blankets, or in the bedroom for items you use daily, like your towel and robe! 

domino.com

Have you noticed the metal fans that are everywhere now?!?!  Here is a tall copper fan that is super stylish and obviously functional just in time for summer.  I recently saw several short table size metal fans at T.J. Maxx for a reasonable price!

zulily.com

I think most people that have a coffee table have a tray to go on top.  Using a tray in your living room can help you stay uncluttered.  You can have your remotes and magazines along with a small decorative piece, maybe even a small vase of fresh flowers.  You can also use a decorative tray in your bathroom for your makeup or just putting cute jars of cotton balls and q-tips; or, on your dresser to display your jewelry!

domino.com

 If you are a renter like me, then plug-in wall sconces are very handy!  But, they are best for the person who has tons of things (crap) on their nightstand (again, like me).  You can hang them right at                          your bedside and not have to worry about taking any space.                                         

woodwaves.com

Now here is an Ikea hack that is both stylish and functional!  Take a slatted bed base and it becomes a wall mounted organizer!  Best part, it's only $9.99!!

ikea.com

Thanks For Stopping by!!

Brooke XOXO

Decorating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Article found on livingrooms.about.com by Lauren Flanagan, Pictures found online (not apart of the original article) with Google images.

Chances are that everyone out there has made at least one of these decorating mistakes. But it’s time to stop the cycle! Once you’re aware of these decorating faux pas you can make sure not to commit them again.

Too Many Pillows        

Pillows are meant to add comfort. When there are so many on a sofa that you can barely sit down it’s far too many. Try to limit accent pillows on a sofa to two or three.

Having More than One Focal Point  

Whenever possible limit your focal points to one per room. Sometimes the architecture of the room makes it impossible, but multiple focal points can make a room feel disjointed and leaves the eye without a place to rest.  Picture shows how to have only one focal point!

Not Testing Your Paint Color  

Always test a sample of your wall color before committing. Paint colors can vary drastically depending on the amount of light in the room and the way natural light travels over the course of the day. Paint a sample square on the wall and leave it at least 24 hours before making a final decision.

Not Considering Your Lifestyle  

It’s important to be honest with yourself when decorating. If you like cuddle with the pets, put your feet up, or eat dinner while sitting on the sofa it stands to reason that you should have one that’s durable, stain resistant and comfortable. This goes for everything in the room. Don’t try to live in a room that doesn’t suit your lifestyle.

Too Many Big Plants   

Plants are important, and every room should have a couple. However don’t overdo it and get plants that are going to grow so much they overtake the space. Find smaller versions that will compliment the room and accessorize with them accordingly.

Being Too Monochromatic    

Decorating in a single color can be boring. If you want to keep things neutral it’s completely fine, just make sure to use textures, layer and use different shapes. Picture shows the RIGHT way to do neutrals!

Too Many Wood Tones       

While it’s good to have some variety in wood tones in a given room, you’ll want to make sure not to use too many. Mixing woods with orange undertones and those with red can be jarring. Try to keep them all in the same color family but use different varieties.

Too Many Large Personal Photos  

If you like to have personal photos on display, by all means go for it. But extra large engagement, pregnancy, or family portraits can be overwhelming and make guests uncomfortable. Instead of a large portrait consider a photo wall of smaller pictures. You can still be surrounded by photos of loved ones, just in a more stylish and less intrusive way.

Too Many Patterns             

Patterns are great but too many can be distracting and look confusing to the eye. When you’re decorating with patterns try to follow some of these rules.

Treating Every Room as a Separate Unit  

A house or an apartment is a whole unit comprised of different rooms. Those rooms (while they don’t need to look alike) should relate to each other. Try to coordinate styles and colors to a certain extent so your home doesn’t feel choppy and disjointed.

Inadequate Lighting         

Lighting is arguably the most important element in any room. Make sure you have the appropriate mix of ambient, tasks and accent, and be sure to place lights at different levels throughout your room.

Thanks For Stopping By!  What are some other decorating mistakes?  One of my personal picks, hanging your pictures too high; you should always "frame" your furniture with your pictures/art/decor!  Don't do what this guy did!

Brooke XOXO

Nate Berkus

I am loving Nate Berkus for his home decor collection at Target, but my love for him started way back in 2002 when he first started appearing on The Oprah Show.  Do you remember this? It amazes me the flooring he used in this renovation back in 2008, it's the same flooring I just saw in a renovation done this past week, I believe on HGTV's Flip or Flop.  Somethings never go out of style! I would love to know if those homeowners kept this look. :)

So back to the reason I currently love Nate Berkus.... 

Long Woven Wall Hanging Cream - $34.99

Large Metal Wall Art - $19.95 (original price $39.99)

Square Gold Accent Table w/ Marble Top - $99.99

Metallic Jute Pouf - $34.98 (original price $49.99)

Diamond Bath Rug - $18.99

Fringe Striped Bath Towels - $7.60 and $9.99 (original price $7.99 for hand towel, and $9.99 for bath)

Matte Black 16-piece dinnerware set - $48.00 (original price $59.99)

Textured Comforter Set in Cream also available in Teal - $89.99 (full/queen) $99.99 (king) 

Nate's number one design tip? Make a room look layered and "created' over time, even if you didn't.  Use textures and layers!  All of his items I have shown here, (he has hundreds more) are great examples of textures and items you can use to layer.  He also says without actually saying it, basically to use lots of neutrals, and "no matchy matchy"! So, whites, tans, blacks, and grays, as well as, use different metals; gold, silver, copper, brass and the list goes on!

Instagram @nateberkus, @target

As always, Thanks For Stopping By!  Tell me what you think, do you like this collection? Let me know in the comments below!

Brooke XOXO

Inexpensive Home Accessories

"whirly hanging tealight candle holder"

CB2.com has these for only $4.95!  You will see these everywhere right now, especially for small plants, including at Target for $9.99, which seems to be the average price.

Vases found on domino.com

Vases come in all shapes and sizes, colors and more, but what I love is they can add to any space, especially with fresh flowers in them.  Some items you want to "hold out for quality", others, why not pay $4.95 for a matte black vase?

Mirror found at worldmarket.com

Hanging mirrors are super trendy right now.  However, many are expensive, especially if you are on a tight budget like me.  So, take your time to find whats on trend, but also affordable!  Take for instance this mirror from worldmarket.com, only $11.89 for the 11x14 and $9.09 for the 8x10!!! Also, the mirrors from worldmarket.com are part of another trend; they come in all different metals, my favorite is the copper.   *side note* Round wooden mirrors with a leatherstrap or rope are seriously whats popular.

Thanks For Stopping By, and let us know where you shop for inexpensive home accessories!

Brooke XOXO