apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I definately think you should concentrate on accessories now.

As I personally moved many many many times in my 20s, furniture was too big for one apartment, or too small for another.
If you concentrate on accessory anchors now, and slowly build on replacing Gram's couch and Uncle Larry's kitchen table as you get more settled. I've been through a few hand-me-down couches but each time I hang that painting I love or the clock I scored, the apartment feels like home.

I totally disagree. I'm 25 and I am fed up with living with other peoples crap! I want my own real couch, straight out of the box, that's only been sat on by me... I say save your money, buy furniture that versatile and in neutral colors. That way you can change your accessories with your style. Buy a couch, a dresser, etc that's simple, that you can dress up with accessories. You can change the entire look of your living room with pillows, art, and a throw. Don't waste your money on accessories that will constantly change.

Also, get a second job in a furniture store. Seriously, I just got one and it's the smartest decision I've made this year. In exchange for about 10- 20 hrs per week (that boils down to 4 nights a week) I get a 50% discount on some amazing stuff. I've save over $1,000 in just two months. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to afford my new silk chairs. Plus extra cash... and so far my furniture has paid for it's self.

Buy on sale... everything goes on sale. You just have to be ready to pounce when it happens. Also try to buy floor models... the piece might have a few scratches, but you could get up to 40% off. To keep up with sales of your favorite company's, register for email updates. That way you'll know first when that coffee table you want goes on clearance.

You don't have to buy expensive stuff either. Ikea is great for people our age. It's not a huge investment... but if you take care of it, it can last for a while. Also check out CB2, West Elm, Craigslist, and Ebay. You can find a lot of great things on Ebay, especially if you live in a major city. TJMaxx is a great place for bedding, lighting, and chairs.

Get the stuff you need... then worry about the trimmings.

Ditto JuliaL. What's a great vase or lamp if you don't have a decent couch to sit on? Accessories are great because they define and personalize your style, but living spaces do need their anchors. I think good anchors that you like can work in a variety of spaces, even if you move to another apartment.

Try flea markets/craigslist if you don't have a lot of cash. If you have a good idea of what you like and what's quality, you'll be able to hone in on the good stuff and ignore the noise. As Janel pointed out, creating a style tray will help you tease out what you really like before you go shopping.

I've got to put a word in for accessories. The year after grad school, I volunteered on a farm/school/home for special needs kids. It was a great experience, but I came home with $19 in my bank account. My parents are wonderful, and set me up in my apartment (or maybe they just didn't want me back home...). My grandparents bought me a bed and a really nice duvet cover, so at least my room was partially there. I got a friend of the family's old couch and chairs, my mom's massive (but beautiful) dining room table, and a bunch of old bookshelves and tables.

Nothing matched. It kind of drove me crazy. What kept me sane with everyone else's stuff, though, was that I could at least afford little personal touches. I knew what I wanted my place to look like eventually, so I bought small pieces that would fit in once I could afford the couches and TV cabinets. I saved for the bigger pieces, but I didn't feel bad about buying smaller stuff that made me happy.

A tip: choose an easy wood color (I am completely and totally biased towards dark brown--it makes simple pieces look substantial), and stick with it. Then it doesn't matter if you buy one thing at a time.

I vote for accessories but not dinky ones.

I've moved these green vases and various framed art from apartment to apartment for about 4 years now and despite selling all my furniture and moving across the country, it feels like home when I have those pieces with me. I don't have the money to get the anchor furniture that I really want so while save up, I'd rather not waste too much of my money on temporary pieces.

I guess it's just up to you on what is more important to you.

I'd give up my sofa any day but my art and accessories collection is dear to me.

I vote for anchors! Even good acessories look cheap in a room that doesn't have good anchor pieces. But good anchor pieces will make your room so classy that you will be able to get by with cheaper accessories until you can afford what you really want (or until that great deal on craigslist comes your way).

Also, accessory trends change often. If you spend your money on the little things, but they look dated in a few years, you will have to start over from scratch. But if you buy some sleek, classic anchor pieces, you can use them forever and change out the accessories as needed.

If you received high-quality hand-me-downs, I encourage you to use some creativity, paint, and new upholstery to make them match each other and fit your style. They will be custom-done and unique, and that's a lot classier and more interesting than a West Elm or CB2 showroom.