Smart Spending Advice from AT House Tours Chicago

In this volatile economy, keeping a healthy home is especially important to maintaining balance. The good news is that a beautiful, supportive space doesn't have to cost a lot. Apartment Therapy is constantly peeking into the homes of real people across the country. Those nice folks that let us into their spaces tell us time and again that their dream homes aren't the result of overspending, but rather paying attention to quality over quantity, reusing whenever possible, taking on DIY projects, and being educated about what they buy. Click below for advice from a few of our favorite smart spenders...

Cheap makeover ideas from Amy: Whenever I'm feeling like my place is a little lackluster, I give it a good scrub and rearrange some of my, well, knickknacks. It gives the place a quick makeover.

DIY inspiration from the Fosters: We completed 95% of the construction of our home remodel ourselves. Recently it was the design/build of our platform bed made with solid Walnut.

Jeff and Jennifer advocate reuse: Taking elements from the 1870’s to the 1970’s, with a bit of an emphasis on the 1950’s, we’ve created a style of Transitional Maximalist Americana. We both find comfort in being surrounded by things that have belonged to others who lived before us.

Kathleen and Alex on taking the time to find the right piece: Don’t just buy things to fill space—buy things that you love, even if it means waiting.

Karl's advice on small space living: Don't do drugs or McMansions.

Advice on thrifty decorating from Dominic: I bought the apartment last year, then painted it and furnished it...I purchased every single item (including dishes and wine glasses) through either Craigslist, eBay or nearby thrift stores along with Ralph Lauren bathtowels and Calvin Klein bedding from Filene's. I did the whole apartment for under $3,000, which was the original price of the living room's custom made sectional sofa with Mohair upholstery--I paid $650 for it.

From Drew and Ernie: You really don’t need to spend as much as you think to have a cool place.

Credit advice from Christy and John: Elective changes should be cash only; avoid loans and credit for all but the absolute necessities.

For all AT:Chicago House Tours, click here.

Comments (8)

All good advice. All of these homes are very nicely done too. Drew and Ernie I am envious of the Eames piece.
I have had the same furniture since the 90's just cannot go wrong with modern classics.
My taste has changed some over time and I just paint or add a few accessories that I love and rotate. I was lucky enough at one time to purchase orginal art that I still treasure. My first chair was the barcelona and literally that was all I had in a few apartments was that chair and a bed. I built up slowly and the only temporary piece I bought was an Ikea bookcase to hold my TV. I have had this Ikea piece for about 8 years and it needs to retire.
I have never bought junk its either a real piece of furniture which can be second hand or a new classic. I have done stupid things but the one thing I am proud of is that I made good purchases over the years and they will never be out of style. I don't have the flair that many people have here but I cannot go wrong with what I have.

and if you can't live without some item from Urban Outfitters, for the love of God...google it to find a coupon.

25% off code: LUCKYBREAKS8

xoxo - who luvs ya?

Craigslist. Especially for furniture that isn't gonna see a lot of hard use. I picked up a cheap IKEA Tulip table knockoff even cheaper from Craigslist - just $75, as opposed to $150 (and far closer to home, too).

There's a whole IKEA warehouse full of furniture on Craigslist in most major metro areas. Cheap! It's especially good if you have a hack in mind . . .

Another tip:
buy some cheap fabric (or use secondhand curtains, table cloths or other flea market finds) to make new cushions or curtains. An easy, fast way to change something (without heavy lifting) about your home (and it takes up less space then furniture).

What is that gray in the last photo!? Anyone know? Or have a good recommendation similar to that? i need a light gray with a little beige in it.

Expounding on Nina's suggestion (I have some great floor cusions made from a Goodwill curtain) - slipcovers. You can change your room's look for a relatively small price.

If you just must have something different, pick up a small second-hand item. I often pick up little things on a whim and if they don't work in my place, I donate them back. It's an outlet for me to practice trial-and-error decorating; I'm a lot braver with thrift store items.

mgindc -- we recently painted an accent wall that came out to be almost exactly that shade of gray. I believe it was Benjamin Moore Pigeon Gray, but I'd have to check the paint can when I get home to be sure. Here are some pics -- the colors don't come out as well in pictures, but it's the darker wall: http://capitalnest.blogspot.com/2008/08/progress.html

All excellent advice, but Karl's is the best: "Don't do drugs or McMansions." ROFL!!!