Posts from Budget Living

Budgeting is one my least favorite subjects. One, because I am one of those right brained people who avoids math and numbers at all costs and two, because I was never taught how to make a proper and realistic budget.

Charlotte & Clayton’s Charming Gathering Spot

We're in the midst of those winter doldrums where no one leaves the house for anything not strictly necessary. You get home from work, you stay there. Otherwise you risk winding up frozen in a snowbank, or falling into one of those puddles of frozen slush between the curb and the street, never to be heard from again. But what do you do with all those long evenings stuck at home? If you and your family (or your roommates) always find yourself sitting on the couch, or in front of the computer, and all that screen time is starting to make you a little stir-crazy, we've got a few ideas for creative ways to while away the winter nights.

Wooden cable reel, drum, or spool tables come dangerously close to wagon wheel coffee tables, and that can be a problem. Not a real problem mind you, but a decidedly first-world design blog kind of problem. Because some people find them charming and some people find them less charming. I'm here to try to push you into the "yes" column by sharing some examples where these humble materials become something interesting.

You've probably seen a lot of bathrooms like this: not great, not terrible, just so-so. First-time Manhattan homeowners Hafeeza and her husband were planning on a remodel of their kitchen, with updates to their bathroom to be made at a later date. But their contractor helped them realize that they could fit the bathroom upgrades into their budget right now — and that only a few small changes would make a big difference.

Katie & Matt's Washington Heights Home

If you've ever cleaned out your closet, you may know the guilt and shame of finding some past purchase hanging there, accusingly, tags still on. Or maybe there's something that you've only worn once, or used once, and then you decided it wasn't quite right, but you've never been able to get rid of it because you paid good money for it and what would your mother say? I've been there, plenty of times, and after making lots of mistakes and spending lots of money I shouldn't, I've developed a sort of shopping mantra that has helped me, a lot, in only buying things I will actually use.

Go-Cart Mint Console Table, $169 from CB2

Of course we all love IKEA, but sometimes you want something just a little different (or something that all your neighbors don't already have). The trick, of course, is that finding beautiful, modern furniture at inexpensive price points is a little like finding a needle in a haystack. If you've got champagne taste and a beer budget, take a look at this list of seven retailers where you can satisfy your design craving — while still being able to pay the rent.

Mireille and Simon's Unique and Unified Berlin Apartment

Maybe you have an old piece of furniture in your home that you love, but that could use a bit of a makeover. Or maybe you've found a piece at a thrift store or garage sale that has great bones, but needs a little tlc. From our video archives, here are three different ways to give new life to old furniture.

Saara's Bright & Quirky Helsinki Loft

I recently learned a new term: sunk costs. This economic principle centers around the idea that once you've paid for a good or service, you have spent that amount, and it's sunk. If you don't like what you've purchased, there's often pressure to continue using it avoid "wasting" that money. Economically, this is ridiculous. The cash is gone whether or not you continue to sit through that terrible movie or hate-wear your itchy sweater. Sound familiar? We do this in our homes all the time!

Kathryn & Perry's "Have Less Do More" Apartment House Tour

Have hardly any money to spend on your home decor? Have NO money to spend on your decor? It might seem impossible to design a home that won't end up looking like your budget was zero, but it is possible to get creative and design a home that still looks great despite your small (or non-existent) budget. Here are some of our favorite tips.

Do you want to acknowledge February 14th without making a fuss and/or breaking the bank? These sweet treats will make your Valentines and Galentines smile, and then everyone can move on with their lives...