how We Styled Our Living Room on a Budget

Our living room is easily the most used room of our home. It's where we entertain with friends, host family birthday parties, and sob during Tuesday night's This Is Us. I had big dreams for this space. My husband won't hesitate to tell you that my big dreams come with hefty budget requirements. While browsing through dresses at Nordstrom Rack, I'm quick to pick out the dress that costs more than our mortgage. I'm pretty sure my eyes filter through everything I can afford and only fixate on high end beauties. We've all dealt with this disease at one time or another, right? 

Shopping for a new home can be wildly overwhelming. We moved into our home on our wedding day. The following day, we were sitting on an air mattress in the living room as we made a detailed list of everything we "needed." As this unkind list grew to astronomical amounts, I knew that this venture was going to require some major creativity to keeps costs down (AKA keep my husband from a heart attack). Starting from scratch, we decided to set a strict budget and update things in years to come. Visits to Homegoods, Target, and local thrift shops kept us busy. See what we found below.

• MARSHALLS - Candelabra, $29 clearance
• TJMAXX - Gold "Statue" $12
• TARGET - Black and White Vase $8 clearance; Gold Candle, $15
• THRIFT - Jugs, $5 each; Wood Tea Canisters, $2
• Picture Frame (Mom's basement. Thanks mom!)
• Books (all previously owned)

• AMAZON - Scratch Off Map, $27 (See this post for link!)

• ESTATE SALE - Collection of Hymnals, $2 total

• COUCH - Talsmas, $1500 (This was the most difficult find. I had my heart set on a carmel leather mid-century piece. The little red demon on my left shoulder lead me to West Elm's website more times than I would like to share; but the little angelic Hannah on my left shoulder - and a strong push from the husband - landed me a conservative, but still modern, pleather sectional from a local furniture joint. We are happy with it, and I pat myself on the back for a responsible, non-emotional purchase).
• WORLD MARKET - Gold metallic rug, $500
• NADEAU - Coffee Table, $299
• Pillows (Target, Pottery Barn, Homegoods, $70 total)

• THRIFT - Lamp, $16 (insert cocky hand-by-ear emoji here)
• ANTIQUE FAIR - Michigan map, $8
• HOMEGOODS - Geometric artwork, $30 each
• HOBBY LOBBY - Golden Gate Bridge Art, $12​

One of these days, I would love to save up for a Persian wool area rug, and maybe a sturdier curtain rod; but other than that, I am wildly content with our homey space. What are your "go-to" shops to keep the budget happy? We are always looking for new favorites!
-HJ