Here’s how to make your home look expensive when you are starting out with styling using second-hand furniture, IKEA, Target, and HomeGoods. Let’s face it…furnishing a new home can get costly!
But you can get a high-end look on a budget with these tips. Here’s how we just did that in our son’s new home in Orlando, Florida.
Embrace Second-Hand Furniture
Ask your parents or grandparents if they want to give you anything, especially if they are downsizing. We gave Tommy those dining chairs (if you are a longtime reader, you may remember when my friend, Debbie and I painted them). He is using the chairs with an IKEA table.
Tommy has also gotten good furniture inexpensively like a dresser and bed frame for his two bedrooms on the OfferUp app.
IKEA and HomeGoods Are Your Friends
Tommy just replaced the slipcover on his old IKEA sofa and it looks like new! GAME CHANGER! It’s a new Belgian look sand color. I bought the cube for him at Homegoods.
We also gave him the leather Pottery Barn recliner. My friend, Laura gave him the marble-topped coffee table.
Target For Fresh Accessories
The Walter G. pillows were from my stash and we bought the striped lumbar, knit pillow, and throw from his local Target.
Mirrors Enlarge Your Space
The large wall mirror is another hand-me-down from our SF apartment.
Plants Upgrade Your Look
Often baskets are less expensive than pots. We made this tree taller by putting styrofoam in the bottom of the HomeGoods basket with a plastic liner.
A Counter Lamp In the Kitchen
If your home doesn’t have the best dining room lighting, consider an inexpensive lamp on the counter for ambient lighting. A fresh rug by the sink is nice too!
Style The Shelves
If you have shelves, keep it simple. We bought that realistic fern at Target. I want one. It comes in a white pot for $25. I put the plates and bowls that Tommy uses every day out for easy access.
Make Your Coffee Table Look Sharp and Home Look Expensive
I love arrangements in three’s…here is a plant, tray, and books. That tava-style wicker tray looks expensive (Ralph “Laureny”) but it came from HomeGoods. Candle and cocktail table books elevate your look.
Art
Tommy bought this reproduction print by Hiroshi Nagai from Society 6. He likes this artist. This is a good way to start a personalized collection.
Ellen says
Very nice! I’m sure he is so proud of the beautiful decor. I love the suzani print on the dining chairs. You mentioned they were older chairs, did you cover the seats, and if so, do you know the fabric brand? I am looking for fabric to inspire my dining room makeover and something similar might work.
Thanks for sharing!
Mary Ann Pickett says
The fabric is discontinued…sorry. I got it at a discount fabric outlet several years ago.
Pat Huber says
He is so lucky to have your help! It looks good!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Pat!!
kim says
Mary Ann, Sorry I am so late to comment. Love this! Tommy’s home looks so cool and cozy too. I sent this to Griffin as wee are trying to make his place in Utah look better. I wish I was closer so I could share some furniture like you did! Tommy is a lucky guy and I like his own touches too.
Judy B says
Wish there had been IKEA, Target, Home Goods and Offer Up years ago when we were starting up! We did splurge on an olive green pole lamp from Walgreens!
Mary Ann Pickett says
I know what you mean!!!
Liana says
What a nice little place for a young man, I love how you streamlined but still kept nicely accessorized. The idea of having hand me downs from the family makes the place so more personal as the goods slready come with loving memories . He will feel so happy coming back home after a long day of work. Amazing job 👏👏👏👏
Mary Ann Pickett says
Did you see your trunk under the window?
Katherine says
Looks so good, congratulations, you make a great team. You accomplished so much in such a short time.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Howard unpacked the kitchen while Tommy did the bedrooms and his closet.
Juliet says
Loved this post … and Tommy’s new, classically casual home! Sent to all the kids in my family just getting started … including niece moving into her first apartment. And I learned a few things too! xo
Homebeforedark says
What a great start! It looks fresh and well organised. Starting to collect art is a terrific way to explore a new place. Younger artists are usually more affordable. I am a big fan of larger art in a small space. Tommy probably has some great travel pics that could go big! Still thinking Dolly needs a cousin!!!! Haha!
Beth says
Mary Ann,
This is fabulous. Not only is it a treasure-trove of information for young people starting out, but it is a great reminder to not-so-young people, that style, quality and beauty can be achieved in a much more realistic way. Tommy’s place turned out beautifully – he has a great and very talented mom! Best of luck to Tommy in his new place, and thank you for showing so many people that style, beauty and quality do not need to be expensive. Great job!
Annie Diamond says
Mary Ann, I can’t believe you guys did all this in 2 days! Tommy must feel so relieved to be all settled. Moving is stressful, but I’m sure this made it feel so much better! I love every detail! The open shelving in the kitchen with a lamp is my favorite part! Not that you asked. haha
xx
Paula says
We’ll done Mary Ann! All the personal touches you added makes it feel like a very cozy home! Paula
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says
Mary Ann, Tommys’ new place looks fabulous! I love that you mention using hand-me-down pieces from parents, grandparents. So many young people do not want or like “brown furniture” and that is so sad because the old stuff is made so well.
I love seeing the mix of styles, and finds, you are a wonderful mom! And lucky to be so close. Now if only you can convince your daughter to move to the sunshine state!
nancy says
looks fantastic Mary Ann!
Joan says
The new bachelor pad looks super: casual and stylish, yet Classic ;-}
Fortunate son / fortunate parents! And wonderful that your relocation aX the country included Tommy not too far away!
Mary Ann Pickett says
I know…we are so happy he is here too, Joan!
Janet Lorusso says
He’s lucky to have you for a Mom :). I’ve done similar budget starter apartments for my own nomads multiple times through various undergrad and grad schools – it’s a fun challenge and second hand and upcycled furnishings are the BEST! And long live IKEA for affordable options and multipurpose furniture!
Mary Ann Pickett says
So true, Janet!!
Wren says
Everyone has already used the words that come to my mind: lucky boy! So nice for him to have you help settle his stylish pad on a budget that makes it look like so much more. Chief is the perfect accessory on the neutral sofa and cushions.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Wren. We are lucky parents.
Teresa Cunningham says
Looks great, Tommy!! Can’t wait to come visit!
Mary Ann Pickett says
He’s got a spare bedroom!
Deanna says
What a lucky son to have help from you, your husband, and Chief! His place looks great! Can’t believe how pulled together it looks after just a few days of combined efforts. Love how friends and family donated to his home.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks Deanna! Howard and Tommy worked hard!
Judy Feyen says
Tommy’s new place looks GREAT! A place he can be proud of.
8 years ago when our daughter bought her first home, I hit estate sales, garage sales, Facebook marketplace, Craigslist like a maniac. We snagged some unbelievable finds, especially from people downsizing or moving out of state and not wanting to move larger pieces. One example is her beautiful, black Pottery Barn king bed frame, that was still available through PB for $1500 at that time. She bought it in perfect condition for $200 !! It was too big for the condo the couple was moving to. They threw in a black PB standing cabinet that she uses as a bar cabinet…crazy good deal!
A large part of her home furnishings were purchased in a similar way. The only thing I did tell her was that I wouldn’t buy upholstered pieces second hand, unless I really knew the person. It’s just a concern of mine. Her savings on so many great pieces allowed her to buy good quality new upholstered pieces.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Isn’t that so great!!! I agree with you about not buying upholstered pieces secondhand…unless you really knew the person.
Tommy Pickett says
Thank you so much Mom! I love my place and feel settled already.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks for being the best son!
Jamie McDermott says
All he needs now is a Boston Terrier! His new space looks great!
Mary Ann Pickett says
He’s considering that, Jamie!
Sandra B. says
You are very creative and talented!! Tommy’s apartment looks beautiful as well as amazing!!
He is super lucky to have such awesome, fantastic and loving parents!!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Sandra. He took us out to a really nice dinner. We love his company!
cindy says
Two words have a talented mom! Just kidding. This was a great post and Tommy is one lucky boy! What a great apartment. I bet he is loving it! Love all mom’s touches. I think I recognize a few things.
Mary Ann Pickett says
It’s nice when you have a client who trusts you…haha..you KNOW what I mean.
Judie Olivero says
Tommy’s apartment looks as if his very talented Mother was involved! It looks totally smashing!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Ha! Thanks, Judie…it was fun to use Tommy’s things. He’s happy.