“Home is where the heart is,” isn’t just a cliche, it’s a motto to live by. Growing up, my home was always filled with fuzzy blankets, candles, bookshelves and incense. We moved around a LOT, but my mother did a good job of making each house a home. She is a novice interior designer with no formal training, but lots of natural talent. I remember weekend trips to Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel picking up odds and ends and testing out different couches that we’d never buy. It was probably those moments that taught me how to create my own cozy oasis. 

When I got my first grown-up apartment after graduating, I went to town decorating it. I started getting inspiration from places like Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest. I was even inspired by other people’s living rooms and bedrooms, paying attention to placement of furniture, color, and artwork. Creating a home that was both functional, aesthetic and cozy was a high priority because I loved to entertain. 

If you’re just moving into your own space or you’re looking to spice up your old space, here’s a few tips to help you make it happen.

1. Understand your Style

Before you go shopping, you need to know what you’re looking for. The best way to do this is by understanding your style. You need to do your homework and figure out if you’re a midcentury modern vibe or a Victorian-chique type of girlie. Are you a minimalist or a maximalist? Do you like bold colors or are you stuck on the beige trend? Try following influencers that will inspire you and help you figure out what you like. Stick to classic looks because as with clothing, trends fade and re-decorating can get pricey. 

2. Thrift things 

Reuse and recycle! One of my best hacks for decorating is to choose items from my local thrift store. I live near a few different colleges and that means people are always moving in and out and throwing away gently used items. At my local Goodwill or Salvation Army, I can find the cutest tea cups, lamps, night stands and picture frames. I’ve seen some other people online find good quality chairs that they clean and re-upholster. I also have “thrifted” items from my friends – dressers and rugs – that they no longer have a use for. Sharing items amongst friends makes redecorating even easier because you’re not spending money or throwing out good furniture.

3. Take Your Time

The most important tip I can give you is not to rush the process. Researching and figuring out your style may take time. When you move into a new home there is the desire to rush to fill the empty space, but usually finances and timing make this challenging. When you make decisions just to fill the space, you end up choosing the wrong colors or buying cheaper products. It’s better to live with blank walls for a longer period of time than get photos you don’t like. 

Plus shopping at places like thrift stores, TJ Maxx or Home Goods is a process. These stores get new shipments on a weekly basis, so you’ll need time to sort through the new inventory and select what works best for your style and budget. Rushing to make purchases will only lead to wasting time and money. So be choosy and go slow!