Anonymous wrote:Avoid the dorm room/first apartment look of everything being too small because the smaller version is cheaper. I am talking about too-small rugs, too-short curtains, multiple short bookshelves or other storage items rather than one bigger one.

I think it's fine to get some things from Ikea and Target as long as they fit the scale of the room. And, quality-wise, I'd stick with Ikea stuff with no moving parts--bookshelves rather than dressers. For a dresser, something solid wood from Craigslist is going to be a better bet than Ikea.

This. We have some fancy furniture like the couch and armchairs and ikea bookcases and it works together. I agree with the rugs and cushions that make sense with wall color. My big pet peeve is prints of famous art work. It's clear it's not an original since its recognizable. You're better off getting something else or blowing up a family photo etc. oh and I'm anti words on walls like "EAT" in the kitchen etc but that's a style thing.

-real furniture that doesn't look like you bought the entire IKEA collection

-a mix of furnishings - you don't want to look at a room and say "Oh, that's a Pottery Barn living room." or "Definitely a complete IKEA kitchen." Ideally mix high and low.

-art/photos on the walls. Recently went to a colleague's house which is a good 300k more expensive than mine, but it was depressing because it was all completely white paint with not a single thing on the wall. A guest asked, "Oh, did you guys just move in?" Turns out they've been living there for over a year!

Avoid the dorm room/first apartment look of everything being too small because the smaller version is cheaper. I am talking about too-small rugs, too-short curtains, multiple short bookshelves or other storage items rather than one bigger one.

I think it's fine to get some things from Ikea and Target as long as they fit the scale of the room. And, quality-wise, I'd stick with Ikea stuff with no moving parts--bookshelves rather than dressers. For a dresser, something solid wood from Craigslist is going to be a better bet than Ikea.

Love the last one!

Anonymous wrote:Clutter out of sight. Curated belongings. Cohesive color schemes. But not too matchy matchy like you just bought the whole room from Rooms-to-Go.

I don't do any of the above, FYI. Our house looks like a yard sale waiting to happen.

Just had to say that this comment made me laugh! I can very much relate

No crayon on the walls

Anonymous wrote:Clutter out of sight. Curated belongings. Cohesive color schemes. But not too matchy matchy like you just bought the whole room from Rooms-to-Go.

I don't do any of the above, FYI. Our house looks like a yard sale waiting to happen.

All our "nice" furniture is from Ikea and the rugs are from Target. Oh well.

Real wood furniture as opposed to IKEA stuff.

Clutter out of sight. Curated belongings. Cohesive color schemes. But not too matchy matchy like you just bought the whole room from Rooms-to-Go.

I don't do any of the above, FYI. Our house looks like a yard sale waiting to happen.

Anonymous wrote:No Ikea furniture
Curtains
A sense of cohesion with colors, furniture and art.

I have done everything in my house from Craigslist and antique stores. I have a great eye for design and it truly looks unique. So that's how I've done it inexpensively. But you have to have time, patience and know when to resell the stuff back on Craigslist because it's just not working.

Completely agree with the above. Stay out of Target and Ikea. Make sure there are nice rugs (don't have to be super expensive, Overstock has a great selection and I've had great luck getting high quality things) anywhere that you have hardwood floors.

Paint colors on the walls, curtains hung at the correct height for the walls/windows, wall art/decor hung at the correct height, and coordinated color schemes.

No Ikea furniture
Curtains
A sense of cohesion with colors, furniture and art.

I have done everything in my house from Craigslist and antique stores. I have a great eye for design and it truly looks unique. So that's how I've done it inexpensively. But you have to have time, patience and know when to resell the stuff back on Craigslist because it's just not working.

Curtains or other window treatments.
High quality rugs

Real art.

What do you think makes a home look and feel polished and grown up? Details, tips, advice? I would especially love to hear how people do this on a budget. Thanks!