30 Days, 30 Tips to Budget Friendly Home Decor - Day 6

We've made it to day 6 of my 30 day segment. From the comments and e-mails I've received this week, I am happy to hear that these tips are useful. I do appreciate your comments and I am honored that you read and enjoy my posts. Most everybody I know wants their home to be comfortable and stylish. Each person may have a different definition of style but most people know what they like and tend to fill their homes with objects that add to their style. I make decorating my home a process. It evolves over time. I'm always on the lookout for something that I will truly cherish. Over the years I've learned a few tricks that has helped me fill my home with beauty while maintaining a budget. So today I will share these tips. Day 6 - Tip 6:

Timing is Everything

Incredible values can be found at places like TJMaxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Hobby Lobby and Steinmart and Kirklands. All of these stores sell a wonderful collections of home furnishings and accessories. I have found gorgeous items at these places for just pennies on the dollar of what you would pay in home decor stores or department stores. Here's some tips to live by:

1. Find out when TJMaxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods recieve new shipments. These stores usually have a rule of thumb to clear their backrooms and stock within 24 hours of a truck. Shop on the days when they stock. Your odds of finding the best selection are in your favor.

2. Always start with the clearance shelves. Why? Because stores like these take new markdows EVERY week. In order to stock new merchandise, they have to clear out older items to make room.

3. Stores like Steinmart and Kirklands have regular inventory turn. Find out when they have seasonal markdowns and shop clearance.

4. Hobby Lobby has regular sales of 50% off! If what you are looking for isn't on sale this week, I bet it will be next week. Yesterday I wanted to purchase some fall ribbon for bows. I am making new wreaths for the doors and wanted some new ribbon. The Autumn ribbon was full price but the Christmas ribbon (yes, they already have out all of their Christmas merchandise) was 1/2 off! I found a copper and brown ribbon that would work perfectly for fall. It was only $4.99 for 30 feet vs. the $10 for 30 feet of Autumn ribbon.

5. Make a friend. At each of the home decor stores where you like to shop, become friendly with one of the sales associates. Let her know what you are looking for or the types of things you like. Give her your phone number and ask her to call you if she sees something you might like go on clearance. This past week I found a beautiful dressing table for my bedroom that was 80% off! I also learned of a 90% off sale at Hobby Lobby on a collection of bronze finials that caught my eye! There's absolutely no need to pay full price for anything. If you plan your space and keep an eye out for bargains, you can have a designer-look and BIG impact for a little money!

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As I mentioned above I've started working on some of my Autumn decor. I am designing a new wreath for my front door and a new centerpiece for the dining room table. Here in Charlotte we have a store called Black Lion. They sell the most beautiful home decor accessories, furniture and florals. They have geared up for fall and I took a few pictures for inspiration. Enjoy!

Tomorrow I will share Tip 7. Be sure to check it out and follow along each day as we post ideas for Budget Friendly Home Decorating! Until then,

Happy Decorating!

~Alisa