Your home is your sanctuary, a reflection of your personality, preferences, and lifestyle. “Discovering your ideal interior design style is a personal journey that can significantly enhance your living environment,” shares Deziner Tonie of Decorating Den Interiors. “By understanding different styles, navigating trends wisely, and identifying timeless pieces, you can create a home that is not only beautiful but also uniquely yours. Let your preferences guide you, and don’t be afraid to mix and match elements to reflect your individuality.”
Whether you’re drawn to the cozy charm of a cottage-style apartment in Montauk, NY, the breezy vibes of a coastal décor house for rent in Portland, Maine, the classic elegance of a traditionally designed house in San Antonio, TX, or the clean lines of minimalism, finding the style that resonates with you is key to creating a space you’ll love. This Rent. guide will teach you how to find your decorating style through expert tips, suggestions, and recommendations.
1. Understanding popular interior design styles
Before diving into the discovery process, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with some popular interior design styles:
Traditional: This style is timeless and elegant, featuring classic furniture, rich wood tones, and sophisticated textiles like silk and velvet. Traditional design often includes ornate details, such as crown molding, and a color palette of deep, warm hues. Furniture is often arranged symmetrically, creating a balanced and harmonious look.
Minimalism: Focused on simplicity and functionality, minimalism embraces clean lines, neutral color schemes, and a clutter-free environment. The mantra “less is more” is central to this style, with a focus on quality over quantity. Minimalist spaces often use a monochromatic palette and emphasize open, light-filled spaces.
Modern: Modern design is characterized by clean lines, sleek surfaces, and a neutral color palette with bold accent colors. It emphasizes function and avoids excessive ornamentation. Modern spaces often feature materials like glass, steel, and concrete, and furniture pieces that are both stylish and practical.
Industrial: Drawing inspiration from warehouses and urban lofts, industrial style features raw, unfinished elements like exposed brick, metal beams, and concrete floors. The color palette is typically neutral, with shades of gray, black, and brown. Furniture and décor often have a rugged, utilitarian feel, and vintage or repurposed items are common.
Bohemian: Also known as “boho,” this style is eclectic and free-spirited, characterized by a mix of colors, patterns, and textures. Bohemian spaces often include items from around the world, such as textiles, rugs, and furniture with a handmade or artisanal feel. Plants, macramé, and a variety of throw pillows and blankets add to the layered, cozy aesthetic.
Scandinavian: Originating from Nordic countries, Scandinavian design is known for its simplicity, functionality, and connection to nature. It features light, airy spaces with a predominantly white color palette, accented by natural materials like wood and leather. Clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and an emphasis on natural light are key aspects of this style.
Mid-century modern: This style, which originated in the mid-20th century, is characterized by clean lines, organic curves, and a focus on functionality. Furniture pieces often feature tapered legs and a mix of traditional and non-traditional materials. The color palette includes earthy tones and bold, saturated hues.
Modern Western: “Modern Western decor blends the rustic charm of traditional Western style with sleek, contemporary design elements,” Teri James with Teri James Photography shares. “This aesthetic often features natural materials like wood and leather, combined with more contemporary accents. Western wall decor, such as framed prints or canvas artworks of vast landscapes, horses, or cowboy-themed art, plays a crucial role in bringing the theme to life,” James shares. Key pieces might include a statement leather sofa, a reclaimed wood coffee table, and wall art inspired by the rugged people, animals, and landscapes of the West. By combining old and new, modern Western decor creates a warm, inviting space that feels both timeless and fresh.
Farmhouse: Farmhouse style combines rustic charm with modern comforts. It features distressed wood, shiplap walls, and vintage accessories. The color palette is often neutral, with whites, creams, and soft pastels. Chrissy Evancheck, with Countryside Home Decor, recommends decorating uniquely in this style. “Mix vintage with modern by blending rustic farmhouse pieces with contemporary decor for a cozy vibe,” Evancheck suggests. “Soften your decor with plush pillows and blankets in neutral tones. Have fun exploring and trying out these simple tips for adding a little farmhouse decor to your favorite spaces.”
Art Deco: Originating in the 1920s and ’30s, Art Deco is known for its bold geometric patterns, luxurious materials, and rich colors. This style often includes elements like mirrored surfaces, chrome accents, and exotic woods. Art Deco spaces are glamorous and sophisticated, with a strong sense of drama and opulence.
Eclectic: Eclectic style is all about mixing and matching different styles, periods, and influences to create a unique, personalized space. It allows for a high degree of creativity and self-expression, combining various colors, patterns, and textures in a harmonious way. The key is to balance diverse elements to avoid a chaotic look.
Understanding these popular interior design styles provides a foundation for discovering which elements resonate with you. As you explore, you’ll find that you might be drawn to a single style or prefer a combination of several, creating a space that truly reflects your individuality.
2. Reduce limitations by avoiding overthinking
“Consider your space style, which is influenced by location, culture, and lifestyle,” notes Dundee Deco. “Five styles to think about are rustic (farmhouse-inspired), French/European, Asian (including Japandi and minimalism), coastal (beach-inspired), and chic (feminine, usually amplified to glam). Choose what fits your lifestyle, mood, or personality.” Using this as a guideline, you can easily mix and match styles. “Combine your time and space styles to create unique blends like modern farmhouse or rustic vintage. Space styles can mix too, resulting in designs like coastal chic or Asian glam,” Dundee Deco suggests.
Starting with a blank canvas is a good place to begin if you’re overthinking what style suits you. “Create a neutral canvas, allowing you to explore bold colors, vintage finds, or minimalist touches – the choice is yours,” recommends Mouna Menebhi of The Boho Lab. “You can explore and personalize your space without sacrificing the environment, by ethically sourcing handmade furniture while adding character and story to your space.”
3. Don’t be afraid to mix styles
Discovering your design style with Katherine Mueller Design is all about embracing your uniqueness. “Katherine loves to mix styles because she believes every client is unique, and their spaces should reflect that individuality,” Bridget Caldaza with Katherine Mueller Design shares. “Start by identifying what you love — colors, patterns, textures — and how they make you feel. Experiment with different design elements to see what resonates with you and makes your space feel like home. Ultimately, your design style should be a reflection of who you are.”
Spouse-ly echoes this sentiment, encouraging following your preferences.”When it comes to discovering your design style, don’t limit yourself,” shares Spouse-ly. “Combine 2-3 traditional styles to create your own unique look. For example, have you heard of the style coastal luxe or transitional farmhouse? Probably not too often because they are inspired by different colors, decor, and textures that make up their own vibe. Don’t forget to add pops of handmade decor to truly make your space one-of-a-kind.” Mixing and matching styles is a great way to expand your design horizons while determining what your preferences are.”
4. Reflect on your personality and preferences
Consider your lifestyle, interests, and daily routines. Are you someone who thrives in a structured environment, or do you prefer a more relaxed, carefree atmosphere? Do you enjoy being surrounded by keepsakes and mementos, or do you feel more at peace in a space free of excess items?
“Discovering your interior design style begins with exploring your preferences and inspirations. Start by collecting images, colors, and textures that catch your eye, creating a mood board for visual reference,” Dawn Bremer of The Bremer Team shares. “Pay attention to your lifestyle needs, ensuring the design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Experiment with different styles and elements in small areas of your home to see what resonates,” Bremer shares. Reflecting on these questions can help you identify the elements of a design style that align with your personality.
Alex Solonsky, Founder of Artificial Paintings recommends considering spaces that make you feel at home in your decorating process. “To find your design style, start by reflecting on your favorite spaces — be it a cozy cottage, a sleek modern loft, or a charming coastal retreat, Pay attention to what elements make you feel at home,” Solonsky recommends. “Don’t be afraid to incorporate unique pieces that tell your personal story. Trends come and go, but a space that resonates with your personality will always feel timeless,” Solonsky adds.
4. Explore inspiration
Gather inspiration from various sources to see what resonates with you. “In order to identify your interior design style, thoughtfully consider what you’re drawn to in movies, TV shows, and magazines — vintage or modern, eclectic or classic,” Connie Strazzeri, Digital Marketing Manager for Vogt, shares. “From Architectural Digest house tours to Nancy Meyers movies, aesthetic inspiration abounds online, and you can hone in on your specific taste by Pinteresting images that correspond with your source of inspiration.”
Magazines and books: Design magazines and books are treasure troves of ideas and visuals. Tear out or bookmark pages that catch your eye.
Online platforms: Websites like Pinterest, Instagram, and Houzz are excellent for discovering and saving design ideas. Create boards or collections of spaces that you love.
Moodboard: “To find your design style, start by creating a mood board with images, colors, and textures that you naturally gravitate towards,” Sandy with Home By Keira recommends. “Experiment with different styles by incorporating elements you love into your space and see what resonates with you and not ‘trends’. Trust your instincts — your personal style should reflect who you are and what makes you feel at home,” Sandy concludes.”Once you’ve created a mood board, it’s helpful to turn to the experts, like our in-house team at Vogt, to help you bring your vision to life,” Strazzeri recommends.
Showrooms and stores: Visiting furniture showrooms and home décor stores can give you a tangible sense of different styles. Pay attention to what draws you in and feels right.
Your closet: “Finding your unique decorating style is important so that you can create a home that reflects you. I like to recommend that you start by looking into your closet and taking note of what clothes and accessories you usually would wear,” suggests Rachel Beeman. “By doing this, you can get a good hint from your wearable style and translate that into what you might like in your home. For instance, love wearing bold and colorful? Then chances are you might love that style in your home as well.”
5. Identify timeless pieces
While trends can be fun to incorporate, timeless pieces form the foundation of a lasting interior design. “Rather than following trends, buy items you love and then find a place for them,” Pamela Wingard suggests. “Then use them, whether eating dinner on your wedding china or displaying your favorite collection on a bookshelf. Then donate items in your home that you don’t really love or pass them along to a family member (That’s probably how you got them anyway),” Wingard notes. “Curating what you already have will give you a fresh perspective on what you really like and help you determine your design style.”
Your style, your sanctuary
Discovering your interior design style is a rewarding process that allows you to create a space that truly feels like home. “Choosing your own interior style is all about experimenting until your home feels uniquely yours — a place where you can relax and thrive,” Teresa with Mindful Cements reminds us. “Go for elements that you gravitate towards and bring extra uniqueness to your space, such as geometric prints, furry rugs, or warm-cherry wooden furniture. Creating your own space should reflect your personality and lifestyle, so experiment with colors, textures, and scents until it feels just right,” Teresa concludes.
By exploring different styles, reflecting on your personality and preferences, and incorporating timeless pieces and personal touches, you can design a space that not only looks great but also feels uniquely yours. Happy decorating!
Wesley Masters works on Redfin’s stellar Content Marketing team as a content writing specialist. She has been with Rent. since 2023 and her previous experiences include non-profit communications, graphic design, and content creation. Wesley lives in Atlanta, GA, and loves outdoor walks, hanging out with her loved ones, and finding new recipes to try on Pinterest. Her ideal home is a brownstone with contemporary interiors.
Inside: These festive money saving ideas you need to have a magical frugal Christmas! Rediscovering a Christmas with no money is still possible with a little bit of planning, fun, and creativity.
Just like throughout the year, the word frugal can have a bad connotation. When you put the two words together – Frugal Christmas, most people think of a sad holiday with no joy or excitement.
However, just like with a frugal lifestyle, being frugal means you are looking to stretch your dollar to the fullest.
A frugal Christmas means to be economical with the spending of your Christmas funds. You prudently set money aside for Christmas ahead of time, but remember your overall money goals. When it is time to buy Christmas gifts and decor, you are not wasteful with your money and make your money go further.
Everyone’s level of frugality is different.
The same holds true at Christmas. Your frugal Christmas will look different than your neighbor’s or a friend’s. There is no reason to trap yourself in a comparison mode.
Why a Frugal Christmas Traditions Matter?
If you are looking at Christmas with no money, don’t despair! There are plenty of money saving tips in this post to make sure you still enjoy a festive season.
If you want to stay on course to pay off debt or reach FI, then a frugal Christmas would be part of your innate nature to do. You just need some frugal living tips related to Christmas.
You can create a magical frugal Christmas.
More importantly, these frugal money saving ideas for Christmas will help you stick with your budgeting goals and lower your stress level.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
How to Survive Christmas with No Money
Before we just into the Christmas frugal living tips, let’s discuss the big elephant in the room… what if you can’t afford Christmas gifts?
First of all, that is an unfortunate circumstance that you are in right now. I say “right now” because you have the power to dictate your future.
And it all starts with your mindset… you are focused on surviving Christmas with no money.
Not the fact that you are surrounded by your loved ones. With the chance, to enjoy time together, laugh together, create traditions, and make memories.
That is what Christmas is about.
So, before you move forward, you need to change your mindset. Your current money mindset is focused on having no money, being poor, and being broke.
If you want to change your financial future, then it all starts with your thoughts consuming your mind.
Start with writing down three positive things that happen in each of your days. Make sure one of them is related to money.
Frugal Christmas Tips & Money Saving Ideas
Okay, now, we are going to dig into specify ways to make a frugal Christmas a reality.
These are frugal traits that will improve your money management throughout the holiday season, but you can also start to carry these over to all aspects of your life.
To keep in the spirit of Christmas, let’s dig in and learn how to create a frugal Christmas that won’t leave you broke!
1. Focus on the Important Things
When you make the conscious decision to become more frugal, your center of attention is on the bigger picture.
For a frugal person, they view Christmas as part of a bigger puzzle. Their spending at Christmas needs to align with their money goals and desires.
This is the point when you must ask yourself the hard questions… Would you rather stay on track to pay off debt faster? Keep on saving money so you can take some time off next summer.
These are where you decide what is important in your life.
Just to be clear, I am not saying Christmas isn’t important because it definitely is. I am saying the Christmas that has been defined in our culture that focuses on gifts may not be the overarching focus of Christmas.
2. Plan to Spend Half of “Normal”
Did you know most people plan to spend an AVERAGE of $800-900 on Christmas?
For most folks, that will break any budget with a lot of debt hangover coming in January.
Challenge yourself to a Frugal Christmas of $400 or less.
When you create your frugal Christmas budget, plan to spend half of what you did the previous year. Don’t know how much you spent previously, then stick to the $400 or less.
If you are tempted to overspend, then set your budget at $200.
Now, you need to use Christmas budget template to plan your gifts into your budget.
3. Make Your Frugal Christmas Plan
Now, that you know how much you can spend on Christmas, you must make your budget line up with your gifts, Christmas decors, parties, etc.
This step is often overlooked and we typically fly by the seat of our pants.
However, one of the best money management tips is to plan how you will spend your money before you start spending anything!
In our free printables areas, we have worksheets and spreadsheets to help you.
Also, this is the chance, to be honest with friends and family about your desires for a frugal or no money Christmas. You have the time to plan a no gift holiday, gift exchange of unwanted items, etc.
4. Ask Around for Gifts
Oh my goodness! This is seriously my favorite money saving idea all year round.
Ask around and see what others don’t want anymore.
Another man’s trash is the next man’s treasure.
A recent example in my life… Someone posted in our NextDoor group that they were looking for fly fishing equipment. I politely responded that once the original poster got what they needed I would be interested in anything leftover since my hubby took up this hobby. A neighbor messaged me and we got a bunch of fly fishing equipment for a fraction of the price.
You can always find Christmas decorations and maybe even gifts for no money.
Don’t be afraid to post in Facebook groups or NextDoor. Search Craigslist or thrift stores. You will be AMAZED by what people are happily willing to get rid of.
5. Shop Based on Price
This is where you go into the store and look for gifts that can suit those on your list – more importantly, at your price level.
This is a great chance to pick up items on clearance or deeply discounted sale.
For instance, my son loved LEGOS (okay, what boy doesn’t go through that phase) and they can get quite expensive. Throughout the year, I would always look for LEGOS when they were on sale or being discontinued. This is one example of enjoying a frugal Christmas
6. Creative with Gift Exchanges
With gift exchanges, you don’t need to go out and buy a brand new present. This is a chance to find something in your house that will make a great gift for someone else.
Here are various types of gift exchanges that cost little or no money:
White elephant gift exchange
$5 gift exchanges
Unused item gift exchange
Cookie Exchange
Used toy, puzzle, or book exchange
Coffee mug exchange
Charity donation exchange
Craft supply gift exchange
Dollar Store Finds Gift Exchange
Fabulously fashionable clothing exchange
Dropped that hobby gift exchange
There are just a few ideas on how you can get creative with holding gift exchanges. Not everything must be expensive to be an awesome winner!
7. Buy in Bulk and Divide Up for Gifts
A frugal trait is buying things in bulk to save money. When the holidays roll around, this is where you use your DIY skills to come up with frugal Christmas gifts.
If you find a lot of people on your list to buy small gifts for, you can create nice packages of presents to give. Typically, these holiday gifts are ideal for teachers, neighbors, co-workers or other special people that you want to wish a Merry Christmas.
For example, you can buy scented candles in bulk and wrap a beautiful bow on the glass jar. That is an easy way to divide them up for multiple gifts.
Another idea is to buy Christmas treat bags and divide up assorted miniature candies to quickly put together many small presents.
These are ideal gifts because they are thoughtful, but also budget-friendly.
8. Plan At-Home Parties
One of the most expensive areas for any budget is entertainment and eating out. The same holds true at Christmas.
To combat extra costs, plan at-home parties where you can control the prices of food, drinks, and decor. And as a bonus, your friends and family may be relieved to spend less as well!
You can hold a potluck or cookie exchange for a fraction of the price of a night out or booked Christmas party.
There are plenty of ways to make it fun. You can still have cocktail hour with the festive dresses that are already in your closet. Don’t have something to wear – pretend you’re a teenager and shop your friend’s closets!
9. Stop Christmas Shopping
When you are done, you are done Christmas shopping. Block your eyes and ears from all of the last minute shopping and stocking stuffers.
One of the frugality traits is to make a plan for your money and stick to it.
Remember, marketers are good at their job of getting you to open up your wallet and spend money. Be stronger and stop shopping for the holidays.
Don’t go over your Christmas budget and your plan.
10. Track How Much You Save
Every frugal person likes to know how much they save.
Not everyone likes numbers, but it is pretty motivating to see how much you save.
With a financial freedom mindset, you know that every penny saved is a penny earned.
This is where you realize your out-of-the-box thinking to create a frugal Christmas is worth the time and effort. You can see your savings on the gifts, decor, and thinking adds up.
Bonus Tip: Eliminate the Stress
One of the traits of becoming frugal comes with learning to live with less. It doesn’t have to be full minimalism. A better term is living simply.
The more you do around Christmas (buying gifts, putting up decor, hosting parties, attending parties, participating in cookie exchanges, cleaning for guests, traveling for events, the list can go on and on) will cause stress.
Look for ways to take a step back and focus on what is most important to you.
That was the first tip mentioned in this post because it is the one that is overlooked the most often. You don’t decide what you want Christmas to look like. You let others and life decide how your month of December rolls out.
Eliminate the undue stress surrounding the Christmas season.
Frugal Christmas Ideas for Kids When You Have No Money for Gifts
Okay, we are going to spend a little more time around one area that causes us the most stress around the holidays – giving gifts.
There is extreme pressure to provide the Pinterest-perfect, movie-ready, Insta story each and every year.
Regardless of what you spend on Christmas, you will never be able to live up to the self-created expectations you put on yourself.
Just remember that statement when you have no money for gifts.
This is where you get super creative and honest with your loved ones.
Be Honest with Your Finances
The first step is to be completely honest with your financial situation at the moment. You aren’t looking for handouts. You just want a dose of empathy and maybe a hug.
Just like everyone else, you want to give your family the world and shower them with gifts.
However, the center of Christmas is coming together as a family and spending time together. You don’t need money for that.
Time for Creativity and Maybe a Little DIY Christmas
This is where you get creative and start digging to find gifts.
Unfortunately for society, we are flooded with materialistic items. (Just look at any donation center or walk around on trash day.) There are plenty of gifts floating around that would cost you no money.
Post in a No Buy Facebook group or Nextdoor and see if anyone is getting rid of what you want.
More than likely, you will find Christmas gifts for no money. Sometimes, you may have to a fraction of the retail price.
Another option is to use your DIY skills – learn to sew, knit, bake, etc. Give away some of your treasured handmade gifts.
No-Spend Christmas Activities
For frugal individuals, like me, the key enjoyment of the festive season does not rely on these costly aspects, but rather on the spirit of unity, shared experiences, and thoughtful gestures. This is where the concept of ‘No Gift Christmas‘ comes in, emphasizing value-driven festivities that foster warmth and happiness without the need to break the bank.
The good news is you can enjoy the holidays with plenty of things that don’t cost money.
Fun and Frugal Christmas Activities at Home
Enjoying a festive holiday season doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, there are several fun and frugal Christmas activities you can do at home!
Roast marshmallows: Whether you have a fireplace or a stove, roasting marshmallows at home can be a delightful way to savor the season.
Christmas movie night: Why not curl up on the couch with some popcorn and a Christmas movie? Consider a crowd-pleaser like The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix.
Bake cookies: Get the whole family involved in baking and decorating Christmas cookies.
Make a popcorn garland: This is a festive and fun craft you can enjoy together and later use to decorate your Christmas tree.
Play Christmas Charades: Searching Google for free printable charade cards can give you a night of fun that is sure to create hilarious memories.
Hot Chocolate Night: Warm up and gather around with the sweet treat of homemade hot cocoa.
DIY Christmas Cards: Create and send handmade Christmas cards to local nursing homes or soldiers abroad. A personal touch to your season’s greetings will mean a lot to the recipients.
Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt: Turn your Christmas light viewing into an adventure! Print out a free scavenger hunt, bundle up, and enjoy a hands-on game during your neighborhood stroll. Remember, the true spirit of the holidays can be found in the joy of being together—not the amount of money spent.
Taking Advantage of Free Christmas Events in Your Town
There are usually plenty of free Christmas events in your town or city if you know where to look. Here are some festive events you can attend without spending a penny:
Visit the Christmas tree in your town square: Most towns have a community tree lighting ceremony that often includes free musical performances too.
Check out community holiday parades: Many towns host Christmas parades that are open and free to the public.
Look for free events at local libraries and community centers: Many libraries and community centers host free Christmas-themed activities for children, from story readings to crafts or even visits from Santa!
Go Caroling in your neighborhood: Gather your friends and family for a simple and heartwarming tradition of spreading Christmas cheer through carols.
Visit Church ceremonies: Attend church services or watch local choirs perform their favorite Christmas hymns.
Volunteering: Use the season of giving to volunteer at a local food bank, soup kitchen, or charity. It’s free and can be a rewarding experience.
Christmas Lights Tour: Drive around or take a leisurely evening stroll to enjoy the holiday light displays in your local neighborhoods. Remember to check your city or town’s events website for a complete schedule and details. The holiday spirit is abundant and can be found without breaking the bank.
For more ideas, check out the Christmas bucket list that has plenty of fun holiday-filled events.
Shopping Strategies for a Frugal Christmas
While we have plenty of tips for shopping smart on our website, we are going to focus on two areas when preparing Christmas for the frugal.
Tip #1 – Start Buying Christmas Stuff in January
Starting your Christmas shopping in January means you get to spread the cost over the whole year, taking advantage of these deep discounts.
It’s very budget-friendly and helps control the infamous last-minute Christmas shopping spree.
Now, it’s important to note that you should only buy items you are reasonably sure you will use the following Christmas, to avoid clutter or unneeded spending.
Expert Tip: make a list during the holidays of the items you need, so you know precisely what to look for in the January sales.
tip #2 – Using Money-Saving Apps for a Frugal Christmas
To save money while shopping for Christmas presents, consider using money-saving apps. These apps give you cash back, coupon codes, and discounts while you shop, reducing the overall cost of your purchases, and essentially making you “earn” while you spend.
Here are some trusty tools to help you achieve a frugal Christmas:
Rakuten (formerly Ebates): This cash back app provides discounts on purchases from thousands of retailers when you shop through its site or the app.
BeFrugal: This app offers coupons, promo codes, and cash back offers to save on everything you buy. Sign up here for your $10 bonus.
Ibotta: Ibotta allows you to earn cash back on everyday purchases online and in-store with a snap of your receipt.
Honey: Honey automatically searches and applies the best coupons when you shop online.
Hip2Save: This deal website and app posts about a wide range of heavily-discounted products, from toys to housewares. One of my favorites!
Bonus: Paribus: Although not exactly a cash back app, Paribus is worth mentioning as it scans your digital purchases, seeking price drops and getting you a refund if an item you’ve bought goes on sale or if it finds the same product cheaper elsewhere.
By keeping these apps at your fingertips and using them proactively, you can stretch your Christmas budget further and end the year on a high note, financially.
Ready to a Magical Frugal Christmas?
The best part of being frugal is focusing on what is most important and saving money along the way.
That is why frugal living tips are so very helpful!
As a frugal person, there are some years that we can have Christmas on very little money, and in other years, we choose to spend a little bit more. Never ever have we spent close to the average Christmas spending.
That right there my friend defines a frugal Christmas.
If you are still on the fence about a frugal Christmas and spending $400 or less, then let’s think about it like this…
For 20 years, you spend half of the average spending at Christmas time, you will save over $8000. That amount doesn’t include inflation.
So, you need to ask yourself, how much are you willing to spend on the Pinterest perfect Christmas? That spending must be able to be paid in cash in full – not charged to a credit card.
We have shared many frugal living tricks to make your Christmas magical. What else would you add to the list?
Happy frugal Christmas!
More Christmas Gift Ideas:
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
I truly appreciate a well-designed and functional lighting design with some aesthetic value. But besides these three holy grails, it also helps if the light is compact and doesn’t occupy too much precious real estate on your desk, bedside table, or wherever we place it. Besides that, a well-designed lighting fixture should not only have the ability to illuminate any living space but also add that extra oomph factor! I mean, of course, we need them to see in the dark, but as highly functional as they should be, a lighting fixture also needs to be aesthetically pleasing, adding an attractive and visually soothing element to your home or office space. And, we’ve curated a bunch of compact and exceptional lighting designs that will make excellent additions to your home.
1. MINI Sphere
The Sphere in Las Vegas was opened to the public last year and is now one of the most visible buildings on the north end of the Vegas Strip. It has become a sort of a meme because of its massive size, and the hilarious emoji that often looks around and interacts with different objects. YouTuber Carl Bugeja created a homemade version of the Sphere by merging a number of LEDs and some clever programming.
Why is it noteworthy?
Called the MINI Sphere, this little light is a cute replica of the massive architectural wonder. The tiny sphere lights up, displaying varied graphics such as an eyeball, emojis faces, or even the planet Earth. It features a built-in accelerometer that detects when you lift the sphere off the table, and the sphere then makes a scared emoji face!
What we like
Creates a miniature and accessible version of an impressive architectural structure
Creates cute emoji faces
What we dislike
It has less than 1000 pixels, so it is difficult to perceive clear images
2. Japanese Lantern Candle
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Meet the Japanese Lantern Candle – a soft and gentle lighting design inspired by the traditional Japanese ‘chouchin’ lantern. This lighting product features a billowy pillar shape which casts a calming and ambient aura. The lighting design is created to add some peace and tranquility to your living space, while also being quite easy to move around.
Click Here to Buy Now: $69
Why is it noteworthy?
This candle design is designed to be a contemporary take on a beloved Japanese object. It features a tiny and minimalist ethos which doesn’t take up much space in your home. The lantern candle has a rather ethereal-looking glow which instantly puts onlookers at ease.
What we like
Non-melting wax which provides a surreal clarity on the candle
It is handcrafted by artisans in Kurashiki
What we dislike
Since it is a lantern candle, it is a fire hazard and must be kept away from children and pets
3. Anywhere-Use Lamp
This portable lighting design is called the Anywhere-Use Lamp, and it is a minimalist table lamp that offers gentle lighting in a world filled to the brim with large glaring screens and harsh lighting. Featuring a mushroom-inspired head, the lamp radiates an elegant and soft glow, which creates a pleasing ambiance.
Click Here to Buy Now: $149
Why is it noteworthy?
The Anywhere-Use Lamp has a modular form that offers impressive atmospheric enhancement, no matter where you place it. It is equipped with six high-color rendering LEDs, which provide a soothing luminescence, converting any living space into an oasis of calm and peace.
What we like
Equipped with 4 brightness levels
It can be easily disassembled, placed in a bag, and carried with you
What we dislike
The lighting design isn’t water-resistant
It needs four AA batteries to function
4. AwesomePre
Dubbed the AwesomePre, this reading lamp was designed for the LED technology development startup MemsLux. The reading light is designed to foster an emotional connection between the reader, and his book after the sun goes down. It is shaped like a big window that you can place on the page you are reading!
Why is it noteworthy?
The AwesomePre utilizes MemsLux’s LED tech to radiate a light wavelength which helps you to read in the dark, creating a private reading experience. It creates the experience of gazing into your favorite fictional world through a compact portal.
What we like
Portable design that lets you read in low light, anywhere
What we dislike
It isn’t very ergonomically comfortable for readers who like reading in a laid-back and comfy position
5. Harmony Flame Fireplace
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Dubbed the Harmony Flame Fireplace, this elegant brass lamp allows you to build a safe fire within your home. You can enjoy the experience of an outdoor fire in the comfort of your own home. It uses bioethanol to light up your home, spreading warmth within it. It was built using the same technique used to make musical instruments.
Click Here to Buy Now: $239
Why is it noteworthy?
The fireplace was designed to elevate and uplift the mood and ambiance of indoor space. It features reflective surfaces that work with the vivid flames to create a play of shadows and lights, forming a decorative piece that is quite aesthetically appealing as well.
What we like
You can enjoy a warm and lovely fire safely within your own home
What we dislike
Since it is powered by bioethanol, there is a risk of fuel dependency, since you need to purchase fuel again and again
6. Tomori Lantern Kit
Say hello to the Tomori Lantern Kit – a unique kit that helps you build your own little lantern. Once you’re done using the lantern, you can easily put it aside. The lantern kit cannot be utilized as a ready-made lantern, and you can collapse it once used. A conventional flashlight can be integrated into the lantern.
Click Here to Buy Now: $39
Why is it noteworthy?
The Tomori Lantern includes a foldable cardboard piece as the base of the kit, and as a flashlight holder, while providing structure to the lamp. It includes an LED flashlight which you can use separately when it isn’t fitted within the lamp. However, the base can support any other cylindrical flashlight as well.
What we like
You can fold the kit into a flat A4-sized package, and pack it away
Has a portable and easy-to-carry form
What we dislike
The Tomori Lantern Kit cannot withstand rain and other harsh weather conditions
7. Port Collection
Called the Port Collection, this ethereal-looking lighting collection is designed by Tom Fereday and Rakumba. It includes two shapes – the circular Round design, and a lozenge-shaped Stadium design. You can pick a tabletop or a wall-mounted version, and each variant is equipped with a solid glass block and a metal base.
Why is it noteworthy?
The metal base offers support to the glass block which features an intriguing conical shape, marked by an internal stepped form. This rather interesting form facilitates the refraction of light when switched on, creating a mesmerizing and alluring effect that draws attention.
What we like
The lighting designs have an otherworldly appeal to them and will make interesting additions to your home
What we dislike
Since they’re made from glass, they must be handled with care and could be easily damaged
8. Matin Lamp
Called the Matin Lamp, this rather quizzical-looking lamp was designed by Inga Hempe. The lighting design is intended to be a contemporary and refreshing interpretation of a common lighting piece that utilizes a steel wire frame to condense the form to its most basic and raw. The result is a unique lamp with a design language of its own that seems quite familiar.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Matin Lamp features a unique pleated lampshade which offers a distinctive and impressive character to the lighting product. This lampshade creates an interplay of shadows and shapes, which interestingly contrast with the plain block of color. The lamp would be a welcome addition to any home, sparking conversation and discussions.
What we like
It is designed to be a harmonious contrast of order and chaos with repeating patterns of flowers, petals, and leaves
What we dislike
The lamp may be too quirky and eclectic for some, caters to a niche audience
9. Z Lamp
Meet the Z Lamp, this unique lighting design is truly one-of-a-kind. It features a collapsible design which makes it portable and easy to carry about. It is equipped with a ridged silicone shade, which enables the lamp to expand or contract at will, allowing you to have complete control of the lamp’s overall brightness.
Why is it noteworthy?
If you expand the silicone cover, the lamp serves as a large diffuser, and light is scattered in different directions. Once the lamp is contracted, the diffuser’s size reduces and the light’s intensity is diminished.
What we like
Unique collapsible feature that converts it into an easy-to-carry design
What we dislike
You can’t have the lamp fully expanded but with low brightness
10. Current Task Light
Designed by UK-based Jones and Partners, the Current Task Light is a small and compact lighting design that perfectly merges with the brand’s collection of highly functional and simple products. The Current Task Light is peak minimalism, and it serves as a valuable lighting design that occupies minimum space.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is an award-winning task light & charging concept that serves as a multifunctional product designed to help you with your daily multitasking. The versatile and thoughtfully designed product works well in both residential and commercial spaces. It looks like an ideal addition to your workdesk!
What we like
Co-workers can plug their devices across a big desk and work together
What we dislike
Since it is a concept right now, we are unsure of how the final product will be
Are you excited to find the best version of yourself possible?
If you are, then you were in the absolutely correct place right now.
When trying to form a new habit or break a bad habit, many times we get lost in the overwhelming feeling that we are just not capable of making any changes. That is why these 30 day challenge ideas will help you become the person that you desire to be.
We cover a bunch of different thirty day challenge ideas across many contrasting areas in your life.
In this post, you are bound to find something that you will want to do.
For me personally, I have jumped on the 30 day challenge concept because I know that just a couple of days of trying a new habit isn’t going to last. I need to do something over a longer period of time to actually have it become ingrained as a habit or part of my life.
So, let’s dig into the best 30 day challenge ideas to get you started.
And don’t worry, we cover what are some fun 30 day challenges!
What is a 30 day challenge?
Simply put, a 30 day challenge is thirty days in a row that you challenge yourself to do something specific.
There are many things that you can do within these 30 days.
But, the goal is to use a thirty day challenge tracker and cross it off each and every day.
If you are not sure what can be achieved in 30 days, then you have never tried one of these challenges. You are able to accomplish more than you thought possible by sticking to the challenge.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
Does the 30 day challenge really work?
Yes, you will be transformed at the end of the month if you cross off a majority of your thirty days.
If you have not read Atomic Habits by James Clear, then I highly recommend getting this book ASAP.
This book will help you realize some of the things that you were doing without even realizing it, and causing you to have good or bad habits. Plus, it will help drive the desire to build good habits in your life.
For me personally, this book has helped me to build better habits and make progress. And I wished I read it when it first came out in 2018!
You need to get rid of bad habits that make your life a struggle. Thus, a 30 Day Challenge will help.
This is only true if you are committed to putting in the effort in time.
While you may skip a day and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. As long as you jump back on the bandwagon and continue the next day.
Types of Fun 30 Day Challenges:
Well, let’s be honest if you’re not going to make it fun, then you shouldn’t do it at all! Because it is much easier to complete a fun 30 Day Challenge rather than something that you’re forced to be doing.
So, in order to keep it fun, you can always have a reward tied to the end.
Once you complete your 30 day challenge, then this is your reward for completion.
Too many times we look at thirty day challenges as “what should I give up for a month,” when in reality, you are not really depriving yourself for a month, you are trying to build a better you and better habits.
Here are the fun categories for all of our thirty day challenges:
How to Do a 30 Day Challenge?
As you will see shortly, there are lot of ways that you can intertwine these 30 day challenges together in your life and your schedule.
You may do one of these challenges while you’re sitting in the car waiting to pick up children from their activities. You may carve out time, specifically to work on a new skill, how and when you accomplish these challenges is up to you.
At the end of 30 days though, you are going to find a new level of happiness, enjoyment and fulfillment by sticking to these challenges.
The best way for success is to track your progress! There are resources at the bottom to help you out.
If you fall off the bandwagon for a day or two, that’s okay. Shake it off, and jump right on.
Don’t skip, more than a day. You got to get back on and complete your challenge.
30 Day Challenge Health & Fitness
First of all, I don’t like the sound of a 30 day wealth loss challenge because managing your health and fitness is a lifelong skill.
While thirty day challenge will give you a kickstart, you need to continue focusing on your overall health and fitness level.
Here are quick things to improve your health and fitness in the next month with one of these 30 day health challenge.
1. Do Workouts at Home
There is no reason you must go to the gym, so find a workout that you can do at home. There are plenty on YouTube, as well as subscription services to get you started.
Are 30 day workout challenges good? Personally, I have found that they keep my motivation going and accountable.
2. Daily Yoga
This is a challenge that I completed in the month of September is every day to do yoga. Some days it may be just 10 minutes, other days I may do an hour, but it is just a simple challenge to keep improving my flexibility and movement. Here is my favorite yoga instructor.
3. Drink Only Water, Tea & Coffee
Without realizing it, it is really easy to add a lot of liquid into your body that may not be the best. So, a quick and easy health challenge is to only drink water, tea, and coffee.
Eliminate all extra drinks, especially mixed cocktails, sodas, or energy drinks.
4. Stop Snacking
In today’s society, we are bombarded with eating small meals, and snacking is good for us. However, with the constant influx of food, we are more in a habit of snacking, rather than out of hunger for food.
To stop snacking, focus on your main meals for 30 days. Evaluate how you feel afterward a month.
5. Walk Before Lunch or Dinner
Walk before you sit down to eat a meal. Get outside, stretch your legs and take a walk around the block. It does not have to be for long; it can be 10 minutes or 30 minutes.
But, by taking that time to walk beforehand, you are burning calories and at an opportune time before you eat your main meals.
6. Focus on Core Strength
A quick 10 minute abs / core strength exercise helps us in everyday life. Yet, we tend to forget about building up the strength in our core.
Head to YouTube and do a 10 minute ab workout. It is very quick and easy.
You can easily fit in, when you go to take a break, instead of jumping on Facebook or Instagram. Do a quick 10 minute ab workout, and that will improve your health and fitness level by the end of 30 days.
7. Check out Fasting
Fasting is not for everyone. However, this statement intrigued me… the word breakfast means breaking your fast.
We are bombarded with food options 24/7, but maybe our bodies need a break from eating consistently. Check out this book for more info and talk to your doctor first.
8. Fit Bride-to-be Workout
If you are an upcoming bride, you probably want to be at the best possible fitness level that you are capable of doing. So here is a 30 day workout challenge, just for brides.
30 Day Challange Happiness & Gratitude
We all need a little bit more happiness in our life, and we all could express more gratitude. It does not have to be difficult.
These are simple concepts, but we get too focused on everything that is going wrong in our life. Thus, we do not look around and see the beauty and all of the good that is happening.
9. Walk Outside for Fresh Air
Did you know that fresh air is beneficial for your health? Also, it instantly improves your happiness level. So, all you have to do is step outside and take a fresh breath.
10. Start a Gratitude Journal
This helps you focus on three things. Each day wrote down three positive moments in your life. After you do this over the course of 30 days, your happiness level will improve, as well as your gratefulness.
11. Take Control of Your Phone
There is a great book written by two previous Google employees on how to use your technology appropriately and not have your technology take over your life. Check it out. You need to use your phone for the purposes of your phone, and not as a distraction tool.
12. Take a Social Media Break
Every day you are overwhelmed with the picture-perfect life of everybody else on Instagram and Facebook. Studies prove that will leave you discouraged and unhappy with your real life.
Take a thirty-day break from social media and stop focusing on everybody’s highlight reel. During those 30 days, connect with real people and have real conversations, and let your mind focus on the reality around you.
13. Buy a Bouquet of Flowers
Every once in a while, I splurge and buy a bouquet of flowers to put on the table – just because it brings a smile to my face every time I walk through that room. It is something very easy. Plus for my frugal side, I always buy flowers under $10.
14. What Brings Joy in Your Life?
For a quick minute, think about what just brings that extra joy in my life. Focus on those things. Plan to dedicate extra time to what you want out of life and not what others want for your life.
15. Take a Day for You
This is true for everyone, but right now I am going to speak directly to the mamas out there first. As a mom, we put our family and our kids first. We always make sure that we are available and ready to help them in every possible way. This will leave us drained over the course of a day, week, month and year.
Plan a day for yourself. Take a mental break from being in that role of a mom.
This applies to everyone; take a day to recharge your batteries. Then, you will be able to come back for another day with a fresh gusto!
16. Say Yes to that Hobby
We always have a reason or excuse why we are not going to start that hobby that we have thought about for many years. So, what better time to be happy, and give it a try? Try your new hobby for thirty days and see how it works out.
Resources for More Happiness & Gratitude Ideas:
30 day Financial Challenge
One of the hardest parts of managing money is it takes time to make progress. In a couple of days, you are not going to notice a significant change in one direction or another with your money.
At the end of 30 days, you can actually start to see progress with your money and your habits.
Here are the best financial challenges that you can do within a 30 day time period.
17. No Spend Challenge
If you have never participated in no spend challenge this 30 Day financial challenge is just for you. Learn how you spend money, and why you spend money.
That will help you evaluate whether spending money is worth it or not. Check out how to participate in a no spend month.
18. Have a 24 Hour Buy Period
Oh, retailers love to make a spend, spend, spend. This is your “conscious” way to pause your spending. Wait 24 hours before you could buy anything.
While this may not be convenient, it is a good way to see if you actually truly wanted that item, or if you are buying it for no specific need.
19. Envelope Challenge
With this super popular 100 envelope challenge, there is absolutely no reason that you cannot just do 30 days. Your results will vary on how much you end up saving. But, something is more than nothing!
If you decide to just do the numbers one through thirty, you will end up saving $465 at the end of the challenge. If you keep all the numbers 1-100 and randomly pick thirty envelopes, then your results are going to be different based on what envelopes you pick.
But either way, it is a good way to start saving money.
20. Financially Stable Habits
Regardless of where you are on your money journey, you can pick one of the financially stable habits and focus on those for the month. Pick a few habits to focus on for 30 days. If you want to be successful with money long term, you need to learn how to be financially stable.
21. Pick a Habit of a Thrifty Person
Being thrifty is a great quality to have! You are not cheap with your money, you know when to spend on quality, but a lot of times people look frown upon those who are thrifty.
By being thrifty, you will actually end up saving money in the long term. And that will impact your finances, so learn a quality of a thrifty person.
22. 30 Day Money Saving Challenge – Save $465
Our money saving challenges, here at Money Bliss, are extremely popular, and for good reason, it sets you up for financial success.
There are plenty of options to save money in thirty days. You can save $5 a day over the course of 30 days, and end up saving $350. Or find ways to stop spending money and save $20 a day, then you accumulate $600 in just one month.
30 Day Journaling Challenge
In this section, some people either love or absolutely hate it because journaling can be overwhelming (mostly thanks to Pinterest). We always feel like our journaling is not as good as others, or our handwriting is not as pretty. Or that you do not have the time to dedicate to journaling.
So when it comes to this 30 Day journaling challenge, I challenge you to do what you can do and not compare yourself to others.
Personally, my handwriting and the beauty of my journals are not great either. I do bullet points mostly and that works for me. I just find ways to clear my head and write down my thoughts.
23. Set a Time to Journal
You must dedicate time to journaling. Block out time to journal. If not, It is not gonna happen. You need to set a time for you to journal, whether it is five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes, or an hour!
Take time for whatever you need to journal what is on your heart.
24. Find Journaling Prompts
Do not go into your journaling time without an idea of what you should journal about. In advance, look for journaling prompts that work for you where every day you focus on a different part of your life.
For example… Day one is work. Day two is your family. The third day is your friends, and keep going from there.
Or start with these money affirmations to guide you.
25. Create a Bucket List
We all have goals, aspirations, and dreams. Nevertheless, have you ever written them out on a list? This is your time to create a bucket list. Start thinking about what you want to do, where you want to go, and how it is going to happen.
26. Write a Letter
Letters are a great way to share your thoughts with others. You may find finishing a letter may take a little bit longer than one day (and that is completely okay).
These letters could be written for future events like once a person graduates from college, gets married, finds their first job, or has a baby – whatever it may be, the letters share your heart now to be opened later down for a future.
27. Journal about your Pet Peeves
If you have certain pet peeves that drive you crazy, then why not journal about them? Then, you can notice signals to stop them before they start or get worse. Consequently, you can also find happiness at the same time.
28. Learning Opportunities
Write a list of all the things that you want to learn. Next, journal about the action steps you need to take in order to start learning and doing.
29. Describe your Life in 5 Words
Sometimes we do not want to write at all, sometimes we want to write a ton, and that is completely okay. If somebody asked you today, describe your life in five words, what would you say? Journal about that.
30 day Self-Care Challenge
It is okay to participate in self care. This is extremely important for your mental health.
Don’t keep putting this off until tomorrow. Wellness at home is extremely important!
This is your chance at self care if not all the other people in your household will be begging for your attention.
30. Extra Time for You
We go through the day focused on everything that needs to be done and a lot of times we do not take a breath. Blocking out time for you is extremely important for self care. Right now, set a timer in your phone for 5-30 minutes of just extra time, just for you, and spend it how you choose.
31. Be Still
Plan the time to take an extra 10 minutes to get away and have time for yourself. Just to be still. It could be when you get ready in the morning, be early to a meeting, or while waiting for kids to be picked up. Give yourself an extra 10 minutes to get ready.
32. Get a Massage
Work out all those kinks in your neck and your back plus all that tension. Get a massage for yourself. If you cannot afford regular massages, then look at the handheld massager to use at home.
33. Take a Detox Bath
Soaking in a bathtub is a great way to help with self care. Even soaking your feet is an indulgent experience. By doing a detox bath, you are able to draw out the impurities in your skin. Here are good detox sea salts to evaluate your soaking time.
34. Get Enough Sleep
If you are not sleeping well, then you need to get to the core of the problem. Everybody needs around eight hours of quality sleep. So, pull the drapes, cool the room, and get the rest you truly need.
35. No Phone for a Day
This one is probably going to be a challenge for most of us, but by having a phone-free day you will realize how different you react to things and how different your life actually feels. Sundays are a great day to do this!
36. Get your Hands Dirty
For some people, this may be gardening in the dirt. For others, it may be kneading dough in the kitchen. Whatever it is, getting your hands dirty and activating your hand muscles is therapeutic.
37. Listen to your Favorite Music
Indulge in your favorite tunes. Take time to fill your mind with music that you enjoy! Even better, upgrade the subscription so you have ad-free listening time. Did you know with Amazon Prime, you have access to over 2 million songs for free.
38. Get Dressed Up – Just Because
Dressing nicely brings out confidence. You do not need a reason to dress up. Pick out your favorite dress or dazzle an outfit with fun heels or jewelry. Just because.
Resources for More Self Care Ideas:
30 day Self-Improvement Challenge
You cannot just say you want to improve. You have to put action behind those plans.
Self-improvement is one of the hardest areas to overcome.
We feel like there is too much self-improvement to be done. So, go into this section on simple habits you can start doing today that will make a difference in the long run.
39. Write a List of Areas to Improve
You may have grand goals for everything you can do for self-improvement. But, in reality, we cannot accomplish all those things overnight. So, write a list of areas that you can improve in. Then, focus on certain aspects over the next 30 days. Stick with only three to five of those items on your list.
40. Say Yes
There are many times that we are too afraid to do something new that we will not even give it a try. If you want to improve something in your life, then take the initiative and go ahead and say yes to trying something.
41. Read a Book
Spend at least 10 minutes reading a book. Ultimately, you should spend at least thirty minutes or more a day of reading. Pick a nonfiction book in an area you improve in your life. Make sure it is a topic you enjoy.
Great Self-Improvement Books:
42. Improve your Habits
As said in the book Atomic Habits, you are unable to make progress in life if you don’t start building solid habits. There is no faster way to improve than my daily progression of your habits. Grab a habit tracker and commit to the best 30 days.
43. Write Down Future Goals
If you’re not sure where you want to go in life. If you want to improve in areas you don’t even know where to start. So create a list of goals of what you want to do.
Find: 100 Self Care Ideas For A 30-Day Self-Improvement Challenge
30 Day Productivity Challenge
By being productive, you can get more done. Just because you are getting more done, it doesn’t mean that you need more time.
It means that you are more effective with the time you have in what you can get done.
44. Use a Timer
This is the best way to get focused quickly. Use a timer, set it for 30 minutes, and get to the task at hand. Get it done and move on. By focusing on one thing at a time, you are more likely to be extremely productive during that time.
This is the timer I use.
45. Limit Distractions
If the distractions are notifications on your phone or on your laptop, remove those while you are trying to be productive in whatever you are currently working on. Do not be tempted to do something else. Move the distractions to a different area (hint: your phone)!
46. Habit Tracker
If you really want to be productive, then use a habit tracker! You can cross off all the habits you are specifically focusing on each and every day. By doing this, you are able to be consistent and focus on building those good habits.
47. Plan your Day in Advance
Don’t let life plan you. You must be planning your day in advance. Make a list of the things that you want to accomplish. That is how you become productive.
48. Track Your Time
Use a tool like Toggl or a written plan to track your time. This is different than planning your time in your calendar. This is how you actually spend your time. Also, this helps you to realize where your infinity pools of wasted time happen and you can dedicate time towards self car.
Don’t just guess how you spend your day; actually, figure out how you spend every single hour of your day.
49. Understand Time Freedom
If you have never heard of time freedom, then you are missing out on the best self improvement tool available. If you’re wasting a good portion of your day doing things that are not going to make a difference at the end of the day, then what is the point?
Your time is important. Make sure you experience all life has to offer!
30 Day Creativity Challenge
Just for those of us who feel not creative enough, this is for you!
You do not have to worry about being super creative; just by using that other side of your brain, you are able to create new neuropathways and lower many aging conditions.
50. Color Daily
You can pick up a great coloring book for adults that are beautiful and you can spend time coloring yourself. Start with coloring for ten minutes a day and see how you feel.
51. Sidewalk Art
Let your creativity escape onto the sidewalks and driveways. Every day write an inspirational message for others to read. You may start a trend of people stopping daily on their walks.
52. Dance Like Nobody’s Watching
Let your mind and your body move just because you are enjoying the song. Move to how you feel your body needs to move. Let that creativity come out in ways that you have not experienced since you were a child.
53. Drawing Challenge
Drawing is not my strength. However, over the past year, I have been working with my daughter on drawing challenges for kids. It has helped to overcome my fears, actually improve, and given me more confidence to draw. Here is a great drawing channel to help you start.
54. Play Music
Find ways to be creative and just play music. Just play to play. Do not play to practice. Play for pure enjoyment.
55. Try a New Craft
Head to the craft store and find something that you want to do. There are plenty of crafts to suit your personality. Plus some are a great way to decompress and destress.
One of my friends started knitting hats as a way to pass the time while she was waiting for kids at sports activities.
30 Day Organization Challenge
By far, the most popular 30 day challenges are for organizing your home, your life, your stuff, your clothing, etc. More than likely, it is probably what you first associate with any 30 day challenge ideas.
Organize, declutter, spring clean … Get rid of the extra stuff in your house.
Take time to clean those areas that you have been neglecting. All great ideas, so let’s dig in!
56. Spring Clean
There is a great feeling of getting rid of stuff and the process of spring cleaning. You can feel this freshness in the area. Honestly, this is something we all should be doing each year. Here is a great spring cleaning checklist to help you get started.
57. Sell Your Stuff
Get rid of extra stuff in your house. If you have not used it for the last month, then you more than likely probably do not need it in your house. Start selling your stuff and here is a great resource to help you.
58. Declutter. Declutter Declutter.
There are lots of resources on decluttering. Just remember, decluttering is extremely important because every single day we have more and more stuff coming into our life, but we are not getting rid of more and more stuff.
Take time and declutter by doing a 30 day challenge. You are only focusing on a small area every single day and by the end of thirty days, you have made great progress.
Decluttering Resources for You:
59. Big 30 Day Decluttering Projects
Let’s face it, not every place in our house, we can organize in a day and sometimes they take a month. Perfect examples are the basement or garage. So on those bigger areas, you can still break them down and every day check one thing off the list.
During the overall decluttering challenge, focus on one area or one shelf per day in that space that needs help. Also, give yourself the grace to actually accomplish what you need to get done.
60. Keep a Clean House
Guilty of not being the best housekeeper? Don’t worry most of us are not great. Thankfully, you can easily check off tasks with this clean house checklist!
61. Take in Less
This is something that you can do on a daily basis. Your goal is to nothing or very little into your house, and have zero impact on the trash and waste. Your home slowly producing a minimalistic vibe. This is known as frugal green.
62. Minimalism
One of the best ways to live life with less and spend less money on a regular basis is to be a minimalist. You can choose your level of minimalism. This means that your cupboards are not allowed to overflow with extra stuff; those shelves must fit only what you need and what you use. Check out this minimalism challenge.
30 Day Challenge For Kids
Let’s not forget why we are trying to build good habits for ourselves, we can also instill good habits into our kids!
These are the 30 day challenge specifically designed for kids. All of them are fabulous 30 day challenge for students!
63. Teach Kids to be Grateful
Most children in America are extremely privileged and have access to things, and resources than most of the world and more than their own parents. They have become accustomed to the little things in life and take everything for granted.
So, we must teach our kids to be grateful. Here is a great gratitude challenge for kids.
64. Kindness Challenge
We all know the trouble that happens at our schools. Also, we know kids are choosing mean words, without realizing it, or maybe doing it on purpose. Either way, we need to instill kindness into our children. Here’s a great kindness challenge for kids to get you started.
65. Money Challenge for Kids
Kids need to be taught to save money. There is no way around it. If they are not taught at home, they will not have those lessons as adults. So, teach them to save their age, every single year growing up.
If they start this at age three, by the time they graduate, they will have over $2,000, not including interest in their accounts. Here is the Save Age challenge for kids.
66. Drawing Challenge for Kids
Every kid wants to learn to draw. Let them use their creative side and have fun. It is a simple project to complete each day. Plus when someone joins them, it becomes a fun experience to share. Use this drawing challenge to get the creative juices flowing!
67. Back to School Decluttering
Get the kid’s help on back-to-school decluttering! They need to learn to be responsible for their things too! Make it fun with a scavenger hunt with this back to school calendar decluttering list.
Success happens when you are able to track your progress!
Are you Ready for your Thirty Day Challenge?
The goal of this post is to get you motivated to find fun 30 day challenges for 2021!
It is not overwhelming with all of the possibilities that you could do in order to become fitter more healthy, improve your self care, improve your productivity, or clean out your house.
The goal of these challenges is to provide opportunities for you to choose what you want to do. You can find plenty of 30 day challenges on Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest. But, don’t get caught up in trying to find all of these challenges.
Pick the thirty day challenge that is on your heart and you want to do. The best 30 day challenge is one that you deep down you need to accomplish.
No one else can write that, or find the challenge for you – only you can do that.
Right now, set a timer for five minutes and think about what areas would you like to do a 30 day challenge.
We have given you plenty of 30 day challenge ideas, but now you need to decide what works for you.
One of the great things about many of these challenges is they overlap.
Above you will find all of the their day challenge examples. Which one is your favorite challenge idea?
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
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Traditionally, art has resided in museums and galleries, confined to walls and pedestals. Functional art disrupts this notion. It asserts that art can, and should, be integrated into everyday life. A chair, a painted lampshade – these are not just utilitarian objects, they elevate the mundane to the aesthetic. They transform the act of using these everyday items into an experience imbued with artistic appreciation.
In a world saturated with mass-produced, disposable items, functional art offers a powerful counterpoint. Each piece is carefully created, often from discarded materials. This imbues them with a unique story, a sense of history, and a deeper connection to the artist’s vision.
‘Upcycld Art’, the brainchild of eco-artist Molly, elevates the concept of functional art with a focus on sustainability. By using scrap wood, they make a powerful statement about responsible consumption and resourcefulness, challenge the notion of ‘disposability’, and demonstrating the inherent beauty that can be found in what others consider waste.
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Living stingy is easy!
Now, don’t get me wrong – this isn’t for everyone.
It takes a certain type of person to be able to go without and not feel deprived. But if you can handle it, living stingy is the way I recommend going because it has allowed me much more freedom and saved me a lot of money.
Saving money is a skill.
I’m not talking about saving for your retirement, buying a house, or funding the honeymoon of your dreams. I’m talking about making small changes in our day-to-day routine that can add up to big savings each month and over time.
Whether you’re just starting out with these money habits or already living them, read this post and begin to change your daily habits.
Many times we look at living stingy as being a frugal jerk.
However, by living stingy, you are looking at the overall picture – financial, resourceful, and creative with your money.
You will learn all you need to know in order for you to start living stingy today!
In this post, we will explore why living stingy can be better than you could ever imagine and how simple habit change leads to enduring happiness.
What is Living Stingy?
Living stingy is a lifestyle that encourages spending less than you earn.
The meaning of living stingy can help people to save more money, achieve financial independence, and have more time to spend with loved ones.
Now, that is something everyone needs in their lives!
In order to live stingily, it is important to focus on delaying instant gratification and staying on a tight budget. This means that you need to set goals in terms of what you want your money spent for in the future.
Understandably, how to live stingily is different for each person. For some, it may mean penny-pinching and for others cutting out non-essential items such as takeaway or eating out too frequently.
In order to live a life of financial freedom and satisfaction, you must find your personal meaning behind sacrifice that works with your lifestyle choices.
The term “living stingy” is a bit of an oxymoron. It’s not about being poor or depriving yourself, but instead, it means cutting out non-essentials such as takeaway and eating out in order to save money for the future.
Why A Life of Living Stingy?
Living stingy is a lifestyle that promotes frugal living. It is not about denying yourself anything that you want or need, but rather it is about changing your mindset. Speficially, learning that the small things in life are all that counts.
Living stingy is not about being miserly, but rather about living within your means and making financial goals for yourself.
Most people live beyond their means and are in debt which leads to stress, unhappiness, and other problems. Living stingy can help you avoid these issues by bringing balance into your life.
Pros of Living Stingy
Typically, these are the benefits of living stingy.
Being happy with what you have
Avoiding spending more than needed
Managing money well
Spending time wisely on what’s important
Lower cost of living
Less stress
Lack of materialism
Reduce waste in the environment
Save money
Cons of Living Stingy
For many, living stingy sounds unappealing for these reasons.
Feel like you are unable to afford anything
Friends who do not agree with your lifestyle
Lose motivation to earn more money
Self-sabotage by not earning enough money
Assume you can keep this level of expenses forever
The majority of the time, living a stingy life is actually not as bad as it seems.
Although the list of benefits of a stingy life seems like a good idea to live a stingy life, you have to ways the many pros and cons that come along with this type of lifestyle.
How to Live Stingy
By living stingy, it is amazing what living this way will do for your financial success.
That is reason enough to go ahead and explore this type of lifestyle.
Step #1 – Find your Financial Goals
It is important to have goals in order for you to know what you are working towards.
Also, it is important that your goals are realistic so that the process of reaching them will be easier.
Goals should be specific and measurable, such as saving $1,000 in a month or getting your house paid off within 10 years.
Possible Financial Goals:
Get out of Student Loan Debt
Start the Path to Financial Freedom
Pay off Credit Card
Feed Savings Account Goals
Buy a House
Build an Emergency Fund
Save 10K in a year challenge
You must identify your financial goals and the time frame to accomplish them. Learn more smart financial goals to accomplish.
Step #2 – Budget for your Lifestyle
When you are starting out, it’s important to have a budget for your lifestyle in order to live comfortably. This can be anything from how much money you need for food and clothes every month to how much you can afford to contribute to your retirement fund.
Making a budget is an important part of achieving your goals.
It keeps you from wasting money on unnecessary items!
It is important to budget for what you need and want in life, as you should spend money on things that align with your values.
To help you achieve this, you can use one of the best budgeting apps to track every dollar of income and expenses. This will help you know how much cash flow you have left at the end of each month.
Step #3 – Cut Expenses
Cutting unnecessary expenses can help you save money and live your life the way you want to.
You must reevaluate your daily routine by identifying what needs are necessary for each day, then making a budget that accommodates them all. Then, cut out the excess.
There are a lot of ways that you can reduce your bills. You can find what is costing you the most and cut it out, or automate some tasks so that they happen automatically every month.
Below, we will have many living stingy tips to help you out.
Step #4 – Make More Money Than You Spend
The goal of living stingy is to make more money than what you spend. Rather than the flip side (that most people do), which is spending more money and not making any extra cash to cover the difference.
When you spend an unnecessarily large amount of money, many of your funds will be put towards things that do not allow for a wide range of choices.
By living below your means, you will be able to prioritize your money for personal events like anniversaries or birthdays instead of spending excessively on non-essential purchases.
Learn more about living below your means.
Step # 5- Increase Your Income
There are many things that you can do to increase your income.
Here are some examples:
Start to increase your income by thinking about how you can turn a side hustle into a long-term opportunity.
You can increase your income on the side while maintaining your day job. Find ways to make money now.
Step # 6 – Incorporate Minimalism into your Lifestyle
Minimalism is the pursuit of existence with the fewest amount of things necessary to achieve the desired result of living with less.
Moreover, the biggest benefit to minimalism is that it is a trendy idea that more people agree with than living stingy.
Minimalists believe that consumption, owning things, and acquiring “stuff” leads to an overabundance of things in one’s life. In addition, you are able to save money quickly.
Step # 7 – Save Money on Purchases
Saving money on purchases is a popular topic and there are many ways to do it.
One way is to only buy things that you really need and you know they will last.
Another way is to wait until they go on sale or buy them at a discount. Then, wait for things to go on sale again.
Savings on unnecessary purchases is the first step to financial freedom.
If you’re looking to save money in your day-to-day life, apps like Ibotta and Rakuten are a great way to do that. These apps allow you to find the lowest price possible for products or give you cash back just for making a purchase.
Step #8 – Sell Items you Do Not Use
Selling items you do not use is a way of getting rid of things that are taking up space in your house or collecting dust. Also, it is helpful for those who want to buy something but can’t afford it.
Plus it is a great way to make some extra money on the side without actually having to work for it.
By selling your unwanted household items rather than disposing of them, you will live a more waste-free life while saving money too!
Not sure you like the idea… Check out Flea Market Flippers making $100k a year!
Step #9 – Be Stingy with your Time
To be stingy with your time is to be up-to-date on important tasks and not spend too much time on some other, less important task.
Too many times you are always busy and never have time to do what you love. When you are in this situation, it is easy to get caught up in doing things that don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.
It is important to be mindful of where you spend your time so you can enjoy life more and achieve your financial goals.
You can waste a lot of time by scrolling on the phone or watching Netflix and chilling rather than doing actual work.
While, it is important not to over-commit yourself, but also make sure you’re enjoying life too! Understand the true meaning of time freedom.
Step #10 – Create an Action Plan
An action plan is a list of tasks that are steps to success. It can be as long or short as you want, but it should include things to start living stingy and enjoy your life more.
If you have specific financial goals, ensure you are budgeting appropriately. Even if your goal is to save money with a certain amount of time, it is important that you take the necessary steps in order to achieve this goal.
Create an action plan with milestones so that when each milestone is reached it can be celebrated!
Unfortunately, too many people have grand ideas. But, they never put them into action. Thus, you are left with another month or year that has gone by with no changes.
Tips to Living Stingy and Save Money
Living stingy means spending less than you earn and saving your money, but it is not easy to do for some people.
It is important to understand how when living stingy it can mean to take the plunge into financial independence.
Remember, living stingy is a term that describes the act of living with frugality and saving money. There are many ways to live stingy, and these tips will help you start on your journey to achieve financial goals.
Reduce your living expenses: This is the first thing you should do to save money because it will reduce your stress as well as give you more time to figure out what you want your next move to be.
Stop buying processed food: I am not saying that all fast food and microwavable meals are terrible, but it’s not the best thing to be eating on a regular basis. Plus they are more expensive!
Turn off your cable: You can go online and watch most of what you want for free, so why would you pay for it. Start by cutting out one nonessential expense from your budget every month.
There is a reason for shopping: Don’t go shopping just because you’re bored or hungry.
Buy discounted gift cards: Discounted gift cards are a way to buy gift cards at a discounted price. The discounts on these discount gift cards can range from 5% to 50%.
Learn some DIY projects: A DIY project might be anything from making your own signature cocktail, to building a deck on your house, to creating new recipes in the kitchen. It can also include things like building a garden or crafting your own furniture. Think of things you need to learn to do yourself to save money.
Find a deal: In order to find deals, you should have a mental list of the stores that offer them and their normal discounts. You can also search for coupons using sites like Rakuten or Groupon.
Shop weekly sales ads: Shopping deals and sales is the practice of offering discounts on specific items for a limited period of time. These offers can be found in newspaper flyers, store ads, store websites, or product flyers.
Limit streaming subscriptions: Cable TV and streaming subscriptions are expensive when you add them up. The savings may not be worth it. So, look at cutting unused streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu Plus, or HBO Now.
Set low entertainment budget: This can be done by setting up a “fun money” for this type of spending. Only using cash is another great way to not spend more than you planned on.
Buy secondhand items: You should also buy secondhand goods when you can like clothes, cars or other household goods. The price of goods and services is always going to be higher when they are brand new.
Shop around for the best deals on essentials: Shopping around for the best deals on essentials can be a time-consuming process. Depending on your tastes and preferences, there are lots of different places to shop for these items. Online retailers are a good place to look, but you can also find discounts at local stores.
Do your research: Do not just go out and buy an item. Do your research beforehand that you are getting what you want and the quality matches up to what you desire.
Know your budget ahead of time: Being aware of how much it costs to live, spend money, and pay off debts is important to figure out beforehand. You must live within a budget.
Be realistic: Another tip is to ensure your financial goals are realistic. By being able to achieve easier low-hanging fruit goals, you are more likely to keep your motivation running high.
Live a healthy lifestyle: This is key to staying healthy and can present challenges because unhealthy choices affect the rest of somebody’s life. Going for a healthier alternative can be achieved by eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising, getting quality sleep on a regular basis, learning how to cook at home with fresh ingredients.
Don’t buy anything new: Another good tip is to not spend any money on things you don’t need. You can find the same items used instead of buying them brand-new, which will save you both money and time.
Go thrifting: This is time spent salvaging used or unwanted clothing, household items, furniture, and other miscellaneous items to sell or give away. Thrifting can be done on a large scale or on a small scale. You could find the next diamond in the rough!
Tighten your belt while spending less: These are specific strategies to save money on your weekly budget. Think before spending money and going shopping.
Be organized with your finances: By being organized with their finances, people are able to save money. Find out how to organize finances in a day.
Invest in yourself: To achieve financial success, it’s essential to invest in yourself. Investing in your education or professional development will bring you to the top of your field, where there is increased opportunity for future success.
Think hard about your career: Trust your intuition to make monetary decisions and diversify your career to make it easier to live extravagant lifestyles without sacrificing any freedom. Just be mindful that rewarding entertaining careers are true work because they require time, resources, effort, or resources that are hard to come by.
Move closer to work: The time spent commuting and the cost to maintain your vehicle may not be worth it. Analyze whether moving closer to work is worth it.
Save more than last month: Become okay with saving more than you earn so there is always something saved up in the bank.
Can’t afford it?: When you can’t afford something, don’t buy it!
Make a plan for your money: To really achieve your financial goals and save money, don’t make any rash decisions about how your money is spent. Preparing a financial plan will help avoid embarrassing events.
Spend money like it’s yours – not the banks: I hope many people can relate to this concept of living stingy. If you go into debt and are not careful, then this will lead to financial destruction.
Start small and build up savings: Save small amounts but diversify how you put that money to work.
Ask yourself: “What am I saving for?” – Think deeply and understand your true desire to save money.
Invest money today: Do not wait for the perfect time to start investing. Start to learn how to invest today. That is the way to passive income.
The tips in this post are meant to help you live a life of stingy-ness.
Are you Ready to Start Living Stingy?
If you want to spend less money today to be able to save more later, then living stingy may be your thing. However, if you want to make big changes and achieve a completely different lifestyle, then you may need to be more open-minded.
All in all… it depends on what your goals are and where you’re starting from.
What is it that you want to accomplish in the next 6 months, a year, 5 years, or a lifetime?
Everyone has their own idea of what they’re looking for. Some might be saving up money while others may be trying to make large purchases like cars or houses.
Whatever motivates you and keeps you on your toes, then that is what you want to focus on. Plus, you will save money along the way.
Today, you have learned the basic steps to take to start living stingy as well as specific easy tips to living stingy.
Now, all you have to do is decide that living stingy is a lifestyle you want.
True financial success is a collaborative effort.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
Known for: Contemporary furniture, reasonable prices
Luxury furniture does not always have to denote a high price point. This family-owned brand created a line of contemporary furniture that was created to stand the test of time. Spanning several design styles, TOV is a one-stop shop for wallet-friendly furniture.
Best Durable Furniture
Sundays Company
Best Durable Furniture
Sundays Company
Price range: $$
Known for: Seating, modern bedding
Sundays is committed to making durable pieces, which can withstand both wear and tear, and the ever-changing trending market. The result is that they have made some of the most comfortable, solution-oriented furniture. While many of their pieces are modern and neutral, they often have a hidden feature, whether that’s extra storage, a fold-out bed, or just truly comfortable seating.
Best Retro-Inspired Furniture Store
Soho Home
Best Retro-Inspired Furniture Store
Soho Home
Price range: $$$
Known for: Retro-inspired design
Soho Home has created a collection of high-end design, that is so intricate and special that its rarely seen in contemporary furniture. An offshoot of Soho House, the members-only clubs scattered across the globe, this furniture brand came about to satisfy their members who wanted to recreate the interior of the homes. The end result is a collection that is luxurious and opulent.
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Best Trendless Furniture Brand
Casterly
Best Trendless Furniture Brand
Casterly
Price range: $
Known for: Contemporary design, high-quality pieces
Tired of endless middlemen and fast-changing furniture trends, the minds behind Casterly decided to create a brand that they would oversee entirely, from production to shipping. With a mix of styles and genres to choose from, Casterly created luxury furniture with reasonable prices, that can withstand trends,
Best Craft-Focused Furniture Brand
Maiden Home
Best Craft-Focused Furniture Brand
Maiden Home
Price range: $$$
Known for: High-quality material
At Maiden Home, every material is hand-chosen for not just its beauty, but for its durability. Every piece of furniture is carefully thought through, and sometimes special artisans must be employed to create never-before-seen materials. Handmade in North Carolina, this brand is keeping heritage and craft alive in their work.
Best Cottagecore Furniture Brand
ABC Carpet & Home
Best Cottagecore Furniture Brand
ABC Carpet & Home
Price range: $$$
Known for: Modern design, luxurious rugs
ABC Carpet & Home is a New York City landmark, known for their rich offerings across luxury rugs and furniture. With an eye both on modern design and on antique shapes, they stock some of the most eye-catching designs on the market. Many of their pieces stray away from minimalism, instead leaning towards the English country style.
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Best Maximalist Furniture
Anthropologie
Best Maximalist Furniture
Anthropologie
Price range: $$
Known for: Patterned, maximalist furniture
Anthropologie is known for their fashion, but their furniture and home decor is some of the most unique on the market. For anyone who wants their home to feel one-of-a-kind and bold, Anthropologie does not shy away from incorporating colors, patterns, or ornate design.
Best Timeless Luxury Furniture Brand
Knoll
Best Timeless Luxury Furniture Brand
Knoll
Price range: $$$
Known for: Bauhaus design
For more than 80 years, husband-and-wife duo Hans and Florence Knoll’s brand has remained committed to Bauhaus designs. Many of the brand’s designs are now replicated by other labels, but the originals continue to reign supreme. With a true eye for modern design, Knoll’s office and dining furniture lines contain some of the brand’s most iconic pieces, like the oft-reproduced Saarinen Dining Table and Barcelona Chair.
Best Modern Luxury Furniture Brand
Eternity Modern
Best Modern Luxury Furniture Brand
Eternity Modern
Price range: $$$
Known for: Modern design, iconic pieces
This online furniture retailer stocks up on some of the most iconic and sought-after designs from throughout history. From Mario Bellini sofas to Le Corbusier daybeds, Eternity Modern makes it easy to source, purchase, and own insiders’ favorite luxury furniture.
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Best Secondhand Luxury Furniture Seller
Chairish
Best Secondhand Luxury Furniture Seller
Chairish
Price range: $$
Known for: Vintage and pre-owned furniture
Chairish makes it easy to shop and sell furniture from truly genius designers, from George Nakashima wooden chairs to the forever-loved Eames lounge chair. Along with vintage items, you can also find contemporary designers sold secondhand at Chairish as well, discovering huge discounts and rare pieces.
Best Danish Luxury Furniture Brand
Audo
Best Danish Luxury Furniture Brand
Audo
Price range: $$
Known for: Scandinavian design
Audo is a Danish furniture brand that embraces its homeland’s eye for minimalist design with a focus on quality materials. The brand brought together several designers and Danish studios to create its furniture and home accessories, from the sheepskin lounge chairs to the stunning wall decor.
Most Customer-Friendly Luxury Furniture Seller
Design Within Reach
Most Customer-Friendly Luxury Furniture Seller
Design Within Reach
Price range: $$
Known for: Luxury furniture, iconic designs
Design Within Reach is the go-to online retailer for luxury furniture. Founded with the intention of bringing online iconic designs that were previously available only in hidden showrooms, Design Within Reach’s collaborations with designers and brands often involve revered interior-design pieces, like the Eames chair.
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Best Classic Luxury Furniture Brand
Roche Bobois
Best Classic Luxury Furniture Brand
Roche Bobois
Price range: $$$
Known for: Made-to-order furniture
With over 200 showrooms across the world, Roche Bobois is a familiar name to luxury furniture lovers. The company sells a wide array of made-to-order furniture and home designs. Across living, bedroom, and office spaces, pieces are so well made, you’ll own them forever. Roche Bobois also believes in full service, offering interior design consultations to help you find the perfect pieces for your home.
Best Art Deco Furniture Brand
Modani
Best Art Deco Furniture Brand
Modani
Price range: $
Known for: Art deco, mid-century modern furniture
Modani was founded by three design lovers who wanted to create an easier way to shop for contemporary luxury furniture. Inspired by art deco style and midcentury modern designs, Modani’s pieces feature angular shapes and minimal ornamentation.
Best Minimal Luxury Furniture Brand
Kartell
Best Minimal Luxury Furniture Brand
Kartell
Price range: $$$
Known for: Environmentally-friendly design
Milan, Italy–based Kartell creates luxury furniture while focusing on minimizing the impact to the environment. The brand’s method? Using innovative materials, such as recycled upholstery and chairs made of coffee waste.
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Best One-of-a-Kind Luxury Furniture Retailer
1st Dibs
Best One-of-a-Kind Luxury Furniture Retailer
1st Dibs
Price range: $$
Known for: Vintage and pre-owned furniture and decor
Shopping for vintage furniture? 1st Dibs is an online retailer that stocks some of the most well-known designs. From the beloved Egg Chair to Victorian dining tables, you can hunt to find a piece that no one else will own. While you’re at it, check out their jewelry and fashion, too.
Best Budget-Friendly Luxury Furniture Brand
CB2
Best Budget-Friendly Luxury Furniture Brand
CB2
Price range: $$
Known for: Trendy design pieces
The luxury little sister to Crate & Barrel, CB2 offers timeless design and quality, without the enormous price tags other brands have. You can often find great deals on piece that create a calm and cool environment for your home without breaking the bank (or skimping on quality).
Best Contemporary Luxury Furniture Brand
Blu Dot
Best Contemporary Luxury Furniture Brand
Blu Dot
Price range: $$
Known for: Modern furniture
Blu Dot is the brand to shop for contemporary, modern furniture designed for color and comfort. The label focuses on classics like cozy sectionals and back-supporting desk chairs, rather than trends; all furniture is designed in-house, emphasizing usability and durability.
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Best British Luxury Furniture Brand
Flash Table Circle Brass
Best British Luxury Furniture Brand
Flash Table Circle Brass
Price range: $$$
Known for: British design
Tom Dixon’s furniture is all about honoring its British roots—the pieces adapt Victorian designs, and Dixon was even awarded an OBE by the late Queen Elizabeth. The brand exclusively sells angular tables and chairs, alongside lighting and home accessories.
Best Trendy Luxury Furniture Brand
Rove Concepts
Best Trendy Luxury Furniture Brand
Rove Concepts
Price range: $$$
Known for: Sustainable, trendy design
For Rove Concepts’ furniture, no detail is too small. A focus on sustainability, innovative materials, and funky design makes it a go-to shop for anyone who wants to invest in their home’s aesthetic. From midcentury modern pieces to bulbous sofas, Rove Concepts makes it easy to shop any home decor style in one place.
Tatjana Freund is Hearst’s Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She’s a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.
Find a place to hang your hat. Then decorate it with the best of the West.
This might not be Texas or a hold-em, but you can still design a place fit for your “Cowboy Carter” era. Whether you’re renting a house in fast-paced Northeastern cities like Philadelphia or an apartment deep in the heart of San Antonio, TX, you can find the cowboy-inspired touches that give your house a rustic, down-home appeal that feels true to your lifestyle.
At Rent., we turned to the experts who specialize in Western design and curated our very best suggestions from them. Our roundup includes interior stylists, art specialists, lifestyle bloggers, and others, so keep reading to see their recommendations.
What’s cowboy chic? Why is it trending?
Western styles such as “cowboy chic” give apartment and home dwellers a mix of cozy, rugged, and lived-in that feels approachable. “After all, it’s the versatility of Western designs that makes this accessible trend popular in the first place, as Lacey Boyer of her eponymous Lacey Boyer Interior Design says. “The popularity of Western decor taps into a broader cultural fascination with nostalgia, authenticity, and a longing for connection to rugged landscapes and simpler times. The enduring appeal of cowboy-chic lies in its versatility. It’s not merely a fleeting trend but a timeless aesthetic that can be adapted to various design sensibilities, from modern rustic to eclectic bohemian.”
It seems that other designers agree. According to Alex Woulf of Sustainably Staged, ” Western decor is poised to make a stylish comeback, and there’s no better time to explore the intersection of heritage-inspired aesthetics and modern design principles. From rugged textures to earthy palettes, there’s a richness and authenticity to Western-inspired interiors that I find utterly captivating.
Laura Medicus of Laura Medicus Interiors, a premier home design studio in Denver, also weighs in: “When Beyonce sings about Levi Jeans and line dancing, we pay attention. Cowboy chic is a cool Western vibe that’s lived in, it embraces vintage finds and is pulled together with dark colors and metallic shine. In 2024, this is inclusive of Western Americana with moody colors, fringe, denim, and worn leather.”
Where to find the Western look and defining characteristics
While anyone can add elements of this aesthetic to their homes, it’s going to feel more authentic in Western or Western-adjacent areas, like the desert areas or the Midwest. With that said, anyone can introduce cowboy-chic to their interior design. No need to gatekeep here!
As Casey Coleford of the California-based design firm, Casey Coleford Interior Design, posits, “Western-themed elements will always have a place in interior design. Whether it be a cowhide rug, wrought iron hardware, or a collection of cowboy hats hung on the wall. Geography also has a lot to do with what you’ll find in any given room: It is expected in heartland states (think Cracker Barrel). Incorporating Western elements pays homage to our settlers, and won’t be affected by music trends.” he says.
According to studio mtn founder Sierra Fox, “Western influence is everywhere, permeating beyond interior design; models dating cowboys, beach girls in cowboy boots, and a vacation on a ranch to see a rodeo is reigning over tropical getaways and city stays.”
While Fox and her team are inclined to protect their own private Idaho, they are also embracing the Western movement as a whole. “For example, studio mtn loves seeing the resurgence of worn leather, the warmth of reclaimed wood and patinated metals, and the timeless allure of rustic finishes. Western style goes beyond just aesthetics — it captures the essence of adventure, resilience, and a connection to nature. When done right, any space can tap into the soulful energy of the American West.”
Try Western rugs for starters
One Western decor idea to try is pretty low-commitment: Simply add a cowboy-chic rug to the floor to see if you fancy this trend. For example, cowhide rugs provide a fresh take on an animal print that feels more on-trend than, say, leopard print.
According to Alicia at Rodeo Cowhide Rugs, “Affordability has also made cowhide rugs more accessible, once seen as luxury items, they are now within reach for a broader audience. Additionally, they align perfectly with the latest design trends, including bohemian chic and Scandinavian minimalism. In particular, as Western themes gain popularity each year, cowhide rugs have become essential for creating an authentic cowboy-inspired decor, enhancing the rugged yet refined aesthetic of Western-themed spaces.”
Add some artwork
Want to display your Western decor more prominently? Dress up your wall with some tapestries or art.
“Western art portrays a unique time in history,” explains renowned Arizona-based artist Miguel Camarena. “The modern western look is trending because of the simplicity and elegance of the rustic modern decor and its simple use of muted colors such as warm and cool greys of the whole hue scale.
An example of this would be my “White Horse” painting. At the same time, there is the opposite end of the spectrum where whimsical and high key colors can add a pop of color and accent to most homes, which is why my “Donkey Collection” has become famous worldwide.”
Look to rustic decor for inspiration
Rustic decor gives your space an unfinished look, whether or not you’re committing to a fully Western decor scheme. Think live-edge dining tables, reclaimed wood furniture, and well-worn leather when curating items.
This style exudes warmth and coziness through its use of organic textures and vintage-inspired furnishings, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of ranch side cottages or lodges set in the mountains. Some rustic decor bleeds into other down-home looks, such as modern farmhouse and shabby chic, allowing DIY designers to play around with different looks to find the self-expression sweet spot.
Bring fashion into your Western decor
“We love seeing ‘cowboy core’ emerging in both fashion and home design,” says Patrick Burch, co-owner of Cave + Post Trading Co., an Arizona-based men’s boutique specializing in American heritage brands. “In our store and in our home, we like to use authentic Western pieces as decor. For example, we love to use cowboy hats from Spur Hats or Lost River Hat Co. as wearable wall art. Guitars mounted on the wall are another fun way to introduce a Western vibe.”
Similarly, Libby Palmieri of House of L Designs talks about how the runway’s influence is energizing the trend beyond the Western states: “As a designer, the usual requests for Western embellishments are typically found in dusty cowboy towns tucked away in Colorado, Montana, and Utah where home design can embrace the fantasy and bring the landscape strokes inside.
Now, however, the influence of runway fashion in the house of Louis Vuitton (for starters) with Pharrell at the helm and his Western-themed men’s spring 2024 retro cowboy collection and the music industry, with Beyonce’s new release of ‘Cowboy Carter,’ that is all about to change.”
Just how much will pop culture influence Western decor?
“As a roofer who’s seen a fair share of houses over the years, I’d say trends come and go faster than a Texas tumbleweed,” says Brendan Anderson of Montana-based roofing company Brix Systems. “Now, this Beyonce country album buzz sure is something new. I wouldn’t say it’ll cause a full-on stampede toward Western decor, but it could definitely spur some folks on the fence. Here’s why…”
Celebrity influence is powerful: Anderson continues, “Beyonce’s a huge star, and when she shines a light on something, people notice. It can spark interest in people who might not have considered Western style before.”
Rustic charm allure: “Western decor already has a certain timeless appeal. The worn leather, natural textures, and warm colors create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This might resonate with folks lookin’ for a more comfortable, down-home feel.”
Subtle shift, not a roundup: “I wouldn’t expect folks to overhaul their whole house. More likely, we’ll see a sprinkle of Western influence – fringe on throw pillows, a rustic coffee table, or maybe some weathered barnboard on an accent wall.”
Anderson goes on to explain why pop culture influence might not supersede more practical considerations, like maintenance needs, location, or budget:
Maintenance matters: “Western decor often features natural materials like leather and wood. These require more upkeep than, say, laminate flooring or synthetic fabrics. Folks gotta be prepared to put in the extra effort.”
Regional appeal: “The Western aesthetic might not translate everywhere. Sure, it fits perfectly in ranch houses and cabins, but might feel out of place in a beach bungalow or a modern loft.”
Budget considerations: “Genuine Western furniture and antiques can be pricey. Most folks will likely stick to accents and accessories, which can be more affordable.”
Commenting on the recent interest in Western decor ideas, Patrick Burch of Cave + Post Trading also adds, “Shows like Yellowstone were already popularizing Western fashion and design, and Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” is feeding that trend. Subtle Western touches go with so many styles — just like in fashion. You can add accent pieces to your home that don’t overwhelm, but add a cool Western touch.”
Maggie McCombs is the managing editor at Rent., where she oversees the content calendar and production schedule for three high-traffic websites. She studied linguistics and Spanish at the University of Georgia, where she learned the fundamentals of languages like Arabic, Latin, French and Old English and mastered Spanish literature. Since college, Maggie has developed a strong portfolio of blogs and journalistic pieces alike. Outside of work, Maggie spends time playing video games (especially anything Zelda!), competing in trivia contests, listening to audiobooks, exploring new cities and relaxing with her husband, dogs and cat.
Inside: Explore financial independence: Unveil why a debt-free life could be your path to riches, with practical strategies for lasting wealth without owing. Perfect for millennials or those new to managing money.
In an era where financial burdens weigh heavily on so many, adopting a lifestyle of debt-free living emerges as the modern epitome of wealth.
I’ve come to understand that true affluence isn’t just measured by the amount of dollars in your bank account, but by the freedom from the chains of debt. It’s not just about strict budgeting or cutting corners; it’s about the elevated sense of security and control that comes from owing nothing to anyone.
Encountering the peace of mind that accompanies a debt-free life has indeed propelled our financial well-being and moved us closer to our FI number.
But, the question for today, is being debt free the new rich, and the secret to true wealth. Let’s dig into that answer.
Debt-Free as the Gateway to Modern Affluence
In the past, wealth was often measured by the accumulation of material possessions and the perceived status they conferred.
Today, however, there’s a growing recognition that true affluence lies in financial freedom. Redefining wealth to include the absence of debt reflects a holistic understanding of prosperity in today’s economy.
Is being debt-free the new rich?
The question “Is being debt-free the new rich?” is more relevant than ever in a society enmeshed with credit and consumption.
Being debt-free signals a shift from traditional wealth, defined by material possessions, to a contemporary form of richness—one where financial stability and peace of mind take precedence.
Yes, being debt free will lead to increased wealth over time.
Debunking the Myth: Rich vs. Debt-Free
Many hinge their perceptions of wealth on income and assets without considering the crippling effects of debt. Being rich traditionally meant having substantial financial resources, but without considering debt, this view is incomplete.
Many individuals labor under misconceptions about living a debt-free life, believing it to be a goal that’s out of reach or mired in unrealistic sacrifices.
Let’s dispel these myths and highlight how a debt-free life is not only achievable but also a liberating choice that defies conventional financial norms.
Myth #1: You need a credit card to survive in today’s economy.
Many people believe a credit card is essential for building credit and making daily purchases. However, if you are unable to repay that credit card bill at the end of the month, then you shouldn’t use one.
Credit cards are helpful especially if you benefit from the credit card rewards. Many millionaires used the cash envelope system to get where they are at.
Myth #2: Student loans are the only path to higher education.
The notion that college is unaffordable without borrowing is widespread, yet there are numerous alternatives to student loans for funding education.
Learn how to get paid to go to school with scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and attending community college first. These are all viable strategies to pursue higher education without incurring massive debt.
Myth #3: Car payments are an unavoidable monthly expense.
Car payments are often accepted as a normal part of finance management, but it’s a myth that you’ll always have one. This one still makes me cringe – car payments are not considered normal.
By saving up and purchasing a reliable used vehicle, many can avoid the cycle of car loans, and even if a loan is necessary, paying it off quickly can relieve you from years of ongoing payments.
Myth #4: Debt is a necessary tool to achieve financial success.
Contrary to the belief that leveraging debt is how wealthy individuals build their empires, many successful people use debt strategically, if at all.
It’s possible to accumulate wealth through saving, investing wisely, and living within one’s means, all without relying on debt. Building wealth debt-free is slower but more stable and reduces the risks associated with borrowing.
Plus it increases the debt-to-income ratio.
Myth #5: Paying Off Debt is Too Hard and Takes Forever
Paying off debt utilizing strategies such as the debt snowball or avalanche method instead of waiting is crucial for several reasons.
Both approaches provide structured plans that create discipline, making it less overwhelming to tackle debt systematically. Paying off debts faster with these methods typically reduces the total interest paid over time, leading to significant savings.
Moreover, the quicker you become debt-free, the sooner you can redirect your income toward building wealth, saving for the future, or investing in opportunities. Finally, the psychological boost from witnessing debts disappear can be incredibly motivating, improving your financial confidence and relieving stress associated with high levels of debt.
Myth #6: Pointless to Pay Off Debt if Making More on the Money
Paying off debt can sometimes seem counterintuitive, especially if you’re making more on your money through investments or savings compared to the interest on your debt. While from a purely mathematical standpoint, it may make financial sense to keep the debt and grow your investments, the freedom from being debt-free transcends numbers.
However, the psychological benefits of not owing money—such as reduced stress, increased mental well-being, and the peace of mind that comes with financial security—often outweigh the potential financial gains from investing.
Debt can feel like a burden, and removing this can lead to a clearer mindset, freeing up mental energy and resources to focus on other aspects of life.
Myth #7: I’ll Be Broke Forever
Overcoming “I am broke” mindset to achieve debt freedom often requires a substantial shift in both behavior and perspective.
It involves breaking the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck and resisting instant gratification by prioritizing financial goals over immediate desires. Replacing impulsive spending habits with disciplined budgeting and intentional saving can be a challenging, yet empowering transition.
This transformation not only demands goal-setting but also a deep understanding that possessions do not measure true wealth but by financial security and the freedom it brings.
Myth #8 – Debt Won’t Limit Your Financial Freedom
Debt often acts as a chain that restricts monetary mobility.
Carrying debt means committing future earnings to past expenses, limiting the ability to invest in opportunities or save for unforeseen events.
True financial freedom can only be found when these chains are broken, unlocking the full potential to use your income to shape the life you desire. This is what you will learn here at Money Bliss.
Strategies for Achieving a Debt-Free Life
Achieving a debt-free life involves setting clear, attainable goals, exercising self-restraint to avoid unnecessary expenditures, and creating a focused plan of action to eliminate existing debts.
By embracing contentment and understanding that happiness isn’t tied to material possessions, one can redirect funds towards paying off debts, paving the way for a life with greater financial independence and security.
Tip #1 – From Calculating Debts to Making a Payoff Plan
Embarking on the journey to debt freedom begins with a clear assessment of your financial landscape. It’s essential to compile a comprehensive list of your debts, noting balances, interest rates, and minimum payments.
Armed with this information, constructing a tailored payoff plan becomes your blueprint to financial liberation. Taking this active step forward is where the climb back to solvency begins.
Tip #2 – Overcoming Social Pressures and Lifestyle Inflation
Social pressures and lifestyle inflation are formidable obstacles in the pursuit of debt freedom.
The urge to spend is often magnified by the fear of missing out (FOMO) and the desire to match others’ spending habits (aka Joneses). Overcoming these cultural norms is critical for individuals determined to maintain financial health and resist the lure of indebtedness.
Tip #3 – Budgeting, Saving, and Earning More
Budgeting is the roadmap to tracking and controlling your spending while saving ensuring you’re prepared for the future. Consider it carving a path to financial freedom.
Earning more, whether through advancement in your current role or side hustles, accelerates debt repayment. Balancing these pillars is key – spend wisely, save diligently, and earn aggressively to break the chains of debt.
Tip #4 – The Shift Towards Minimalism and Non-Materialism
A growing number of individuals are embracing minimalism, finding richness in life’s experiences over the accumulation of goods.
This paradigm shift from materialism to non-materialism spotlights the value of simplicity and intentional living. It’s a conscious choice to prioritize quality over quantity, creating space for financial freedom and personal growth.
Tip #5 – Investing and Saving: The Vehicles for Sustainable Wealth
Once debt is cleared, saving and investing become the twin engines driving the journey toward sustainable wealth. This is the #1 overlooked thing I see too often.
The idea of investing in stocks is overwhelming to too many; thus, you are doing nothing with your money.
A savings account offers a cushion against life’s uncertainties, while investments can grow your wealth exponentially over time. By harnessing the power of compound interest and diversification, you’re not just avoiding financial pitfalls but actively building your monetary legacy.
Tip #6 – The Necessary Sacrifices for Long-Term Gain
Achieving debt freedom often requires sacrifices that can test your resolve in the short term. I can attest to this over and over. But, then I see progress on my journey and I’m grateful.
Whether it’s forgoing a luxury purchase, downsizing your living space, or choosing a staycation over a lavish holiday, these decisions contribute to a greater financial objective. Embracing necessary sacrifices paves the road to long-term gain and a richer future, free from financial constraints.
Tip #7 – Leveraging a Debt-Free Status for Financial Growth
Living debt-free opens doors to financial opportunities previously blocked by loan repayments and high interest rates. You are focused on improving your liquid net worth.
This status can be leveraged for growth by increasing investments, acquiring assets, or starting a business without the drag of debt. It’s about transforming newfound liquidity into channels that foster wealth expansion and provide long-term financial security.
Real Stories: Transformations from Debt to Wealth
The tales of debt freedom resonate with hope and inspiration.
Imagine the relief of one less bill in the mailbox or the pride in finally owning your car outright. These personal anecdotes serve as powerful testaments to the life-altering impact of paying off debt.
Scott Alan Turner felt trapped by student loans for years, only to transform their financial narrative by dedicating extra payments to their debt and eventually questioning every single impulse purchase.
Each story underscores a unique journey of dedication, strategy, and eventual liberation that changes lives fundamentally.
The Ripple Effect on Families and Future Generations
Debt freedom not only transforms individual lives but also sends ripples through families and across generations.
Free from financial burdens, parents can invest in better education for their children, save for their own retirement, and instill the value of living within one’s means. Creating a new family legacy.
FAQ: Embracing a Debt-Free and Wealthy Outlook
Being truly debt-free means you have no outstanding financial obligations—no loans, no credit card balances, and no debts lingering over your head.
It reflects a clean slate of financial commitments, allowing for unrestricted use of your income and providing a robust platform for financial growth and security.
While happiness is subjective, studies consistently link less debt to higher levels of contentment. 1
People without debt often report a greater sense of peace and well-being, liberated from the anxieties and constraints associated with debt. Freeing oneself from financial liabilities allows for a lifestyle focused on experiences and personal fulfillment, factors known to enhance happiness.
It is generally advantageous to be completely debt-free, as it alleviates financial stress, increases disposable income, and contributes to a solid foundation for building wealth. Without the burden of debt repayments, individuals can allocate funds to savings, investments, or personal passions, enhancing their overall quality of life and financial stability.
Avoiding debt is often seen as countercultural because society promotes a credit-fueled economy, where debt is normalized for consumption and lifestyle enhancement.
Challenging this norm by rejecting debt goes against these ingrained beliefs, embracing financial independence and self-reliance over societal expectations and instant gratifications.
Freedom from Debts
Clearing up this confusion underscores the significance of being debt-free as a true indication of financial health and prosperity.
Embracing a debt-free life is not merely about financial stability—it’s about the profound sense of freedom and the joy that comes with it.
Being free from debt is your ticket to robust retirement savings, potentially leading to an earlier and more comfortable retirement.
The ultimate luxury lies in this liberty; the contentment from knowing you live within your means, free from the shackles of debt. Achieving this might require discipline, setting clear goals, and a commitment to self-restraint, but the payoff is unparalleled.
If this vision inspires you, why not start that journey to financial independence today? Each step, no matter how small, moves you closer to realizing your dreams without the weight of debt steering your course.
Now, the time is for you to become the next millionaire with no money.
Source
Motley Fool. “Study: The Psychological Cost of Debt.” https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/research/study-psychological-cost-debt/. Accessed March 14, 2024.
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We tapped designers, furniture makers, and even Shea McGee for their expert knowledge on the hottest trends of 2024.
Have you ever looked around your living room and suddenly realized it was overwhelmingly outdated? You’re no expert, so whatexactly was out of style might have been hard to put your finger on — was it that lampshade with the tassels you found in your mom’s storage unit 10 years ago, or maybe the shag rug you bought when your 10-year-old was first born? — but you knew. While it might’ve just hit you, we don’t mean to alarm you but it’s possible your home decor has been out of style for a while. Just like fashion trends, interior design fads change rapidly.
Unlike fashion, however, interior design is more of a niche interest and its evolution isn’t exhibited as widely as it is for other style sectors, like apparel or accessories. Maybe it’s because what you wear is more often on display than what’s donning your walls. But if you have to look at it every day, you should like what you see. And if a room is looking dull to you, we’re here to help you bring it back to life.
Don’t worry, we’re not about to suggest you overhaul your house every season (or every year, or even few years, for that matter). Sure, something that’s “in” today can go out of style tomorrow, but swapping out a couch to stay current isn’t exactly practical for your budget or the environment. Thankfully, there are small tweaks you can make to ensure your space feels fresh, even if you keep the majority of your furnishings the same. Take it from Byron and Dexter Peart, twin brothers and co-founders of ethical home goods marketplace Goodee: “We generally don’t approach interior design in terms of aesthetic trends but are more of a mindset or philosophy that supersedes the physical style and appearance of spaces,” they tell Katie Couric Media. “We believe that when designed with purpose, interiors have the power to encourage experiences and enhance well-being.”
Sometimes, it’s about bucking the trends entirely. Rob Natale, chief of design at furniture brand Sixpenny (whose chic, ethically sourced couches you may have stalked on Instagram), says, “If a style speaks to you, go for it! Don’t worry if it is or was trendy.” He adds, “Go with your gut and fill your home with things that make you happy — except maybe bouclé, with all due respect to bouclé. It was really trendy there for a while.”
Abbey Stark, interior design lead at IKEA, prioritizes making a house feel like a true home and a reflection of the people who live there. “Let’s leave behind anything that doesn’t reflect your personal style. Homes should speak to your aesthetic and tell your story.”
If you want an update that will be on-trend, catch up on and shop the latest innovations below.
The Biggest Interior Design Trends of 2024
Color Play
“We’ve been living in a beautifully neutral world for the last several years, and while the minimalism of a soothing palette will always be a classic, I anticipate far more emphasis on colors, mixed patterns, and bold spaces,” says Natale, who at his own brand offers an array of gem-toned slipcovers to easily change up the look of your furniture as you see fit.
Considering that Stark hails from IKEA, she naturally leans into the Scandi design style, which is “focused on being joyful, expressive, colorful, and contemporary.” She suggests combining bright and muted tones to give the vintage style a refreshed appearance. “Think colored glass, warm wood tones, and muted color palettes with fresh, new pops of color.”
If you’re more of a decor extremist, you’ll appreciate Kelley Mason’s approach. The associate art director at Lulu and Georgia leans into what she dubs “color drenching,” where you decorate a room with a single color throughout “for tonal saturation.” In other words, say goodbye to boring, neutral spaces!
Indoor Meets Outdoor
“We’re excited to see a continued shift in blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living,” Byron and Dexter Peart say. “Whether your home has a lush backyard garden, rooftop terrace, or balcony, outdoor furniture and furnishings like weather-resistant rugs, durable cushions made of recycled materials, and durable tableware with keen design sensibility create comfortable and inviting outdoor oases.”
They mention that plant-filled interiors aren’t going anywhere, either. “This not only brings the natural environment inside but also encourages healthy breathing and provides calming benefits as we tend to our indoor gardens.”
Natale agrees: “Bringing the outside in will always be in style, so selecting a color palette based on the nature around you is such a wonderful way to make a space come alive.”
Want to get this look on a budget? Mason has some great advice: “My favorite tip to update your space without spending any money is to go foraging for florals and greenery. In your own backyard, the neighbor’s house (with approval of course!), the local park, or beyond, a quick snip of a sculptural branch or bouquet of wildflowers will give dramatic impact to any space and it’s totally free.”
Threshold designed with Studio McGee Outdoor Umbrella
$90 at Target
Functional Beauty
It should be no surprise, but a home should look and feel livedin — it shouldn’t have the sterility of a museum. “We’re all getting more accustomed to the idea of home serving multiple purposes,” Natale says. “Many of us still work from home for at least a few days each week. Investing in products that can subtly transform a room and turn it into a multi-functional space is such a fantastic way to get more use out of it.”
If you have kids or grandkids (like Katie!), you may understand that loose toys and games can quickly swallow a space, so children and their things are often relegated to a certain area to try and contain the chaos. However, that practice is definitely changing. “We’re excited to see more of an emergence of intergenerational living spaces that welcome and encourage grown-ups and the little ones to work, rest, and play together in common areas,” the Pearts say.
As we know, a lot of people are choosing not to have children these days — but this trend doesn’t only apply to humans. “Notably, this communal orientation is also becoming more evident with our four-legged family members: Pet furniture like beds, floor mattresses, blankets, and toys are now being made with eco-conscious materials, design sensibility, and artful aesthetics, a welcome integration into thoughtful households,” they note.
You can also interpret this trend as incorporating washable furniture and rugs, dual-purpose designs, or artfully displaying essential kitchenware. Heck, even storage bins for kids’ toys have become more stylish.
Tennis Prep
You’ve most likely heard of both “quiet luxury” and “tenniscore” in terms of fashion, but have you thought about incorporating some of these trends’ key principles into your interior design? Shea McGee, the interior designer behind McGee & Co. says, “TikTok calls this tenniscore, and though it’s mainly a fashion trend, we’re incorporating the racquet club aesthetic into our interior styling.” Don’t worry, that doesn’t mean decorating your living room with sports goods.
McGee explains, “In the closet, you’ll find this trend in cable-knit sweaters, loafers, pleated skirts, and tube socks. In interiors, you’ll find it in crisp whites, creams, playful greens, cabana stripes, rattan, chambray, and pristine lawns.”
Mason is also a fan but notes you can embrace it subtly by “taking traditional preppy details and combining them with modern details, luxe materials, and moody tones.” She adds, “I love this look with patterned upholstery, vintage oil paintings, and touches of metal and leather.”
Threshold designed with Studio McGee Rialto Woven Chair
$280 at Target
Independent and Local Designers
The boom of direct-to-consumer furniture, bedding, and just about anything else you can think of has certainly made it easier to shop online, but the experience and designs can lack intimacy and individuality. Lots of designers are stepping away from products that can easily be bought en masse from big box stores, opting instead to shop vintage or go to local artisans for products they need.
“As social media continues to accelerate and amplify seemingly endless and short-lived interior design trends, what we’re most excited to see is an emergence of interest in and discovery of local and global artisan-made crafts,” the Pearts say. “We love home goods that embody the stories, spirit, and traditions of the makers that create them.”
This trend can take form in how you approach sustainability: “It’s easy to prioritize the performance fabrics [that big box stores tend to offer], especially in homes with pets and kids, but as we all continue to make more conscious decisions about the materials we live with, the more attractive all-natural, non-chemically-coated fabrics become,” Natale explains. And those can be harder to find online.
Hand-woven baskets, hand-quilted blankets, hand-carved wooden trays, hand-painted ceramic bowls, and handblown glassware resonate with those looking for a deep, meaningful human connection between their belongings and those who make them. Take it from the Pearts: “So often, high-trending interiors have a sameness and repetitive nature; a living space well adorned with artful crafts has a unique ability to add color, texture, whimsy and personality to one’s home.”
For McGee, she’s seeing an emphasis on crafts originating from Italy, probably thanks in part to Tomato Girl Summer and White Lotus season 2. “Italian-inspired design is back in a big way, in ways that are both nostalgic and contemporary. You’ll be seeing this a lot in elements like Murano glass, ironwork, plaster, ceiling medallions, marble, and busts or sculptures,” she says.