The Secret to Decorating Your Dream Apartment Without Breaking the Bank

Let's start from the beginning. I moved to NYC right out of college-- aka no job. Aka broke. I'm not ashamed to mention I was a bit spoiled in my former life. I was quite accustom to the spacious and glorious life of the burbs in Chicago, so moving to the big apple and having to pay Manhattan rent was a pretty rude awakening. My first apartment was a studio in a walk up apartment in the Lower East side. But I didn't live in this tiny studio alone. Nope. I SHARED it. YES you heard me right-- I SHARED the studio apartment with a roommate. And a couple harmless mice. My roomate and I were both pursuing acting at the time, and we were willing to do whatever it took to make it in the big city. My uncomfortable mattress was too small for the platform bed that was left in the apartment by the former tenant. Her bed was literally a rock-hard couch that folded into a bed. We didn't have room to stand between the beds. We also didn't have much furniture or accessories, but still... somehow someone thought our stuff was worth taking, so we got robbed. SO you can probably imagine how I dreamed of having my ideal apartment in Manhattan one day. I fantasized about a comfy princess bed in my OWN bedroom, a kitchen with a real table, a separate living room, and an overall decor that fit my style. WELL FRIENDS, 4 years later...my dream has come true! I officially have my dream apartment and I am so excited to share it with you guys!

After lots of hard work, and with the help of my roommates, we found the PERFECT place for us in Manhattan and I was so excited to make this new apartment my "project."

Our homes should not only make us happy, but they should reflect our unique personalities. In my mind, I'm fancy. (A lot fancier than my bank account says I am). So why shouldn't I surround myself with a little luxury?

My mom always told me that regardless of your financial situation, you should create a comfy, luxurious bed. After all, we spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping.

I took her advice and found the perfect headboard, mattress, and heavenly duvet. And here's the best part... Every piece of furniture and accessory in my apartment is affordable!

My first secret to decorating on a budget is this...Never pay for delivery! Many online stores offer free delivery.

Typically, good quality headboards and mattresses can cost anywhere from $1000 and up! I found my princess bed ON SALE for under $500. #WINNING My bed is from Joss and Main.

Shop my bed here !

I wanted a classic L shaped couch...perfect for extending my legs while watching my crappy reality TV shows while enjoying a big bowl of popcorn.

Shop my couch here !

A rug pulls any room together-- my rug is currently out of stock but here is one VERY similar from Joss and Main (same place I got mine) For my particular living room, I purchased a 5' by 8' size.

Shop a similiar rug here !

I have an obsession with anything mirrored... so I was thrilled when I laid my eyes on this nightstand/dresser. My aunt actually found this gem at a garage sale for 80 bucks! Here is a similar one from Overstock. They also have this look at Home Goods, Wayfair, and Joss and Main.

Shop a similar mirrored nightstand here !

Here's another secret. Strategically placed mirrors can make your apartment look double it's size. One of my favorite pieces in an any apartment is a full length oversized mirror. We have 3 in our apartment... one in each room. You just lay it against a wall, and BAM! It looks chic AF. My specific mirror in my room is another gem my aunt found at a flea market for less than $100, but here is one similar.

Shop a similar mirror here !

For artwork, decorations, candles, etc. my favorite places to shop are Anthropologie, Esty, Urban Outfitters, and random boutiques.

These Chanel Books are perfect for a coffee table... and these mugs are EVERYTHING !

HAPPY SHOPPING !!