for what it's worth...

furnishing my house was probably the cheapest part of making a home.
after the nightmare with the $1000 sofa (you know, the one that FELL APART and the chain furniture store i bought it from did NOTHING to help solve the problem, that sofa..) i decided to look second hand for my furniture needs.
it was a great decision.
so here's what i've got and...how much i paid for it.

living room:
red sofa thing: most expensive piece acquired at a discount furniture store. (part of a sectional): $90red and while sofa: gift from a friend (who bought it at a rummage sale for $5)
coffee table: trunk purchased from a rummage sale, Plexiglas laid on top. total cost: $18
tv stand: old raido cabinet, repainted, rummage sale: $7
other 3 tables: 2 new metal tables from gordmans: maybe $10, wooden table from rummage sale:$2
cedar bench/chest: cousins curb: free
lamps: rummage sale: total $13
curtains: goodwill, set of 2: $6
bookshelves: work was getting rid of them: free
rug: tapestry/rag rugs sewn together, rummage sale/menards: $8
living room total: $154

kitchen:
fridge, microwave: new  (free fridge broke one easter sunday.)$530
island: antique store, old icebox, repainted: $15
bench: free
cabinet/kitty litterbox protector, old radio cabinet, painted: free
oven: friends remodeled kitchen: free
shelves: some hand built, others purchased: $16
spice rack w/ jars: rummage: $3
pantry/basement stairs(not shown): shelving components, menards: approx $20
lighting: rummage, ikea: $11
canisters: rummage $2
kitchen total: $597.
(without fridge: $97)

dining room/library/study:
lighting: chandelier, menards clearance: $80, owl lamp: flea market, repainted $5. total: $85
table: clearance,?, outdoor bistro table missing chairs: $15
misc chairs/bench: thrift store: $18
dishes cabinet(not shown): antique store, old wardrobe, repainted, store bought shelving unit plopped inside: $17
shelving unit: goodwill, repainted: $3
misc tables/computer desk(not shown): old end tables, repainted, radio cabinet (they're backless and obviously quite versatile and handy!) parents basement, repainted: free
writing desk: parents basement: free (new favorite thing!)
computer: work upgrade: free(!)
total: $138


key things to remember when looking for an item:

*buy what you need when you can, and if you find something better you can always upgrade. re-purpose the old one, sell it, donate it, or find someone else who can use it.

*never underestimate the wonder of your parents basement!

*just ask! social networking sites are perfect for this kind of thing! "i'm looking for a ___. does anyone have one they want to get rid of?" has landed me a computer and a awesome new bike. again, let people help you.
i'm sure you have something sitting around taking up space that you'd love to be rid of. other people do too. believe it or not, often times you're actually doing each other a mutual favor.

*pick a color scheme for accessories. then pick up a can of spray paint in that color.  
 viola! in about 5 minutes gross-colored flea market treasures match your scheme beautifully!
spray paint is one of my most indispensable tools...

 *use your imagination. i have an old wardrobe in my kitchen holding my dishes, and a chest as a coffee table.
think beyond an items intended purpose and you could give it new life...while adding interest to yours!

the best thing about scavenging is that all of these expenses, though small, are spread out over a period of time. and, because you didn't pay a lot for anything, if it gets broken or worn out, it's no big deal.
there is also something deeply satisfying about finding something inexpensive, fixing it up and making it your own. making it worth something.
and finally, it's also kind of awesome to have everything in your home have it's own story to tell.
-oh, and it's super fun.

so go! scavenge! recycle!

happy hunting,
jen