There are so many design bloggers out there with stunning home tours, and it can be hard not to compare. I often think of what my own home would look like if I had the funds to make it happen. Oh how fun that would be! Now don’t get me wrong, I do love the challenge of designing on a tight budget, but there is no denying that a top-notch home tour can be helpful in the blog world!
I know there are some pretty simple guidelines to keeping a blog successful and readers intrigued, but I often find myself waffling back and forth on committing to those. I am the worst with keeping a series running regularly, and I tend to be more of a “fly by the seat of my pants” blogger. My current blog goals are to create more consistency, post more regularly about home projects, and check in more often with updates from design projects.
So, I would love your input. What keeps you around these parts? Thrifty finds? DIY projects? Design inspiration? I know it can’t possibly be my awful writing skills 🙂 Please share!
xo,
Just like you said, we’d all love to have a big dream home and budget to decorate it the way we want…
But, like you, I have a small apartment and a limited budget and therefore I have to be creative and do most of the work around the decorating by myself.
So, in other blogs I`m looking for inspiration for projects that are not very expensive and which don`t take too much of my time ( I am a working girl and mum).
I really think that all of us, in other blogs, looking for some fresh and great ideas for decorations(even those who have big homes at the beginning of the story) because the most valuable things we have is things we created on our own.
Hugs,
Vesna
Thanks so much for your input! Once we move to California I really hope to up my Home Projects category, I know those are such a hit!
Danielle, I can completely relate. Between Pinterest, Instagram, and the many other blogs out there, it’s easy to let comparison steal your joy. But I love your blog because it’s relatable and more importantly, achievable. It’s refreshing to see that it doesn’t require a large amount of money to make my space look pretty and stylish. I come to your blog for inspiration – whether it’s through DIY projects, thrifty finds, or e-designs. You’re doing a great job! Thank you for all of your hard work in keeping up with this space 🙂
Thanks so much! I really appreciate your feedback, it is helpful to hear what people are liking!
LOVE your style Danielle!! I love everything you post 🙂
Right back at you!!
I love your decorating style and I especially love that you do it on a thrifty budget. I think realistically most people don’t have tons of money to spend on decorating so it’s refreshing to find a blog that shows you how to do it on a budget and still make it look amazing. I love your DIY things and your suggestions for cute cheap things to buy. I just recently found your blog and it’s one of my very favorites already!
Thank you! So glad you like my thrifty posts, I must admit I get the most excited to write those!
I hear ya girl! We have been so fortunate to receive a lot of nice furniture from my parents and in-laws. Of course none of it is my style and everything we purchase ourselves has to be crazy low budget. We don’t have the money right now to slipcover a hand me down wing chair and it stinks. And don’t get me started on clothes. I always feel so off posting a $1200 chair that I loooove but could never buy myself. But I love to post what I love. So hard.
I love your style and find myself really inspired by you. You prove that DIY and budget items pulled together in the right way can make any space feel special. That’s talent my dear.
I’ve tried so hard to stay organized and on a blog schedule but that’s just not me. So I guess that’s just not my blog either. I actually find series and “column’s” boring. I like the unexpected 🙂
It’s funny, I always think about what kind of furniture I would buy if I could just get something I really wanted…or how would my design style change. Glad to hear you like the unexpected…I am only good at that! 🙂
you’ve got to remember though when you see the “design bloggers” home tours that its a lot of smoke and mirrors…meaning they stage it to get the perfect looking picture. while that provides great eye candy and pinterest worthy pins I appreciate it when bloggers keep it real and on a budget. I prefer knock offs and deals any day to spending money I don’t have to. that’s what keeps me reading the blogs I do.
So true, although I find myself doing that a little as well. The only difference is that my 6 accessories move around from room to room! Ha! Thanks for sticking around here, I really appreciate it.
I know, I wish I had endless funds to design the space of my dreams…but so not reality! Everything in my home is a DIY, or a budget-friendly find…not too much splurging goes on around these parts. I love your blog and always read it, so I don’t think you are doing anything wrong at all! xo Kristin
And you do it SOOO well! I can’t wait to share you home tour!
You’re approachable AND your stuff is gorgeous, but attainable for most.
Thanks Lee! You are the best.
I can absolutely relate. We have a small home and always on a tight decorating budget too so I am always on the hunt for nice, inexpensive items. I like all your posts, so don’t change anything. Keep up the good work!
Jessie
http://www.mixandchic.com
So glad you like it! I feel you on the small home. I swear sometimes I dream of square footage!
I feel like I can relate more to your style and the fact that you put together such amazing looks on a budget. It’s realistic and feels like I could have that too! =) You’re doing great work so thanks for sharing with us!
Thanks! I’ll definitely keep up with the thrifty posts, seems to be a big hit!
I love your style Danielle! You are an inspiration to so many, myself included, even if we’re not the best at commenting! I love to see designer’s wish lists or recommendations even if it’s out of their personal budget. Do you passionately girl!
Yes, I do think I need to post more of my wish list items, I love that idea. Thanks!
I don’t think you need to change a single thing. You have amazing style and money can’t buy that! 🙂
Oh how I love you! You really are the best and always leaving positive comments! Thanks so much.
Honestly you are the one that keeps us around here! I love your voice and authenticity as well as your design style. I appreciate that you make design approachable, affordable, livable and realistic. It is hard to find that sometimes in the design blogosphere. I also love your sweet and cheerful spirit that never seems to waiver even though I know that you live under sometimes stressful conditions with a husband away at school a lot and not a ton of money. My parents lived that lifestyle for years while my dad was in school, residency and fellowship and I know that it is not always easy!
That is so sweet of you to say. I love to hear about people that went through residency/fellowship! It makes me believe that we actually can survive this journey. Thanks so much for your kind words, greatly appreciated.
My input on the regular posts (like the same theme every Tues, etc) is that I don’t really care about that. I prefer you blog about what you see at that moment or a good deal, rather than having to find a house tour do a tour of every week.
Good to know! I really thought people preferred a schedule but it isn’t seeming that way!
I love when you post thrifty finds and how to projects! I’m a girl on a budget, and to know I can create a perfect space for less, is amazing! I prefer your site over a lot of designer bloggers, because you show affordability. Yeah, while some of those sites look great.. I can never do what they do from a budget stand point!
I really need to post more DIY projects! With our temporary living situation it has been tough to really settle in. I can’t wait to move and make things a little more permanent.
I feel ya, girl! Your home is beautiful. It’s not about the amount of money you put into it, it’s your well thought out decor and creativity that counts! I love your idea boards, sale finds, and home tour photos! Basically, I love it all! Keep doing what you’re doing. Perhaps you could come up with a weekly schedule (Monday – sale finds, Tuesday – idea/design board, Wednesday – DIY, etc)! But keep doing what you’re doing, because it’s great! 🙂
I have tried to do a schedule so many times, not sure why I can’t seem to stick to it. I do manage to whip out a Thrifty Tuesday as often as I can…it is something to work towards for sure! Thanks!
I love your fresh, clean style! Keep doing what you’re doing, that’s why we love you!
Thank you!!!
I love your blog just as it is. I think we pressure ourselves when we think we need to be more structured. I’ve felt the same, however I think our blog readers love our voice… not necessarily a weekly feature. xo
I love you! I really would love to just move in with you for a month and learn form that amazingly creative brain of yours! You are awesome!
“I like [your blog] very much. Just as [it is]!” like Mark Darcy said! But seriously, I just found your blog this past week and love your affordable finds and am going through your archives every night! We are on a tight budget too and furnish our home with finds from Craigslist, Overstock, Ikea, and Target too (with a couple splurges in there from when we both were working). But now on one income, I totally feel your sentiment. I actually waited to start blogging for probably two years because I felt like my house wasn’t blog worthy. I am slowly becoming less and less self-conscious of it, and have lately been quite proud of how far we can stretch a dollar. Don’t force a weekly column. What people tune in for is your authentic style and finds. Love your home, and as a fellow renter and a small-space dweller (my post today–link below) I love that you share it on the web. I too dream about what I could do with a big budget and large spacious rooms with tall ceilings; but, know that you could do it, and one day will be able to! Thanks for sharing!
Annie
http://allthebigandsmallthings.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-we-do-it-raising-baby-in-small-space.html
So glad you stuck around! I do feel my proudest when I create something on a dime, it is such a great feeling! I can’t wait to check out your home tour!
Thank you for your honesty! What keeps me coming back are projects from your own home, DIY and your thrift finds. I love the personal touch.
Thank you!!
You’re the real deal! Love seeing what you are able to do with real-life funds and time. Keep it coming!
Thanks Jenna! Miss you guys.
It’s the thrifty finds and DIYs for me! I feel like you’re a designer with a “real” budget who understands we all have to watch our pennies!
Thanks for sticking around! I really appreciate your feedback!
I’m on a budget too and I’m constantly inspired with how much style you can create without breaking the bank. And I love when you point out online deals and sales. Everything that you’re doing is what’s keeping us coming back for more : ]
Oh so sweet, thanks so much!
I never comment but you need to know that I love your blog and check it every day! I love that you give sources, I feel like some bloggers are kind of sneaky about telling us where to find stuff so thank you!! Keep blogging, you are fantastic!
So glad you left a comment! There really is nothing better as a blogger than some good old comments everyone in a while! I will do my best to continue to post sources, I love my readers to get in on the good deals too!
I think it’s perfect, as is!! I love your brief writing style, I get lost on too much verbage.
Yes, brief is so me! I am not so good with words so I like to keep things nice and short over here!
I absolutely love your home and your design style is just fabulous! I love checking in to see what e-designs you’ve worked up, the DIYs, and pictures of your own home. Thanks for providing such great inspiration and budget finds.
Thanks for you feedback! I do need to up my e-design posts! Definitely one of my goals!
You have amazing style and I love reading your blog! You are an incredibly talented lady! 🙂
Thank you so much, that is so kind of you to stay! Thanks for staying around.
What keeps me here is your fresh style and your authenticity. You are able to translate great style at any budget and while we’d all love to have unlimited home budgets, that’s just not reality for many of us. I love too that though you’re renting, your house never looks like a ‘rental’. It is just as beautiful and well loved as any permanent home. Keep doing what you’re doing… it works!
Thanks Jen! You are definitely one of my blogging idols!
I also like your brief writing style, budgeting, source information, etc… it’s all totally relatable. I’ve really been loving the more neutral mood boards you’ve been creating and sharing lately!
Thanks! I have been loving creating the more neutral designs as well! It is so fun to get clients with a variety of styles, It really helps me grow as a designer!
All of the above! I too am constantly on the search for a good deal and a good DIY, and you keep me inspired and show me that I CAN DO IT. While those other “money bags” bloggers have homes that look great, I find myself turned off because there is nothing in them that I can afford. Blogs like yours are what i gravitate towards. KEEP IT UP! You are talented and an inspiration.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your feedback, it really helps me know where to focus!
I soooo feel you. But like other commenters have said, affordable inspiration is so much more helpful than aspirational!
Thank you! Tight budgets unite!
I’ve been feeling a blogging low lately and I can so relate to what you said.
I love your blog because I adore you and you style and that’s what keeps me around.
I so agree. I have been struggling a little myself and I think it shows in my posts. You are one of my favorites!
Honestly, your blog is one of the few I check everyday. Your content is fun, up to date, and you provide your readers with so much inspiration. I especially love the way you eliminate the overwhelming feeling that comes with decorating a home. I too have a limited budget, but perfectionist tendencies which leaves walls blank and rooms undone in my home. But, since I’ve started following you, I’ve begun to complete projects with the realization that it can be done, on a budget, and with style. I know it’s easy to compare ourselves to others when reading blogs. But I believe the reason you’re a successful blogger is because you’re completely down to earth and very relatable. I especially appreciate that you try to respond to comments (both on your blog and Instagram) So, don’t change a thing!
That is such a compliment! The idea of anyone checking my blog on a regular basis is still mind-blowing to me! Thanks so much.
I’ve been following your blog for the last two years. I love your thrifty finds. I love a pretty home and love looking at pinterest and finding ideas but as you said sometimes it can get overwhelming and make you want it all right now! As a mom of 5, my home has be functional, pretty, and budget friendly and I like that you do all of those things! Keep up the great work. I’d love your help with our upstairs loft/playroom. I’m stuck and want it to be fun and cheap. :0
Two years? How cool is that! Maybe I will post some affordable ideas for play rooms! I think that would be fun!
I read your blog everyday. I think I just like everything you post! I get how you feel, though. I feel like my blog is dragging, because I feel like sometimes I stretch for things to write about. I think you’re doing great, though!
Sometimes it is a BIG stretch over here too, and I hate that! Thanks so much!
I’m actually really surprised to read this. I love, love, love your style and all your posts! I truly like them better than the fancy-shmancy ones that seem so fake and unattainable. I love your style and it’s a bonus (and a relief!) that you post affordable items, so I don’t have to worry about clicking on a link and it’s a $10,000 item or something outrageous. I don’t think you need to worry about keeping any series going or being more consistent. Just do whichever posts you feel inspired to do. Blogging should be fun and writing your posts should make you feel happy..this will reflect positively on your blog. Don’t let blogging turn into a forced chore. I would say, keep doing what you’re doing because you’re rocking it! I’m so looking forward to see what you do in your new space. I’ve even commented two days in a row and I rarely leave comments on blogs.
You are the sweetest! I am so glad you like what you are reading, this comment really made my day 🙂
OMG I adore everything about your blog. And really fell hard for it the first time I saw it and have been addicted since. I think whatever recipe you have is working and I don’t feel like you need to change a thing. I love your DIYs, your photography and your sourcing of such great products. I actually think its more fun when there aren’t columns or schedules that are strict because sometimes they don’t feel natural.
I adore you! You are such an inspiration to me! Thanks so much for all your support.
I dig your blog. I can relate to you cause I am trying to do my best, with my home and in life, on a meager budget. I love the DIY’s and all of it, really. The only thing I would suggest changing is putting more of YOU out there. I love when bloggers get down on a personal level and share insecurities (like this post did!) and other things to help get to know the person behind the blog.
I wish I was better of putting more of a personal touch to the blog. I love reading that side of blogs and I struggle with doing it myself. I am not so good at writing and I have a hard time expressing myself through words! I do plan on working on this! Thank so much!
i enjoy your blog, your voice. i very much enjoyed your pregnancy journal with your baby, I love your DIY and your connections to other bloggers.
I love that you read that! I am kind of mad that I didn’t keep updating that on a more regular basis, but my life was crazy and clearly I struggled with most aspects at that time. Thank so much for sticking around!
Honestly, I just love good design. And you’ve got it so I’ll keep coming back. If you aren’t feeling creative or are feeling overwhelmed don’t feel the pressure to post! It’s for fun and it can be so easy to lose sight of that. I hope you don’t beat yourself up too much!
Thank so much! This last year has been a little crazy and I find myself holding back a little on routine posting schedule, which I like!
Oh my goodness… I have always thought you had such amazing photography, a stunning blog layout and gorgeous interiors. We can all be our harshest critic, but you have it! I love your blog because you show readers how they can make their home beautiful with simple, inexpensive projects. And I have always thought you were amazing, too! You actually were the very person who inspired me to start my e-design business. So keep on doing what you’re doing!! 😉
Thank you so much! I am so flattered by your comments and that I inspired you to start services! That puts the biggest smile on my face!
Your design style is so fresh and colorful. When I came across your blog, I instantly fell in love. There are only two design blogs that I consistently follow and yours is one of them. No others have held my interest like yours has.
I don’t pay attention to blog schedules or features, so I wouldn’t notice even if you had some sort of series. However, I do love that you post frequently but not annoyingly too frequently. The thing I love the very most about your blog is that you share sources and “design secrets.” I really wanted to hire you but didn’t have it in my budget, but I still found following your blog extremely helpful. I have used countless products and stores you have suggested in my own home. I really appreciate that! Doing that, coupled with your writing style makes it feel like you really care about your readers and want to help us out! You are happy, upbeat, and an extremely talented designer!! The only thing I would say do more of is share your edesigns and before/afters. They are always so incredible!!!
Oh and I also love the #helpmedointeriors idea you posted on IG! There are so many little things in my home I wish I had someone like you to give some quick advice on, but don’t need a full design overhaul. Such a wonderful idea!
Keep up the good work. I really, really love your blog and style!!
Thanks! I do need to work on sharing my e-designs! I don’t know why I always forget. Thanks so much for reading, I really do appreciate it!
I love just how you do things, Danielle – it’s true to you and also it’s nice to see how you can create such light, bright, beautiful, stylish spaces on a budget!
Thank you! You are the best.
You have amazing style and I always love reading your posts…..even if I don’t comment very often (I do a lot of my blog reading in the school pick up line from my phone!) You have such a great eye, and I love how you pull a room together!
I appreciate your comment! I love to do my blog reading in school pick-up line too 🙂
I love your thrifty finds! You’re right, not everyone can afford to have a showcase home with high end furnishings. Keep doing what you’re doing. =)
Thank you!
I absolutely love your blog because it IS relatable and you do offer ways to design well without spending a ton of money. My fiance is not going to let me spend tons of money on decorating. And we live in a smallish NYC apartment. While I love looking at gloriously beautiful homes too I do get annoyed sometimes when someone suggests spending 10k on a couch or 400 dollars on a vase. It’s just not realistic for most people. And this is coming from someone who could spend money like that, but, like most people, would choose to spend it on something else. Or save it for that matter!
So true! One day (when I can afford a splurge) I wonder how often I will! I swear my husbands 16 years of training that has required us to keep a strict budget will have changed me forever!
I love your honesty. While not a home blogger, I totally find myself feeling the same feelings. I regularly find myself falling into the same types of patterns of comparing myself to other people and getting all upset and frustrated that I’m not there. I think we have to remember that we don’t REALLY want to be like them. We won’t stand out at all that way. And we won’t be staying true to ourselves either. We’ll just be watered down versions of everything else.
I love that you do thrifty finds and DIYs because those are the types of things I can afford for my own home. It’s great to see extravagant places/things, but I could never actually do that. I would rather see how someone takes something cool and possibly expensive and makes it work on a budget.
Keep on keeping on! 😉
Oh I love that! No one wants a duplicate of anything. Great advise! Thank you.
I’ve been reading your blog “for like ever”, it’s in my top three and if not daily, I do visit it as often as I can. I love your spirit and your creativity. I love your design style. It’s fresh, it’s happy, it’s inspiring, it’s real.
Keep doing what you’re doing, because you’re doing it really well 🙂
(Sorry for the late comment – I’m on a constant race against time… )
Mirela
Top 3? That just made my entire week. Thank you so much!
I’ve been reading you since just about the beginning! I feel like we grew up in blogger world together. You absolutely have a rockstar home tour, have a great voice, a fantastic blog…and I look forward to it everyday!! It’s YOU, and that’s what I love!! xo
I know! It is like our blogs were babies together! You are the best and super supportive. I really do appreciate that.
I am not a blogger and I just started following your blog a few weeks ago. I already love your blog! I am also a wife of a student with two littles on a very tight budget. I love that your home looks so fantastic on such a tight budget. I have so much to learn from you. Please keep on keeping on!
Thank you so much! I am sooo glad you have stuck around. Us tight budget people need to stick together right?
I love thrifty finds, DIY things and the design inspiration. I have purchased several things (fabric, pillows, accent pieces, artwork) that you have featured on your blog:) I love reading your blog!
Love that you have purchased a few items! That gives me warm fuzzies!
Love to follow you on IG and your blog! I really love your fresh and bright decorating style and all the thrifty finds and DIYS. Keep it coming please:)
Thank you!
I love your blog and style of decorating! Keep plugging away. It’s so easy to compare, but we all have our differences and that’s what can also be our strengths. I appreciate your honesty, which can be hard to share. I love your DIY projects, your thrifty finds and home tours.
I recently started a blog and found that I’m the type of blogger who flies by the seat of her pants kinda girl too. You don’t have to answer this but are you LDS? I am, and I thought you might be too. Being thrifty and finding good deals to me are sooo much more rewarding than feeling guilty about spending too much on our home.
I am LDS. There are a ton of us in the blog world! I can’t wait to check out your blog.
I feel the same way so many times! I too live and design on a very tight budget so I love seeing your creative budget friendly DIY projects! So far I have designed my blog, done the photography, etc on my own and although I would love to have the funds to buy some new things and hire a blog designer I try to be proud of what I’ve accomplished but it is hard not to want more. Love this post! http://www.simplestylings.com
My mom always says that her favorite decorated home was the one she had to work the hardest for! I couldn’t agree more!
Hi Danielle!
I think as humans we all feel inadequate at some point or another but honestly, I find your blog inspiring all the time and your style, fun and amazing. I have been following you for a while and love that the projects and ideas you present can be achieved in a small budget. When I need home decor ideas I always come here.
I also think you do your best at “listening” and replying whether is here or on instagram, which makes it that much better, because it shows how down to earth and willing to help you are.
Thanks for being real!