The Budget Casa

Sometimes being fashion-forward means having to travel back in time. And just as the funkiness of the 1970s has hit the high-fashion catwalk, it’s inevitably found its way back into home furnishings. From orange and avocado green to disco-inspired prints, that beloved era of bell-bottoms is back with a vengeance. 70s decor combines clean modern line, with funky retro colors, that is a perfect balance of old and new. This look is really hip right now. We couldn't believe how much lucite furniture cost. So we scrounged around to findsome budget-friendly furnishings that would have been perfect for a 70s pad, but are still cool enough for today. With prices ranging from $279 t0 $9.95, we think you'll find something groovy for your home and your wallet.

The Klippan loveseat ($279, pictured above) by Ikea comes in flamboyant prints as well as solid colors, but we think the Vimle green design is outta sight!


Clear acrylic or Lucite tables are totally 70s, but are totally back in style. These “peekaboo” nesting tables ($199 for set of 3) from CB2 are as versatile as they are durable.


No 1970s-inspired home is complete without a shag rug. Get yours from Home Depot, $99 for this 5' x 8' foot Mohawk shag rug.


This Danish-inspired 70s lamp is a fabulously modern and wonderfully retro. Made from recycled PVC, we found this lamp on Ebay with a starting bid of $9.95.


We just love this porcelain notNeutral vase set ($24) from 2modern that has a bike chain pattern and a subtle 70s vibe.


Curvy shapes and wavy lines are making a modern comeback. We found these artisanal candleholders ($12.99 and $19.99) on sale at West Elm with a far-out retro feel.

Finding room and staying organized in a tight space is a huge challenge, and it requires some extra creativity to make everything fit just right. That’s why we love Tinyliving.com, which offers a wide range of items for small living spaces, because they do a lot of the thinking for you. We rounded up a few of our favorite organizational accessories under $30 to help you get your home in order that can work in any home of any size.


This toilet paper holder helps you both stash and store your toilet paper in a bathroom where all the valuable space is taken up with more important things. Also, it's only $9.95.


This 12-inch by 10-inch by 6 ½-inch under-shelf basket ($12.95, pictured above) is genius! It can hang from virtually any 1-inch thick surface for easy-access extra storage. Its fine mesh also keeps small items from falling out.


If you’ve ever wondered how you were going to store the many different handbags you use every day, then this handbag holder ($29.95) is perfect for you. Made of a 100-percent cotton fabric with a lively design, its seven loops can hold up to 21 bags.


Is your closet overflowing? This handy hanger holder ($8.95) can be easily mounted anywhere you need it. It’s also great for those who like to pick their outfits for the week ahead of time.


A magnetic hook rack ($14.95) is a smart idea for storing kitchen utensils when you’ve run out of counter space. Not much of a chef? Use the hook rack as an easy-to-find place for your keys instead.


This shower curtain ($19.95) is ideal for small bathrooms. With seven white mesh pockets, you can store all the things you can’t fit in your shower, on the counter or in the medicine cabinet. The fact that it’s clear makes it twice as nice because it opens up the space.

Soon enough the springtime showers will give way to sizzling summer heat, and you’ll start spending a lot more time outdoors, whether it’s a backyard barbecue or chilling out on the front porch. Even before you start to fret about your summer tan, stock up on carafes and pitchers to sip your favorite lemonade or iced tea in style. We’ve searched high and low for these finds that are priced just right.

CB2’s bon carafe ($4.95, pictured...

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Target believes that everyone should have access to designer-quality décor. That’s why it offers affordable furnishings and accessories by world-renowned designers through its Design for All program, and interior designer Victoria Hagan is one of them. Her Perfect Pieces collection reflects a classic comfort style that is a perfect mix of traditional and contemporary. Below are a few pieces from her line we think are great buys.

A good...

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Bold patterns. Hot colors. Sun and fun. Come summertime, you can get as daring with your home décor as you want, and it’s all about the accessories. These fabulous finds have just the right amount of color and graphic allure to punch up your home’s summer look.


Backyard barbecues call for fun serving pieces and your usual ones just won’t do. Try these wild zebra-patterned melamine plates ($16 for a set of 4) and bowls ($12 for a set...

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April 22 is Earth Day and in celebration we’ve found some great looks that will help you bring some indoor style to your outdoors. The best part: All looks are $38 and under.

While $38 might seem like a little much to spend on gardening tools, the “Calle� gardening tools (pictured above) are made of heavy duty plastic. So, no matter where you leave them, they will never rust or warp, which in the long run, saves you a lot of money.


Pop...

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With the economy tanking, you may not think that $5 can take you far in decorating your home. But you are wrong.

If you haven't gone out shopping at your local thrift store you are really missing out. Here is what you should do, you know that jar of pennies on your desk? Turn it in for some money. Recycle some cans. Dig through your purse. Or do all three, until you come up with at least $2. Then, head on over to your local thrift store and...

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Purple is the color of royalty of luxury, and now it’s the color of your home. Purple has been popping up every where from toenails to toasters. A bright pop of purple can refresh your home and give it a bold new look. Here are our favorite purple picks for $28 and less.

Pico Owl Pillow $28 (link thanks to Design*Sponge). Pictured above.


Butterfly Appetizer Plate CB2 $1.95


Amethyst Geode Soap $10.95(link thanks to Design*Sponge)


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The best part about being eco-friendly is that it saves you money. Because cutting down on waste means cutting down on buying unnecessary items. And if you are looking for places to save some money, identify your biggest source of waste: paper towels, Ziploc bags, etc. These are the best places to use reusable items.

Because getting a look for less, doesn't always have to mean spending money, here are some ways you can make your own reusable...

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The French Paper company sells the fabulous Pop Ink products. We found them and fell in love with them and the best part is, everything was $28 and below. They sell fabulously funky products that pack a lot of style in anything from soap to napkins. We love love love this stuff. And at $28 and less, these are some frugal home finds. What do you think?

Here are some of our favorites:

Décor-a-boards $28�these fabulous pieces of wall...

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Birds aren't only a herald for spring, they are also a fun, happy way to decorate (think the bluebird of happiness). Birds are a hip trend for your home. Here is how you can incorporate the look without busting the wallet.

This wrapping paper from Whimsy is only $4.50 a roll and can be cut to put in picture frames for some cheap, chic wall art.


This wise old owl from Wren and Chickadee’s Etsy shop, will make saving money fun, save you...

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If you are decorating in a small space, an apartment, or a rental house, decorating can pose a problem. You have to maximize the space you are given, often without the ability to paint. Decorative window films gives you a new way to decorate your space for less. And when it's time to move you can take it with you. This isn't your grandma's plastic she put over her bathroom windows. Modern window film has fabulous patterns that you can use in...

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Let out your inner animal with these great animal print finds for your home. While animal print in excess can make your home look like a zoo. Well placed animal print in certain areas of your home can accentuate any décor and make it roar. Here are some of our favorite finds under $30.

Zebra print rug from Urban Outfitters $28.00.

These charming leopard print coasters from CarolinaCottage’s Etsy store are only $12.00 for a set of...

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We love the bright pop of yellow trend that is making it's way through the world of fashion. Here are some cheap ways to incorporate the look into your home.


This plump happy Rare Device Ceramic Vase is only $16 and reminds us of the warm summer sun.


This set of handmade hibiscus vases are handmade from djgordon’s Etsy store and are just lovely. Even better, they are only $30.


These Aria pillows are from Crate & Barrel and are...

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Spring is around the corner and it is time to make your house look like it. Ditch the heavy reds and the stiff browns. Lighten up your home with some true blues. Here are our favorite finds for under $20. Now you can lighten up your home, while keeping your wallet heavy.

Switching out throw pillows is an easy way to change the look of a room. And with Target’s blue floral pillow for only $16.99, it’s a cheap way too.


This genius...

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Kitchen towels can add fun and function. Below we have some of our favorite fun finds for under $10. But if you are looking strictly for function keep these tips in mind…

Waffle weaves are best for hand drying and cleaning heavy spills.

To add some shine to your glass, go with a simple plain weave.

Also, don’t use fabric softener when you dry your towels. It inhibits the absorbency and leaves behind streaks on glass or your

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The Budget Casa brings you links from around the web on what’s hot for your home:


~ They’ve been talking about collections er at the Design Talk blog, and have come up with some great ideas on creating a collection (like this Baroque canister set pictured above) that does more than sit around and collect dust (read more here)

~ Christy over at the Thrifty Decorating blog got creative in giving a headboard for her guestroom a...

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Urban Outfitters doesn’t just have great clothes, it also has fabulous, eclectic, and chic items for your home. With a mixture of glamour and urban funk, Urban Outfitters can help you transition from college to career or spice up your mid-life décor. Here are our favorite finds for under $33 dollars.


Oval Silhouette Hooks $12�these fabulous hooks are just $12 each and make organizing edgy and cool. Use them by the door to...

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If you are still using your hand-me down pillow from college it might be time to buy a new one. Here is a pillow that will help you rest easy on a clean, green conscious. And it will ease your aching wallet too.
This new, eco-friendly pillow from Hollander Home Fashions is filled exclusively with post-consumer recycled, green soda bottles. An un-bleached, non-dyed, soft-to-the-touch cotton shell goes around it all. 

Buy it: The Natural

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The latest look for your home is the bold block letters of the antique letterpress.  Get them in wall art, collect the letterpress letters in a printer’s tray, or display them individually your shelves. This blocky, antique style is mixed with bold modern colors for a fresh look and is really, as simple as ABC. Here are 3 ways to get the look for under $20.
1. Greenchair Press offers prints with wood type letters in cool, bold colors.

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This Valentine’s Day don’t overlook your one true love: your home. Your home doesn’t care if you fall asleep watching television on the most romantic night of the year. So, buy it a little present to remind your living space that you are thinking of it. Here our some of our favorite home items for under $23. Now, that’s a cheap date.

Kanibal Home Black Rose Plate $8

Urban Outfitters pink glass trinket box

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The fabulous wallpaper designs of Jill Malek, who uses patterns in nature to inspire her work, is now available in much less expensive decals until April 30th from dVider. Her wallpaper sells for near $150 a roll, but you can get these decals for anywhere between $75-60. They make an great alternative to painting a mural on a wall and are perfect for the apartment dweller. We want to put this decal in copper on our dining room ceiling. Now we

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