![DSC_0170 DSC_0170](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_B_Y9yBiIWpM/Tac2zfTbYNI/AAAAAAAAHqY/9IcROhjfKEc/DSC_0170_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800)
I am a believer in collections. By collecting many of the same thing {in my case frames and mirrors} you can make an art piece without breaking the bank.
![DSC_0166 DSC_0166](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_B_Y9yBiIWpM/Tac23qq5FLI/AAAAAAAAHqg/OcuUWB_PaTc/DSC_0166_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800)
The number one way to tie mismatched items together? Paint.
![DSC_0164 DSC_0164](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_B_Y9yBiIWpM/Ta3DpY_kIaI/AAAAAAAAHqo/P8j0UZ21sxI/DSC_0164_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800)
After picking up my first free side of the road desk, I let go of all fear of being seen trying to cram a large piece of furniture into a small car. The outcome was well worth the battle.
![DSC_0161 DSC_0161](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_B_Y9yBiIWpM/Ta3DqUOVAFI/AAAAAAAAHqw/ueS2yZPVkto/DSC_0161_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800)
Picking up items off the side of the road was an issue between my husband and I early on. He didn’t see the potential I did. But it did not take long for him to be won over. When he saw what I was able to do with a little bit of paint and an item with great lines and design, he was sold. He now actually will find things for me! I have trained him well!
![DSC_0154 DSC_0154](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_B_Y9yBiIWpM/Ta3DsmnEOEI/AAAAAAAAHq4/iMyZGPPypFM/DSC_0154_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800)
I have learned to also think outside of the box. For example, hanging on the wall are some old cabinet doors framed with a large frame. The white paint pulls it all together and adds a great architectural element to our plain walls.
![DSC_0160 DSC_0160](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_B_Y9yBiIWpM/Ta3DtJTNBeI/AAAAAAAAHrA/4BLHWFZPGUw/DSC_0160_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800)
And once people catch on that you love free old stuff they will start sending it your way. Our most amazing free gift? Our couch and love seat set.
![DSC_0157 DSC_0157](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_B_Y9yBiIWpM/Ta3Dt0ywriI/AAAAAAAAHrI/ZPryTdKLjHg/DSC_0157_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800)
Buy saving on big ticket items like couches and our dining room table, we have more money to collect accessories that give our home character and charm {as well as make the house feel “full”}.
![DSC_0152 DSC_0152](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_B_Y9yBiIWpM/Ta3Dut-EXjI/AAAAAAAAHrQ/zO9g16KoIG0/DSC_0152_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800)
There is also something very rewarding about knowing that my time and money was well invested into each of these pieces. I have much more of an emotional connection as I have fallen in love with each piece from the first time I saw it, through the painting process, and to finally just enjoying it in our home.
![DSC_0151 DSC_0151](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_B_Y9yBiIWpM/Ta3DvcgmV1I/AAAAAAAAHrY/5TTmiyIYMPo/DSC_0151_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800)
And like any other aspect of design, trends change. By not investing into high priced items, I have the freedom to change how our home looks over time. Plus my husband is more supportive of my home decorating hobby because it doesn’t have to make a dent in our newlywed tight budget!
![DSC_0150 DSC_0150](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_B_Y9yBiIWpM/Ta3DwGFGFUI/AAAAAAAAHrg/Tn2jCaVs0pA/DSC_0150_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800)
We are very proud of our home…and ultimately can enjoy living in it…without going in debt.
How do you save money furnishing your home?