Finding and decorating our first apartment in Austin was such a sweet and special time! When Ben and I decided to move in together, we knew that we wanted to find our own place–it signified a fresh start and a location we both loved. We toured a few different spots downtown, all of which had aspects that we liked–high ceilings, an industrial design, a spacious balcony, good amenities, easy access to our favorite social spots, but no single complex seemed to encompass everything.
We decided to tour Amli on 2nd on a whim and, to our surprise, it was perfect! Not only did it have everything we were looking for, but we found out that a lease was going to be available the week of our requested move-in date.
We sat on it on the decision for a few days, but ultimately decided that Amli on 2nd would be our new home. We spent the next few months mapping out our new apartment, selling a lot of our things and then purchasing new items that we both loved. In the end, the place turned out just the way we hoped it would!
For anyone looking to move to Austin, I’ll be doing a full post on my favorite areas to live and the apartment communities I would recommend. For now, I wanted to share my top picks for apartment splurges and steals, along with some tips and tricks I picked up along the way!
Splurge Stores:
- I LOVE West Elm, it’s hands down one of my favorite home decor shops. Their store is so dreamy and is set-up in a way that allows you to see how a space can easily be transformed. It truly inspires me and makes me want to be a designer every time I walk in.
- Hint: Wait until they have a store wide sale to make a large purchase. They run a sale on every major holiday and sometimes in-between. Also, you have the option to open up a store credit card. We did that and used it for our big ticket items and then cashed in on the reward points to buy some additional pieces that we had our eye on!
- The Anthropologie home pieces do have more of a boho chic vibe, but if you like that style then you’ll want one of everything. Nordstrom now carries their line as well which means free shipping and easy returns if needed!
- Hint: While their big ticket items such as bedding and furniture are beautiful, I really love their smaller pieces that help bring an apartment together. They sell knobs for your furniture, door hooks, coffee mugs, succulent pots, chic light fixtures, throw pillows and so much more.
- I’ve learned that books are the ultimate space filler when it comes to decorating. They look good and bring an air of elegance and sophistication to any space. I found Books by the Foot online and was instantly obsessed. You can order books by color, subject or style and the delivery is quick and easy.
- Hint: A majority of the books on the site require you to order a minimum which is typically 3-4 feet. Initially we thought that was a ton, but once you start stacking them around your apartment, you’ll see that they go pretty fast. I would still recommend scouting out spaces ahead of time so that you don’t order too many–sending back heavy books is never fun!
- Minted is my go-to site for wall art. Their pieces are unique and come from independent artists and photographers that span all 50 states and over 60 countries. They have great staples for standalone art and also pieces that would form the gallery wall of your dreams.
- Hint: Buy the art from the store and the frames from Amazon, you’ll save a ton. Also, if you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for, Minted does have a free design texting service. You can text them a photo of your wall and they’ll put you in direct contact with a stylist. They’ll recommend art based on your needs and put the items in your shopping cart with no obligation to buy. It’s a great way to get some ideas for your space!
- This is one of those stores that you’ll walk into and just want to toss everything into your cart. Their pieces are fresh, modern, on-trend and typically well priced for what you’re getting.
- Hint: If you’re not quite sure what you need and have the ability to swing by a store, then I would suggest that. Their sales reps are awesome and very helpful when it comes to keeping you on budget and giving you ideas on how to pull a space together.
Steal Stores:
- This seems to be everyone’s favorite one-stop shop and I’m no exception. Recently Target has put out some beautiful home decor items, especially with the addition of Project 62 and Hearth & Hand.
- Hint: I would suggest finding items you like in the splurge spots and check Target for similar pieces. You’ll discover some great finds at a third of the cost.
- This is place is solid gold. I’ve recommended it to a few friends and they all used it and raved about it as well. They have beautiful, quality rugs at unbelievable prices. The delivery is quick and their customer service is exceptional.
- Hint: You can search the site by color, design type, price, etc. and I would recommend narrowing down what you’re looking for and including the size in your search. I’ve come across a few rugs that I loved, only to find my required size wasn’t available. No one likes retail heartbreak.
- A majority of their pieces fall into a shabby chic category which I know is not everyone’s style. If it’s not, don’t let that deter you from at least taking a peek. World Market actually has a wide variety of products that are listed at a great price.
- Hint: If you’re OK with occasional emails and texts, then sign up for their rewards program. You get an instant 15% off your next purchase, VIP deals throughout the year and a $10 reward for every $200 you spend.
- These shops are all great resources for inexpensive apartment finds. Home Goods is my favorite, followed by TJMaxx and then Marshalls. My rating is just based on how easy the stores are to navigate and the quality of products they have.
- Hint: Home Goods has some great rugs, lamps and furniture and I love TJMaxx and Marshalls for their decorative accents.
- A true home goods superstore- this shop has everything you need and at a low price. You can search online by style or trend and they have some great featured collections. You’ll also get an instant 10% off for signing up for their mailing list.
- Hint: This place is a straight up warehouse for home goods, so if you go into the store it’s very overwhelming and it’s easy to get lost among the rows of decor. I would recommend this is a last stop to find any missing pieces so that you know what you’re looking for when you get there.
I hope this post helps anyone who’s looking to decorate their space or just revamp their overall look. Just remember that decorating your place should be fun and it doesn’t always have to be expensive! Take the time to plan it out and make sure you purchase pieces that you love.
Keep an eye out for more home posts in the coming months!
