Anthropology and Ikea are two of the most popular home decor catalogs. Many people swarm over the beauty and popular home decor! The definition of frugal living varies from person to person. If one were asked to describe the meaning of the word, chances are likely that the meaning would differ from neighbor to neighbor and even from generation to generation. Your parents and even your grandparents would define frugal completely different from one and another as well as from yourself. The hardship and socioeconomic level of each generation would lend to the definition of frugal changing upon experience of the individual. In addition, the picture of a shopper would differ due to what one would find acceptable. One person may find that shopping a at local department store is suitable, while one may find it a little too extravagant and the last person may find that the store does not meet his or her standards. Each opinion would be different based upon the experience, background, current financial status and taste of each person amongst a variety of other variables.
Although, even individuals with the knowledge that a comparable item may be found in a less expensive store, may give in to the advertisement, popularity and desire of a specific item that he or she would normally believe cost too much for the item. At this point, the individual has the option to splurge on that desired product, save for it, find an alternative product of similar color or origin or simply live without it.
We all happen to fall into each category at one time in our lives or another. I happen to have found myself in each of these positions at one time of my life or another. I recently decided that I would jump on the bandwagon and take a peek at exactly what it is that these catalogs and similar have to offer. I learned that there are many interesting and valuable items that I would not mind having and even a few that I really would love to purchase. I can see the possibility of purchasing some of these popular items and not so much for others.
I recently found myself reading a magazine when I came across a blurb of an advertisement for a cute blue polk-a-dot door knob. I thought it was a cute idea. I was however, very surprised when I read the price for the door knob. The door knob was painted and polk-a-dot adorned. It was indeed cute and sassy. I can see where the door knob would be a conversational piece and a cute addition to a home. When I read the price, I was floored. $42.00 for a door knob that would be shipped to me an then I would either assemble or hire someone to assemble. The price did not include a door knob for every room in a home nor did it cover the mandatory tax fee or shipping rate. Wow! $42.00 for a door knob. There are many people that may have the desire, wish and want to purchase the door knob. For each of you, I think that is wonderful. However, I think that instead of saving for a door knob for example, splurging on it, searching for an alternative that would probably not match my decor colors or feeling that I could not live without this particular door knob, I would not splurge on it. I would fall into the category of someone that would consider the need versus want argument of spending excess money to purchase something that was really not needed or really a must have.
I myself would fall into the category of, someone that may see the door knob as cute but certainly not worth the time for me to wait for a package of an overpriced door knob to arrive. I would be one of those people that would consider that the door knob could be created at home with the catalog inspiration, creativity and my own two hands. I could find a door knob from a yard sale or local hardware store, purchase a few small bottles of paint and be on my way to making my own color coordinated polk-a-dot door knob!
The internet is filled with visions of organization and home decor pornography. Yes, it is a form of pornography. It is desirable to look at and to want. It seems that many people enjoy this home decor porn and I am one of these people. I would love to create homes that resemble the beauty in these type of magazines, catalogs and the wonderful Pinterest.com as well!
Visit your local search engine and type in Anthropology Inspired or Ikea inspired items. You can find a great deal of craft and home ideas from these resources. Many blogs and resources may serve as great fun and inspiration as well on your journey to achieve a modern and fun decor for your home. Take a peek at the fun these websites can offer.
If you are not the type of person that enjoys crafts, does not have time to create, does not mind paying the price for the $42.00 door knob or simply must have it, then by all means, purchase that treasure!
If you would prefer not to create the item that you have fallen in love with , consider a visit to the wonderful website of shops, Etsy.com. You can find amazing treasures and renditions of the popular Ikea and Anthropology type catalog products for a much more reasonable price along with the love and creativity involved by combining inspiration and imagination. In addition, it is wonderful to support small business.
Enjoy shopping your favorites from popular home decor magazines, catalogs and etsy.com or creating the wonderful products with your own imagination, freedom of creativity and the opportunity to save a few pennies here and there that may add up to dollars and more!
Happy Decorating, shopping, crafting and living frugally!
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