Home decor has been top of mind for me since I moved into my own condo last year. Each month, I have added new pieces and contiued to style it to make this place truly my own.

Having my own condo has really made me want to furnish it in a fashion that truly reflects my style and personality. Of course, as I go thorugh this process I am much more thoughtful about my buying decisions and am for sure making different kinds of decisions than I would have made 5 or 10 years ago (hello: I had roommates in all my places up until 4 years ago!). So the fact that I have my own place and I actually own it has really made me want to furnish it with a lot of effort and care.

Here are 5 tips for furnishing your home.

1. Have a go to or favorite place to shop that reflects your overall style

Most people know their style and the stores and brands that reflect it. Once you hone in on that, you usually gravitate toward one home decor store. For me: I was always drawn to West Elm. So when I bought my couch from there two years ago: I knew that it would always be my go to place to get pieces that would match my style.

2. Investment pieces

Invest in the big pieces and the well made ones: your couch, mattress, or a media console. Ikea is a great option when you want something more economical or for accent pieces however, if you want something for a long time: I say invest. Those pieces will stay with you.

3. Mix it up

For the smaller pieces and accent items: mix things up. Shop at other retailers so that your home doesn’t look like a carbon copy of the Crate and Barrel spring catalogue. Some places I like to mix in pieces from are:

• Target: great for accent pieces and outdoor furniture
• Anthropologie: love it for shabby chic items to contrast a classic piece
• CB2: for classic items to mix with West Elm’s mid century vibe

4. Shop flea markets and family heirlooms

Flea markets always offer a great piece that you won’t find in a store. Family items are priceless and add gravitas to any home. I am using my grandma’s card table as my dining room table (still have to get it in my place!) and a trio of paintings from Europe that were my grandma’s also. These kind of pieces really add that sentimental value.

5. Cut corners where you can

Even though I love investment pieces: they are expensive and you can’t buy everything from there: so be innovative and try a DIY project or buy fun decorative pieces from Home Goods or Marshall’s so you don’t have to break the bank.

How are you furnishing your home? It’s a great time to invest in the home with all that’s going on!