decorating on ducats

Home is where the heart is and in my case, my ticker resides in a 14x9 space replete with all my personal belongings, big and small. My cute little salary makes it difficult to express my fun yet ironic sense of unique personal style. But it's not impossible. Here are my tips for maximizing your space and your dollar. 1. Craigslist Free stuff. Our beloved Craigslist is like: somewhat creepy, often inappropriate but useful in the most surprising ways. It isn't only good for false hope (make $100,000+ while you sleep!) or for finding Brooklyn bound L-train love. There's a little section called Free Stuff, and while some of it is bogus, you can find things like appliances, couches or books. With a little tenderlove&care, you can turn that piece of ugly into another excuse to brag. Loves it. More free stuff. Take advantage at the end of each month, when people are moving. To avoid losing their security deposit, they'll dump perfectly good things curbside, like TVs or nightstands. Later I'll post about revamping crap. Rustle up a friend, a lover or a donkey for heavy items and subway it. Not so free stuff. I've also used CL to find things I couldn't afford at Ikea (yes, I'm that poor), both decorative and functional. I once found a $250 leather chair for $100 and a pair of green lamps I was eyeing for $10. Doing specific searches for items by name makes me feel less guilty. If I would've bought it at full price, we're cool. However, if you don't have the space for it, don't buy it, no matter how fabulous the color or how abundant the savings. Remember, we are trimming the fat while remaining timelessly chic (trends are money sucks).  2. IKEA Duh. Ikea is a great go to spot for affordable shiz and useful junk. But after 2 trips there for each NYC move, I've developed some thoughts on shopping smart in the amazingness that is Ikea. Look closer. Not everything needs to be purchased for what it was originally intended. A coffee table may be better suited as an entertainment center. In my case, I increased the value of my shelving unit by turning it into a desk and a vanity as well as storage space. I also bought a yard of fabric, framed three different pieces and hung them side-by-side as wall art.  PICTURE Total cost of unit: $60 ($25 for the anchoring shelving units and $5 for each middle connecting shelf). The two middle shelves have a mini ledge - I turned one upwards to create the look of a desk. In the center, I added a $10 mirror so I'd have a place to do my make-up. Total time to build: 3 hours with a friend. PICTURE:I picked an abstract pattern that drew in the colors of my room and would represent the same piece of fabric but different individual pictures. Total cost: 3. Accessories PICTURE:The throw. This throw is versatile in color so it's adds to the room instead of taking away. Since it doesn't need special care, I also use it as a blanket my days of reading in the grass at Central Park. It's both chic and practical. Cost: $40. Fouta Lifestyle Flea markets. Awesome for furniture at affordable prices. Stick to unique vintage or accent accessories that are sturdy and aren't grossly overpriced.  PICTURE (blue vase) Cost: $1