I’m not an interior designer. I just like putting things together so they look and feel right. Over time, I realized that making decor decisions can get messy real fast, especially when you’re juggling style, budget, and functionality.

When I got my first apartment I found myself overwhelmed with ideas of my future home… but no real direction to make it happen realistically and within my means. Aside from a Pinterest board of cute furniture, aesthetics, and nicknacks, I practically had nothing.

Or at least, that’s what I thought.

But honestly? Between friends and family spring cleaning giveaways, thrifting treasures, closing sales (RIP Christmas Tree Shops and Bed, Bath & Beyond — IYKYK), and repurposing what I already had, I furnished my whole place. Bedroom, living room, dining area, office space, you name it. When I was all moved in and furnished, I only had to buy about 10% brand new. I turned lemons into lemonade, by keeping my vision for my space open-minded, taking advantage of what I had, and working around it. This thought process was grounded in a simple acronym I like to call STUMP. This acronym is a tool that helped me keep focus on what mattered most before I swiped my card to buy anything for my home. Here’s the breakdown:

S – Stylishness
How cute is this piece going to look in your space? This isn’t about expensive designer pieces; any thrifted lamp can get a new lampshade, and old frames can easily become gallery walls. But does it vibe well with what you’re curating? Or would it mean starting from scratch to accommodate it? If it’s just meh, it might not be worth the spot in your home or budget.

T – Trendiness
Is this a “right now” thing, or might it make you cringe later? Starting out with a very limited budget, I tried my hardest to dodge trendy impulse buys that would’ve “I bought this in 2023” in 10 years. Sometimes you want to be bold, but other times you want to keep it classic. A fun-shaped throw pillow is one thing, but a bright orange leather couch is basically forever. Choose wisely.

U – Usefulness
Does it actually do something? Or is it just filling space? Don’t get me wrong, I love a good trinket (and they can be absolutely necessary to fit the vibe you’re going for). But if it’s purely decorative but adds zero function, make sure it’s bringing enough style or joy to justify its place.

M – Maintenance
How much time and energy will it take to keep this looking like new? Painting a thrift find is one thing. But glass coffee tables and the all-white aesthetic? Nobody has time for complicated cleaning routines or furniture that can’t survive one spill. Shout out to the folks with relatives who still keep their furniture in plastic. If it works, it works, but I want better for us.

P – Price
Considering all of the above, is this worth the cost? Sometimes spending a little more upfront saves you headaches later. Other times, you can wait, compare prices elsewhere, and maybe even score a steal that looks great and works just fine. Even if it’ll be temporary. Arguably the best piece of advice my mom gave me through this process is that you don’t have to get everything all at once. Make your wish list, find your non-negotiables, talk it over with your budget, and work your way up to it.

Decorating my apartment on a budget wasn’t just about saving money—it was about being intentional, creative, and patient. STUMP gave me a framework to filter out the noise, avoid buyer’s remorse, and build a home that actually feels like me. Your space doesn’t have to be Instagram-perfect or filled to the brim on day one. Start where you are, use what you have, and let your home evolve with you. Whether it’s a thrifted chair with a wobbly leg or a $5 rug that miraculously pulls the room together, the magic isn’t in how much you spend—it’s in how it all comes together.