About Love Budget Decor - Your Budget Decorating Resource

Hi, I'm Michelle

For the past 25 years, I've been transforming houses into homes—one budget-friendly project at a time.

Love Budget Decor was born from a simple belief: beautiful, functional spaces shouldn't require a designer's salary. Whether you're decorating your first apartment or refreshing a longtime home, I'm here to show you that style and affordability can absolutely coexist.

My Story

My love for home decor started in my early twenties when I moved into my first tiny apartment with more enthusiasm than budget. I quickly learned that creating a space you love isn't about how much you spend—it's about making smart choices, getting creative with what you have, and knowing where to invest and where to save.

Over the past quarter-century, I've decorated apartments, starter homes, family houses, and everything in between. I've painted more accent walls than I can count, refinished countless pieces of furniture, and discovered that the best design solutions often come from thinking outside the box (or the big-box store).

What started as a personal passion evolved into helping friends and family with their spaces, which eventually led to starting Love Budget Decor. I wanted to create a resource that I wish I'd had when I was starting out—a place where real people could find practical, actionable advice for creating beautiful homes without the designer price tag.

What I Believe

Budget Doesn't Mean Boring

Some of the most stunning spaces I've created cost a fraction of what you'd expect. It's about being strategic, not stingy—knowing where to splurge and where to save.

Real Homes, Real Budgets

Every recommendation I make is tested in real life—my own home, friends' spaces, or projects I've personally worked on. No theory, just proven solutions.

DIY When It Makes Sense

I'm a big believer in DIY—but only when it saves money, time, or adds personal value. Some things are worth doing yourself; others are worth hiring out.

Style is Personal

Your home should reflect you—not the latest trends or what's popular on social media. I'll help you find your style and bring it to life affordably.

What You'll Find Here

Practical Design Tips

From choosing the right rug size to creating cohesive color palettes, I break down design concepts into easy-to-follow steps that anyone can implement.

Honest Product Recommendations

I test, research, and curate product recommendations across every price point. Whether you have $50 or $500, I'll help you find the best options for your budget.

Room-by-Room Guides

Detailed guides for every space in your home—from cozy bedrooms to functional kitchens to inviting outdoor patios. Each guide includes budget breakdowns and shopping lists.

Real Before & Afters

See actual transformations with realistic budgets. No professional staging or unlimited funds—just real spaces made beautiful through smart choices.

My Approach

After 25 years of decorating on a budget, I've developed a philosophy that guides everything I share on Love Budget Decor:

Start with what you have. Before buying anything new, I always look at what can be repurposed, rearranged, or refreshed. You'd be surprised how much potential is hiding in your existing furniture and decor.

Invest in the bones. Quality basics—a good sofa, solid wood furniture, proper lighting—are worth saving for. These pieces form the foundation of your space and will serve you for years.

Save on the accessories. Throw pillows, wall art, decorative accents—these are perfect places to embrace budget-friendly options. They're easy to change as your style evolves.

Make it yours. The most beautiful rooms aren't the ones that look like magazine spreads—they're the ones that feel like home to the people who live in them.