BIG HOUSE...little budget

My family and I moved into our first home just 4 months ago. We went from a small 1200 square foot apartment in the city to an almost 5000 square foot house. It is an amazing blessing and I thank God for it every day. I have found so much joy in making my home beautiful. I have the challenge of furnishing much more space than I have ever had in my life on a VERY SMALL budget. No budget at all to be honest. I am no designer but I am blessed to have a brother-in-law who is a very talented interior designer and a beautiful sister (Lisa) with impeccable taste. With their help and advice along with many issues of House Beautiful and Country Living and some of my own instincts, I am trying to make this huge house an intimate, comfortable and lovely place. Thrift stores, vintage shops, the Salvation Army (aka Sally's) and any place with a deal are my favorite places to shop. I will share what I am accomplishing for very little money as I go along. Today I want to focus on 4 of my favorite spaces.
First my bedroom...

It's really big so I am tackling a little at a time. The ceiling is VERY high so I tried this arrangement over the bed to give it some height.

These plates were a dollar each and my friend Lisa gave me the little ones. About $5 total.

I have always wanted a wrought iron bed but they are way too expensive. These are vintage iron window gates. I picked them up for $30 each. My dad painted them black and hung them for me. Love it!!

Our side tables were part of a Shaker bedroom set that we bought when we were married 12 years ago. New furniture was not an option so I sanded and stained these black and changed the knobs. About $20 total. I also love the lamps. I snagged them with my mom-in-law at a vintage shop for $20 each (the shades are silk!) SO pretty.

This is the sitting area next to my bed. I scored this very comfy chair for $15!! If you don't believe me, ask my girlfriend Sonali who was with me. The fabric was stained so I threw this lovely vintage crotchet spread over it (another vintage find for $30) and the throw was my son's baby blanket. The beautiful vase is courtesy of my dearest Lisa.

Next, my vanity...

My husband bought me this beautiful old vanity for Christmas. I remember having one as a little girl. I love that John thought of such a special gift for me.

Yes, I know I've gotten a little plate happy but I just love these bird plates that I have picked up over the past few months. If you can think of a cheaper way to fill in big wall space please let me know!!
John's sweet Uncle Bill gave me these antique carved cinnabar boxes. They belonged to his beloved late wife Aunt Pat. I cherish them.
John's Aunt Chris (who I just adore) gave me this antique Chinese lamp. It is so beautiful. The old mirror is VERY heavy and cost me about $20.
This was an ugly old lime green ottoman that I got for $18 bucks (I wish I had a before picture it was so gross). My mom and I reupholstered it in this pretty black toile (also snagged the fabric at a thrift store for $5 a yard..HELLO!) I am especially proud of my buttons and tufted top.

The little nook at the top of the stairs...

My mother-in-law took me to the sweetest thrift store where I got this lovely old dry sink for $50. It has lots of great storage and I love how it looks with pale blue pretty things!

Finally, my favorite place to relax...

I just love to take a nap on this great old chaise. My mom and I are slipcovering it. In the meantime, we found this great vintage fabric and backed it with chenille so that it's a comfy throw. So pretty and I love the pom poms!!

I just love all things red so I could not resist this little red cabinet.
It was $60 at a thrift store.
Been practicing with arrangements. My dad always teases me about how much I keep re-arranging this little table. The Shabby Chic candlestick is from Lisa (so generous is she). I am just loving pink Depression Glass these days and have picked up these two pieces for a total of $16. The lady at the thrift store told me the pitcher is very collectible. I paid $25 which is steep for me but I just loved the color and shape.

So these are a few of my favorite nooks. So many more to do!! Wish me luck and send along ideas and pointers if you have any.