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I recently came across the blog Hammer and Heels and instantly LOVED it. Amanda is so cute, and her apartment is beautiful and super inspiring…and then there's the fact that she decorated the whole thing for $500. Whaaaaat?! I know. As soon as I read that, I knew I had to find out more about this girl, so I asked Amanda if she could share some of her insight and advice with us. I think you all are going to love her (and her apartment) too!
1. Can you tell me a little bit of your background, and how you got started with Hammer and Heels?
I grew up on a farm in Iowa and loved decorating and DIYing ever since I was a kid. I remember flipping through the JCPenney catalog and picking out all of the home furnishing I wanted for my future home. I was always decorating my family home and rearranging my bedroom. I went on to school and got my degree in marketing. While in school I had a few internships. One in particular was an eye-opener for my career and made me realize I really wanted to do something creative that I'm passionate about. During that time I started reading blogs and I admired how close-knit and inspiring women were in the blogging industry. I decided to start my blog, Hammer and Heels, as my own space on the Internet to share my passions with others. It's one of the best decisions I've made!
Patience! I search for items I love and watch them like a hawk until they go on sale. As for thrifting, I have to give most of the credit to luck. I spend lots of time searching Craigslist and hitting the thrift stores until I score something great. It's important to keep an open mind when thrifting and think about how you can make something work with a little TLC. Most importantly, I know my budget so I do my best to stick to stores that are in my price range. I like the challenge of decorating on a budget!
I'm totally into clean, modern with a touch of mid-century and rustic. As with any trend, everything in moderation. It's important to mix and match styles and trends so nothing is too "perfect". A space that reflects just one style can feel stale. I'm all about a lived-in feel that doesn't look like you're trying too hard. It's kind of like fashion. You wouldn't wear an outfit that combines all of the latest trends. That's just too much going on. Pick and choose the ones you love, and mix them for a balanced look.
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Thanks SO much for sharing my apartment!! I'm glad we connected and I found your lovely blog! :)
I'm so glad we connected as well!! Thank you for letting me share it.
I love the fresh colors Amanda chose! In a small place, it's so lovely to see the arrangement be functional. I love the dining table behind the couch in it's "own room" ;), all made up with that lovely shawl table runner! Beautiful Amanda!
Yes! Her table runner was a scarf from Forever21, if I remember right. Genius.
Amanda is one of my favorites! I wish she could do my next place :) I just started following along with your blog, too!
Yeah, she's awesome! I've only recently discovered her, but she's already one of my favorites too.
So glad you found me as well!
loving the coffee table!
ladies in navy
I know, it's gorgeous!!!
I love her style!