16. Use Local Craftsmen
If you like Fixer Upper, you already know that the Gaines family buys furniture, pottery, and metal goods from local artisans. This handcrafted quality is part of the appeal of Joanna's designs. In some cases, it may be cheaper to pay a local artisan to make furniture than buying from the store. You'll also get a small warm feeling realizing you're helping the local economy. Check out eBay, Craigslist, Etsy, and Facebook to see if you can find reasonable choices.
From knowledge, my aunt lives in a Pennsylvania town called "Amish Country." The Amish are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and woodwork, so she hired them to build her new home. She has a 10-foot long wooden farm desk kitchen table made from recycled hardwood floors, and her cabinets are all handcrafted for a fraction of what she'd have to pay from something like Home Depot. It's cheaper, but it also gives her house a great look you can't buy. If you don't have any skilled artisans nearby, you can even make your own! Explore your local area to find pottery workshops or watch homemade furniture videos on YouTube.
