It seems like alot of people on this board are totally against having nice things, like it's wrong to want "things" in their homes.

I see nothing wrong with someone who wants to make their house look pretty, even if it means buying knick-knacks, having pictures up on walls, decorating shelves, and filling curio cabinets.

We have a very small home, and I take pride in keeping it clean and also having it be a place where people come in and immediately feel at ease. I think alot of this has to do with my decorating style. Luckily, I like the simple adirondack/cabin look so I don't need to buy expensive things to go with it. But, I don't fault anyone who likes to decorate that way either.

When did decorating become so heinous? I much more prefer a comfortable cozy home, than one that feels sterile, cold, and empty.

In no way am I berating anyone's decorating style here, I'm very interested though is people's opinions on this. It just seems like from reading some of the responses over the past few months, that people who "want" to buy something, as opposed to "needing" to buy something, are lookrd upon as being materialistic, irresponsible, or spoiled. Is it so wrong to spend money on wants once in a while?

I don't think having nice things is a sin. I know how you feel. My mom gave me a huge guilt trip because we've renovated our home. She thinks we are rich because we were too good for dark paneling and shag carpet. Wait for the pictures next week of the BEFORE. There is nothing wrong with wanting your home a certain way.

I have a very minimal amount of home decor but that is just how I like it. I probably have enough ski, camping, canoe and boating gear to make up for it.

There is nothing more than i want to have a beautifully decorated house. BUT, i just can not bring myself to pay that much money for things to look at! I do have furniture. All hand me downs but my bed. It is all very nice. I really want new couches but every time we go look at them.. i just can not bring myself to even THINK about buying them.

my house is not decorated. my MIL gave a wreath that is the size of freakin texas last month and that is the only thing hanging on our walls. oh and a clock. i don't know, i just don't see the point. but i have a better place to put my money to use, debt, savings, etc.

i do not look down on people who decorate their house. it is there money. they can do what they want with it.

we all make "un-frugal" purchases once in awhile. Mommysavers isn't the frugal police. it is a place to learn to be frugal. i have learned so much since joining.

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Forget the Joneses Holiday Boot Camp Blog

I love having nice stuff and would love to have more! I am not ashamed of that at all. Unfortunately, right now we are not in the position to buy a whole lot, but boy if we could.... In my opinion, it is perfectly fine to have nice stuff and want a beautiful home to live in. It is wise to stay within your means and not put "stuff" above what is really important in life. If you have some disposable income and choose to spend it on personalizing your home then go for it!

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I personalty see nothing wrong with spending money on your house or your clothes as long as the bills are paid.

I think it becomes a sin when people obessed about their material things and have to have the best when they don't/can't pay their bills.

Like I know a couple who have two new cars, he has a boat and they have a pool with the upkeep on that. They have their lights cut off every other month. His dad has bailed them out on their mortgage. They show up at family members house at supper time, so that the family members will feed them.

If you can afford stuff, without stressing over the necessary bills, than their is nothing wrong with that.

There is nothing wrong with having nice things. I personally prefer to have nice things, just fewer of them (because of cost and space, I'm trying to stay decluttered). With kitchenware, home decor, clothing, even food, I prefer nicer brands and accept having less of them. I think it's all about balance and I'm a big believer in "quality not quantity". Someone can have tons of cr** from Target, complicating their life.

I don't think there is anything wrong with having your home decorated the way you want it if you can afford it. What I mean by that is if you don't have to put it on a credit card or buy now and pay later plan. Everyone is allowed to do what they want with their money no matter what others think.

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A Family of 5's quest to forget the Joneses.

I have no problem with people wanting nice things. But I have a big problem with people who put themselves in debt to buy nice things. Who complain about having no money for food or gas but then go and buy a new brand name pair of jeans when they could have gone to the thrift store and bought 3 or more pair for that price or buy a brand new set of dishes when they're old ones were perfectly fine.

That's where I get annoyed. Don't give me a big sob story on not being able to afford the groceries you need to feed your family while sitting in your new van that you traded your perfectly fine older model for.

I totally agree with this. Although my "thing" isn't nick-nacks... it's picture frames! I have WAAYYY too many picture frames in my house!

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I agree with the posts, I don't think I've ever seen anyone say it is wrong to have nice things...to each his own. This website is designed to help people live more frugally, so yes, there may be a bend to a more simpler lifestyle, but no where have I seen people say it is wrong. I like this website for the reminders to simplify my lifestyle. My own opinion is that my life will not be one of excess...my opinion...and I do think many people go to extremes with everything, that's when they get into trouble. And to respond to the first post, the nicest thing in my home is the smile on my childs face. The best artwork I have is the artwork given to me from my son. To each his own. That's what this website has reminded me.