Garage/Yard Sales
The GoodWill
The Salvation Army
Thrift Shops
Second Hand Shops
Consignment Shops
Your Friends and Family's Basements and Attics

Look past the finish on furniture and pay attention to the lines. You can refinish or paint just about anything. A $3.00 lamp base at the Salvation Army that is ugly can have new life with a can of spray paint.
Gaudy picture frames can become great frames for a mirror. Take the drawers out of a dresser, sand and stain them along with the dresser top, then paint the dresser black. A great look, indeed. An outdoor bench is a great asset in a house. You can get anything from rugs to liquor decanters at thrift shops. Shop for pillows in the clearance sections of Marshall's, TJ Max and Home Goods. Do not overlook new or used outdoor furniture to use inside. I made a great headboard out of a three paneled door turned sideways after filling in the doorknob hole and the hinge screws.

Find out when bulk pick up day is conducted in surrounding towns. Go out with a truck and you will be amazed at what people are throwing away. The best time to shop the Salvation Army and the GoodWill is in October, November and December when people are getting rid of their old furniture and replacing it for the holidays.

Paint is the least expensive and single most dramatic change you an make in any room. Pick warm colors and please do not pick white paint for your walls because it seems like a safe way out. Color in your home will instantly add the homey look you are after. Really.

Remember, buy only things you like and are capable of fixing up or you will end up with a bunch of stuff you hate in the long run.

Good Luck to you in your new home.