Ikea will be in probably every single one of my guides, so get used to it. But you simply cannot, cannot beat this place for tons of white dishware and glasses on the cheap. Stock up on these basics here and you’re good forever. Big-mouth tumblers and little juice glasses are classic and sturdy, and you won’t need to buy a new set of plates every couple years – white is timeless and goes with everything.

While you’re here, set aside time to browse through their kitchen accessories section where you’ll go bonkers over tons of canisters and gadgets, all at unbelieveable prices.

If you’re not looking to spend a lot of money on a new couch, this should be your first stop. Fresh and classically modern, most of Ikea’s couches are slipcovered, which means easy washing. And they’re cheap enough so that you can pick up an extra cover if you want to change colors or if you just want to have an extra one on hand. Decent quality at a can’t-be-beat price, the Ektorp sofas at Ikea were the only ones that fit down the narrow hallway of our 200 year-old house. But while we didn’t have a choice, I still recommend Ikea as the to-go place for anyone in the market for a new couch.

What’s a guide of mine without Ikea? As with everything else in this brick-and-mortar slice of heaven, the lighting choices are modern and simple, and they all reflect that Swedish minimalist aesthetic that is so coveted in the design world. And the best part? The unbeatable prices (duh!)

Stoughton. Strange choice, but OK. And it just so happens to be an hour and a fricking half from me, but fine. Fine!

Of course: Ikea! Their modern, simple frames are also super-stylish and (as always) affordable.