Helpful Tips to Decorate with Thrifty Finds

I recently was going through my photos trying to clean up my storage, when I took a moment to reflect back on all the memories. While doing that, I realized the extent of my decorating with thrifty finds.  Yes, this phenomenon was the impetus of my starting this blog.   I have been decorating in this manner way before up cycling and repurposing were the “in thing”.  Truly, it was out of necessity and a secret I did not share with others. Read about my story here.  Now that the whole world knows, thanks to social media, I can share my passion by sharing helpful tips to decorated with thrifty finds.

The photos that I came across made me realize I strayed from my true passion of decorating and were focusing  more on treasures that were projects needing transformation. At first, I believe it was exciting to see the transformation of a discarded piece turned into something great, but after a while, these projects started to multiply. I didn’t find joy in it anymore. It seemed like work. It was not fun work and so that pieces just sat. I lost my mojo. Thankfully and just recently, this insight came to light.  I sold my unfinished project pieces cluttering my garage and my enthusiasm.  As a result, my true passion of finding the right treasure to decorate with, has resurfaced. Yay!, for me.  Once again, decorating became my focus keeping these few tips in mind.

 

TIPS FOR DECORATING WITH THRIFTY FINDS

 

Know Your Style

Ever wonder how to decorate with thrift store finds? For me, I have no plan. When I go treasure hunting, I purchase items that speak to me. Honestly they do! They practically jump right out at me. I know my style and when I see “it” I recognize that it is something to snatch up. It just clicks from knowing my style and remembering ideas I liked in magazines or from decorating blogs.  However, if I purchase an item, it doesn’t mean I’ll use it right away. I have had things sit for a year before repurposing them into my space. I have a large storage space in my basement that I can store these finds until the are needed in my decorating process. I literally “shop my stash” when I feel the need to decorate and create a whole new “no cost” look. If you don’t have a storage space, decorate with a specific plan.  Pick an area or a whole room and go picking with that space in mind.  When you see “it” you will know.  If you love it, it will work!

Shop often

I don’t usually admit this out loud, but I generally go thrift store shopping at least once a week and if its garage sale season time, then maybe more often.  Mondays are the best.  After a weekend of people purging, cleaning house or ending a garage sale, the best finds will be made.  Also, be selective in the shops you frequent. After a while, you will get to know which shops have the “better finds”.

Shop with the Right Attitude

Many people feel that garage sales and thrift stores are just junk.  Sometimes, ok often, that is the case but you have to be willing to try.  Shop with the right attitude.  That means, have an open mind. An item might be the wrong color or just dirty, but see past that.  Does it have good bones?  Cleanliness and color can be changed.  Truly for me, the deal breaker is the condition of an item.  I can paint and wash, but I’m not willing to do repairs. Be open.  You will be surprised. Spray paint and “oops”paint are a girl’s best friend.

Buy Accessories

When I am treasure hunting, I will load up on the accessories.  This entire look was created from treasures found while shopping garage sales, thrift stores, or from local on- line buy and sell sites.  Accessories are versatile.  When I am  done with this particular decorated area, the items can be mixed up, rearranged or used in a totally different room.  I love to change things up. I have referred to myself as an ADD Decorator.

What I Buy

Pictures, Side Tables                                                               Lamps
Shades,                                                                                      Curtains
Signs                                                                                          Pillow cases,
Picture Frames                                                                         Wall Art,
Shutters                                                                                     Vases
Greenery,                                                                                   Trays
Wreaths, Clocks                                                                        Stools
Stools, Shelves                                                                          Accent chairs
Mirrors                                                                                       Baskets
Crates,                                                                                        Blankets/throws

 

 

#1 Benefit to Decorating with Finds

I know,  you are probably thinking the number one benefit to decorating with thrifty finds would be the cost.  That certainly makes the most logical sense, but for me that is not how I operate.  Don’t get me wrong, I love to save a buck , but the true reason I decorate with thrifty finds is that I don’t feel committed to a particular design, arrangement, or piece.  It is purely for joy and a maybe a little  function.   When I look around  my space, I actually get a physical response of joy.  It makes my heart smile that I did this on my own.  It feels good and I know this environment creates similar response in my family’s heart.  It’s my act of love.

Share with me what makes your heart smile.  What is your passion that you share?