Y’all real estate site Redfin reached out to me recently to share some of my tips for hawt thrift shopping…fun right?! Since I’m still in the midst of putting the finishing touches on our recent patio reno at Doilywood— some of which involve a couple cool thrift store (& flea market & Craigslist) scores— I thought it’d be the perfect moment to do some ‘show n tell’ whilst spilling the how I usually thrift shop tea!
Now I’ve ALWAYS been a rabid thrift store shopper, even before I got into doing interiors for clients…but sometimes even I forget how amaaze the right thrift scores can add the perfect drama glam to a space without breaking the bank!
For ex…this little rattan situ below…not entirely sure what her initial purpose was, an ottoman? coffee table? But I scooped her up at our local Salvation Army for all of $8, looking like this:
Love the ‘oval curves meets clean lines’ she’s giving…obvi she needs a refresh…but perfect for our patio…
Yasssssss…come thruuuu lil’ side table-o-sass!
With a fresh coat of black spray paint & this round cararra marble cheese server I already owned (that serendipitously fit perfectly) added as a top, she’s been repurposed as the chic-est side table spot to perch a drink!
Speaking of perching…we also needed a spot to prop up our feet whilst reclining on the sofa, as one does. I remembered I’d nabbed this adorbzzz midcentury yellow vinyl ottoman at a different Salvation Army for $20 or so (btw, pretty sure this is an authentic Paul McCobb too…I KNOW!!!)
Y’all LOOK:
Wowza! I decided all she needed was a thorough cleaning at this point…maybe one day we’ll reupholster/refinish the base, but the vinyl tots works out here as is…I mean:
And y’all, with the addition of a tray, the ottoman can also function as an impromptu coffee table, when necessary…J’adore! Also: how great do they play off one another? Here’s the whole situ:
Our very own version of Dorothy Draper patio perfection!!! So, here’s some quick tips for nabbing your own thrift scores:
join alllll the programs most of the national thrift stores & even the more regional/local stores have some sort of loyalty/frequent shopper membership programs that offer add’l discounts or points towards extra savings…so sign up…an extra 5-10% off adds up…and be sure to note any specific day of the week or color of the day sales for even more discounts…
make a wishlist, but don’t check it twice you’ll be more productive & get way less overwhelmed when hitting up a bunch of thrift stores in one day when you make a list of what specific piece or item(s) you’re looking for— like a bookcase or desk, for ex— but also, more importantly, keep an open mind & don’t be so obsessed w/sticking to your list b/c in thrifting you never know what you’re going to find & that’s usually when you strike GOLD…you’re on the hunt for that desk, but you just got slain in the style spirit by the vintage wall tapestry…chances are they’re so cheap, get BOTH Gurl!
remember to get your r&r on…repurpose and reinvent…I’m constantly on the hunt for quality, well-priced furniture (& decor) that I can repurpose and reinvent into some “new”, one-of-a-kind statement piece…the rattan piece above became a side table…a dresser becomes a bathroom vanity, a buffet transforms into a media console…and old armoire becomes a bar cabinet…the possibilities for creating truly unique, stylish and really affordable furnishings for the home are endless!
don’t get hangry y’all will never be able to do your best thrift store hunting if you’re hangry TRUST, so bring some snacks (protein bars, almonds, etc)…and esp now with Coronavirus…wear your mask (& maybe even disposable gloves) and bring hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, etc…I also always bring my tape measure and my cell phone with a full charge in order to take pics of my finds…
look beyond basic things like current paint colors/finishes, hardware or missing bits like wheels are BASIC and can easily be changed/fixed and go a looooong way in completely transforming a piece…
But wait y’all: there’s MORE! Check out Redfin’s fab article here for even more insider thrift shopping tips-n-tricks…HAPPY THRIFTING!