Thrifting your way to a comfortable home environment that’s all your own.
Over the years, I’ve spent most of my time at home raising littles. While life happens, you consciously and subconsciously are cultivating a home environment they’ll remember the rest of their lives. I can think of certain elements in my own upbringing that are no longer around that made me feel a certain way. They bring comfort or an uneasy memory or silly story. I think about things my friends and family have mentioned about something they remember in their family home, at their grandparents house and it’s usually followed by a short story and how that object was used and why they still recall it. Memories are brought up by inanimate things and fade when we do but the object lives on. It’s such an interesting thing to think about!
I am a creature of comfort. I find solace in my home and cultivating the environment within (and out). I like to look at interesting things that mostly coordinate and bring an element to our home you just can’t buy at the big box store. They bring an unspoken history with them. Memories forever stuck in the cotton strands of fabric or etched and scraped into the grooves of shellac on wood. Those who get it, know what I’m talking about. It’s a mental hug and sense of calm because this space is ours, and it’s unique all on it’s own.
Here are things that I continue to reuse when I’m sourcing for things that help make our home environment warm, inviting and comforting:
- Think about elements you’re attracted to – wood, tones, color, texture, materials – etc. Find things that compliment the style you have going on. An example would be “English country cottage” – elements I tend to thing of are natural materials such as sisal rugs that evoke a sense of a thatched roof, possibly bold or subdued floral prints and stripes in cushions and window treatments, beautiful painted simple furniture in green and blues, dark wood or beautiful English pine. A few key elements like dried florals, baskets, and practical whimsy such as Staffordshire or other porcelain fixtures – brass or horse brass and beautiful gilded frames and original art work. Some shabby elements such as rusted metals or patina go a long way in this design too.
- Think about those things when you are out sourcing and bring in a piece or two that sings to you when you see it.
- Look in all the places – Thrift stores, antique stores and malls, eBay, Flea markets, Facebook marketplace, and the like.
- Go as often as possible, but don’t put pressure on the trip. Observe and enjoy the walk about. You may discover something you’ve never seen before.
- Above all – take your time. This is a long-game. Each piece adds to the specialness of your home and environment. Somedays, you find 3 things that have been on your mind to source for years. Other days, you turn up with nothing. That’s part of the fun and charm!
It’s a gift to cultivate home. It brings me so much joy and fulfills a deep need to be creative. Nothing is static either – If something works, great! If it doesn’t, recycle it and resell it through Facebook marketplace or simply donate it. Have fun playing.
