Thrifted, Gifted, and Lifted: The Anatomy of Budget Decorating

Dudes. Lets talk about budget decorating tips. Pretty sure that every blogger on the planet has written a post or 9 about this subject. And I mean, here is the thing, there are a million tips about it but I thought it would be fun to create a simple seating area on a real life budget and show you the scientific breakdown (or something along those lines) of a fail-proof and awesome little space. Then all week I will be posting tutorials, to make the projects crystal clear so that you can totally snatch up the thrifting spirit and run with it!

 

There are 3 categories that we are dividing and conquering today.

Thrifted, Gifted, and Lifted. Catchy much?

Thrifted is pretty self explanatory. It is cool junk that you find secondhand. Thrift stores, Craigslist, Yard Sales etc. Thrifting is where I find most of my treasures.

I love thrifting art. I think everyone should have pretty things hanging on the walls in their house, but there is this idea that only “real” art should count. I wholeheartedly disagree. Creating a space that I love in my house is all about embracing the imperfection. Perfect example is this awesome skeleton print. I found it a few weeks ago for $2. At the time it was a black and white print. Sometimes I make bad choices and leave things in my car for too long. Imagine my surprise (and swears) when I finally remembered to take this guy in my house only to discover that the sun had changed the color. My black and white print was now mauve. Blink blink. There was a clear film on the paper that had a reaction to the heat. It had a large piece of film on the top (the one that remains) and a smaller one on the bottom that I peeled off. I sort of think that the two tone background makes the piece and let me tell you,  I am so happy about that little accident.

 

Amateur oil paintings are a crucial cog in the thrift store machine. They are always there. Some are not so awesome, and sometimes it is hard to see how amazing a piece is while you are actually at the Goodwill. So if you don’t hate it and think it has a little potential,  spend the $3 and take it home. Hang it on the wall and see how cool it really is! Sometimes I see a painting and think “Hm. I don’t hate it…” but I don’t know if it will look lame or if it is too weird. Those are usually the pieces that I love the most once they are up. This little blue moment was a great find for $5.

 

How freaking adorable is this little Kodak Brownie video camera? It was one of those exact situation where I wasn’t sure if it was old enough to be cute. I am so happy I spent $10 on it, because it is perfect in this shot.

 

Category #2:  Gifted. The gifted category makes up things that were given to you (why I felt the need to clarify that is beyond me….)  The amazing weaving is the star of the show and was a little happy mail from my girl Lindsay at Hello Hydrangea. You guys must go and check out her shop. I need it all.

 

Because I love you so much,  I have a gift for you! Next week (Friday the 18th) the free project in the Vintage Revivals Newsletter is a download of the Geometric Grizzly. Make sure that you sign up for the newsletter so that you can cash in! (Don’t worry, I will remind you again!)

 

Now for our third and final category, Lifted. So I feel like lifted can mean 3 things. 1. Stolen. Like from someone that loves you enough to let you take something. Or illegally…if it is worth the consequences. I know there are a few Cold Dead Fingers pieces that I would do 1-5 for. 2. Hijacked from another part of your house, or 3. Something that you bought or DIYed for an amazing price.

The hanging planter? DIYed for less than $20. The cute IKEA basket was less than $10 (I cant find it on their website, but I just bought it so they have them in store!)

Remember when I told you that I bought a meeeellion different colored serape blankets? Yep. It was the truth. The tribal floor cloth is one of my favorite elements. Can you believe that I found the fabric at Joann’s of all places?!

 

I didn’t get a great shot of it, but the little white plant stand with the fern on it is a total Target hack. Right now they are selling these beverage stands and they are the perfect size for a plant!

I just love how collected and happy it feels.

Tutorials start tomorrow for this space! Watch for the Himmeli planter (you can check out this one if you cant wait for a few days,  I wont judge you),  chair reupholstery (you will throw up at the before), and the tribal floor cloth.

**Check out the other projects in this series here!

I am heading to Atlanta for Haven today,  Pray for this desert rat to not completely drown in the humidity… its going to be touch and go.