Sunday, March 4, 2012

Thrifted Decor

Rewind one year: I was quitting my job. Parents, friends, and relatives probably thought I had gone off the deep end. But in reality, I would have gone off the cliff if I didn't quit, but that is a story for another day.

When I entered my 'early retirement', as I called it then, my first priority was getting our house under control. We had lived in our first home for just a little over a year and there were still boxes that hadn't been unpacked and a barren, non-cozy feel to our nest. I needed to decorate! But wait...I had just left my job and we were still getting accustomed to our new living on less lifestyle. What was a girl to do on a decorating budget of nil??

Go thrifting!

I would say that this is when my passion for thrifting started. I went to yard sales, estate sales, and thrift stores, scouring the decor and furniture sections. I came up with some pretty fun pieces at next to nothing prices.

The first area I decorated with mostly thrifted finds was our back entry way. This area serves many different purposes. The dog is always in and out of this door and guests see this area when we entertain outside in the summer. It is also the door that leads to our garden.

This is how it started, blank and boring:


Here is the space mid-makeover:


 This is how it looks today, warm, inviting, and functional!



Here's the breakdown:
Weathered bench: yard sale $8
Pictures: gifts and thrifted $1.50
Rug: Pier 1 clearance 22.50 (and I had a $20 gift card!)
Anti-slip rug grip material: yard sale $5 (new in package)
Boots and watering can and spade: my own and my Grandma's

I just love how it turned out. I can sit on the bench, pull on my boots and grab my watering can and spade before heading out into the garden. When the dog comes back in from the yard, the rug helps to trap the debris he drags in. This is also an inviting space for guests when we entertain in the yard.

The small entry way was just the start to my thrifted decorating projects...more to come!

What areas of your home have you decorated with mostly thrifted decor? You are welcome to leave a comment below, or come and show off a photo over at the Facebook fan page!
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Linking up with Her Library Adventures: Flea Market Finds and Homemaker on a Dime: Creative Bloggers Hop.

20 comments:

  1. Isn't it fun and a challenge to decorate on a thrifty budget! I think your entry looks great!

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    1. Thank you Linda! You are right, it is fun, and I love the hunt. I appreciate you stopping by :)

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  2. Love your entry hall!

    My entire home has been furnished from Craigslist. There are only a couple of new items in the entire place!

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    1. You are so resourceful Dana. I am always on c-list looking for that next estate or yard sale, but haven't done a lot with purchasing. We are looking for a small, round table for our kitchen. In my dreams, it would be a tulip table of course!
      Thanks for being a regular here at the blog:)

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  3. Your entryway turned out great. That rug just makes it, doesn't it?

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    1. Yes it does! I so rarely do retail anymore, but I had a gift card from a few years back that I thought I should use and Pier 1 always has fun rugs. Thankfully, they were having a clearance sale. The rug was originally something crazy like $90 and of course I would never pay that! After the sale, and my gift card, I only paid a few bucks.
      I then found a huge, new, package of rug grip material a few days later at a yard sale..that was all luck!
      Thanks for stopping by :)

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  4. Love the colors and the simplicity. Nice finds!

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    1. Yes, they all work so beautifully together. Thank you for stopping by. Looking forward to your next Hey-Wake refinish!

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    1. Thanks for stopping over Megan! I'm coming over to visit your blog...

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  6. So pretty! I always find "collected" homes -- especially those decorated with secondhand treasures--to have the most personality and the kind of warmth you can't buy in a big box store. Great job!

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  7. LOOKS FANTASTIC!! Love that bench.

    Smiles,
    The Joyful Thrifter

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    1. Thanks Joyful! It was on my BOLO (be on the look out) list for a very short period of time when I happened upon it at a yard sale. I bought it thinking that if it was too long my handy husband could re-work it. Well, got it home and it fit perfectly!

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  8. Love the bench! Great choice with the rug too!

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    1. Thank you Jan, that rug just pulled everything together.

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  9. Great bench...it all looks so good together. :)

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  10. great job - love the rug. am looking forward to hearing about your 'early retirement' - i'm at a place right now where i'm seriously considering quitting my job. wonder if thriftng can be a career. :-)

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    1. Long story short, I was selling out my core values. I was giving all of my energy to someone elses dream/business and had nothing left to give to my hubby or myself at the end of the day. It is only because my husbands support and gentle nudge that I was able to have the courage to leave. We initially cut our income in half. I have honestly never once felt deprived since making the decision. I don't need anything. I am happy with what I have. For the extras I could go to the mall, but I choose to thrift instead, thus saving money and I enjoy the hunt and find.
      Do what you, in your gut, think is the right thing to do. You won't go wrong!
      Thank you for stopping by :) Rachael

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