Given the doom and gloom surrounding the state of global pollution and climate change, homeowners are doing their utmost to change their spending and home decor habits, opting for upcycled and gently-used thrifted items and furniture instead. In fact, thrifted finds are hotter than ever among homeowners in 2020, according to a recent Pinterest report, which noted a whopping 308 per cent increase in searches. So, start reducing your carbon footprint by jumping on this on-trend bandwagon.
Minty Fresh
Scour any thrift store and you’re likely to come across a piece of furniture that – with a little TLC – can be transformed into a stunning showpiece, like this Sarah Off the Grid mint green vanity/desk combo that Sarah Richardson stained and installed herself. Take the full tour of Sarah Richardson’s off-the-grid rental home.
Ceramic Chic
Although this vintage dresser was a thrift store find, it’s the unique 1940s-era ceramics hand-picked by the homeowners that immediately draws our attention. For more inspiration, check out the top home decor trends for 2020, according to Pinterest.
Barrel O’ Fun
Snap up that old whiskey barrel everyone walks past at your local thrift shop and transform it into an outdoor patio table for an on-trend, eco-friendly decor piece that will impress your guests. Find more beautiful backyard ideas.
Bedside Beauty
Who said nightstands had to be an extravagant set-up? Instead, upcycle with a simple, bare-bones variety that you can either repaint or leave as-is for a little rustic vibe in your bedroom. Get more inspiration with these minimalist bedroom decorating ideas that aren’t boring.
Step on Up
Although it’s been trending for a few years now, it’s worth repeating that recycled ladders make for a great, versatile decorative piece. You can paint it or drape it in macrame or blankets – or add in small hinges to hang your favourite photos. Find more tips for arranging furniture in your living room.
Blast From the Past
Gather everyone together and show off your thrifty finds during a games night. Friends and family will marvel at your vintage chrome, glass-topped dining room table, complete with retro velvet chairs. Find more ways to decorate your house like the 1970s without making it feel dated.
Sign of the Time
To pay homage to the home’s agricultural roots, host Sarah Richardson sourced these two rustic red wooden arrows – which would originally have been used to point customers to a farm stand or fruit field – from a Toronto thrift store.
Practical Purposes
With the green movement in full swing, many homeowners are turning to thrift stores for everything from dishware and food canisters to decorative kitchen jars. Regardless of whether you use them for practical purposes or as decor, it’s a great way to show an old piece a little love. Check out these eco-friendly home renovations that can save you money.
Vintage Classic
The classic upcycled luggage or storage trunk: you just can’t go wrong. There’s something so warm and comforting about incorporating a vintage trunk into your living room or bedroom. Check out these DIY ideas to give old furniture new life using paint.
Retro Rewind
Even if you’re renovating, there’s no reason to toss away perfectly good furniture. The Property Brothers kept the homeowners’ vintage aesthetic in mind when they crafted this design plan – even going so far as to incorporate the owners’ original mid-century modern chairs into the dining room’s retro decorating scheme. We’ll bet all the southwestern vintage vibes in this Property Brothers reno will blow you away.
Hidden Gems
Even smaller artifacts – like this wartime ammunition box – can find new life as a cherished piece of home decor. You can also utilize old materials and try these easy DIY projects from HGTV Canada stars that’ll make your home look expensive on a budget.
Historic Charm
This bedroom is all kinds of thrifty, from the vintage gold-framed paintings and elegant nightstand to the funky black lamp resembling a woman holding the moon that the homeowner snapped up for $35 during a road trip through rural Quebec. Find more steal-worthy bedroom decorating ideas.
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