Ceramics: Creating Luxury-style Pieces
If you have a taste for organic luxury style, you’ll enjoy the pieces from Zara Home. They have a luxurious feel, but you can find similar pieces at the thrift store for a fraction of the price. For example, I found a large-scale vase for under $10. To create a similar look, I tied suede ribbon around the vase and added a coat of brown acrylic paint mixed with mortar mix. After it dried, I applied a mixture of mud, water, and white paint for an opaque finish. I then added florals from the thrift store to complete the look.
Expensive Vintage Furniture on a Budget
High-end vintage furniture can be incredibly expensive, but you can find free or inexpensive finds by keeping an eye out for discarded pieces. I found a damaged vintage desk on the side of the road and spent hours sanding it down to its raw wood form. I opted to seal it instead of staining it and added modern hardware for a fresh look. With the desk being free and the cost of the hardware, I was able to achieve a high-end look for just $32.
Replicating Expensive Decor Pieces
Expensive decor pieces like olive wreaths, patina brass lights, and vintage rugs can be recreated on a budget. For example, I found olive sprigs at the thrift store and created a wreath by combining them with Dollar Tree olive stems. I also found a thrifted lampshade and used spray paint to match the look of a high-end light from McGee and Co. In addition, I found a rug on Facebook Marketplace for a fraction of the price.
Creating High-End Lighting
Lighting fixtures can be expensive, but you can find affordable options at the thrift store. For example, I found a patina brass lamp base for just $4 and added a light bulb converter to fit a normal-sized light bulb. I also found a floor candelabra for $6 and added copper pipes to create candle holders. By repurposing thrifted items, I was able to achieve high-end lighting looks at a fraction of the cost.
Thrifting for Wall Art
High-end stores like World Market and the thrift store offer beautiful artwork options. While decorative wall baskets can be hard to find at the thrift store, you can create a similar look by using wooden sculptures as wall decor. I found a wooden sculpture at the thrift store and added a belt for a leather detail. I also created Rakesh Bells by repurposing bells from a trellis and attaching them to shepherd hooks. These DIY projects allow you to achieve high-end wall art looks on a budget.
Affordable Accent Furniture
Accent furniture pieces like side tables and stools can be expensive, but you can find affordable options at the thrift store. I found a side table for just $3 and customized it with black spray paint. By flipping the tray upside down and adding a black coat of paint, I was able to achieve a high-end look. I also found a woven stool for $19.95 and used it as a base for a plant. These small-scale furniture pieces add a touch of elegance to your space without spending a fortune.
Budget-Friendly Table Lamps
Table lamps can be expensive, but you can find affordable options at the thrift store. I found a green lampshade and spray painted the base of a thrifted lamp to create a high-end look. By repurposing thrifted items and adding a puck light, I was able to achieve a budget-friendly project that looks luxurious.
Creating Unique Cutting Boards and Surfaces
You can find unique cutting boards and surfaces at the thrift store to create high-end looks. I found a damaged cutting board and sanded it down to the raw wood form. By staining and sealing it, I created a high-end look for a fraction of the price. I also found a square woven basket and used it as a serving tray. These DIY projects allow you to achieve the high-end look of expensive stores on a budget.
Creating Budget-Friendly Wreaths
Expensive wreaths can be recreated on a budget using thrifted items. I found a wreath base at the thrift store and added faux olive sprigs from Dollar Tree and thrifted olive stems. By combining these elements, I created a wreath that looks similar to the expensive options from stores like Anthropologie. This DIY project saves you money while achieving a high-end look.
Thrifted Decor Pieces for Styling
Decor pieces like baskets, mirrors, and magazine holders can be found at the thrift store for a fraction of the price of high-end stores. By spray painting and customizing these thrifted items, you can achieve a high-end look on a budget. For example, I found a woven basket and spray painted it black for a more modern look. These thrifted decor pieces add a touch of elegance to your space without breaking the bank.
Creating Custom Furniture Pieces
Thrifted furniture pieces can be transformed into custom pieces with a little creativity. I found an easel, a desk, and a poof at the thrift store and customized each piece to fit my space. By painting the desk and adding new hardware, I was able to create a high-end look on a budget. These DIY projects allow you to personalize your furniture and save money in the process.
