New buildings sometimes lack character, as do conversions that lack construction quality. To breathe life into boring decor, look for vintage-inspired finds for your home. Jasmine Roth, star of HGTV's “Help!” I Wrecked My House” has lots of ideas on how to do just that. When she's not busy fixing DIY disasters, she shares tips for saving on hidden treasures at Goodwill, shows off her finds from antique swaps, and shows fans how she turns tarnished treasures into character enhancers for various home spaces. Roth recently converted a broken game table into a charming and versatile coffee table for less than $250, explaining on YouTube, “When you repurpose something, it becomes unique, it's usually less expensive, and it's just plain fun.” How fun would it be to have this vintage table in a brand new house?”
Reuse can be as simple as using an old item in a new way. For example, you could repurpose an old steamer trunk as a side table or plant stand. In other cases, your repurposing process may involve reclaiming wood, replacing broken pieces, or using parts of other decorative items to create something new. For example, you could turn broken ceramic plates into a table mosaic to revive an old patio furniture set. No matter what you upgrade, the key is to let your personal style shine through.
Transform used household goods according to your taste
Roth made a name for herself by transforming uninspired abodes into super-customized sanctuaries on the HGTV series “Hidden Potential.” As she got to know homeowners, she noticed their specific tastes, from design styles they admired to colors they despised. Knowing your aesthetic and sensory preferences is also helpful when saving. If you're unsure about your design style, consider what's most important to you. For example, if comfort is a top priority, you might opt for soft lighting and soft textiles. Once you've thought about your taste, turn your attention to your space. What would make it feel more like a home? How should different rooms feel? Whether you're shopping at a flea market or flea market, look for items that evoke thoughts and emotions that you'd like to experience more often. When you find something that does this, imagine different ways to use it. Perhaps you could turn it on its side, attach other components, or embellish another item with parts of it.
Consider whether any of the uses you've imagined for a used item can fill a need in your home. Let's say you have limited storage space in the bedroom. How could the article you found solve this problem? Maybe your home office looks clinical because it lacks color. Would the item look visually appealing? If not, could you paint or upholster it to make it more colorful? If this article says something important about who you are, you might decide it's worth repurposing.
Finding inspiration in imperfections
Used finds are rarely in perfect condition, and that's okay. In fact, according to Roth, imperfection can be part of a secondhand item's charm. “When I see something that's warm and weathered, I immediately feel good,” she explains via YouTube. While thrift store items may occasionally be pristine, they often fall apart. If the item that catches your eye is broken, try to figure out how much time, energy, and money would need to be spent repairing it. In some situations, you may want to throw away broken pieces, as Roth did with the game table legs, or use them in unconventional ways. Think of imperfect furniture and decor as materials for a craft or woodworking project. This approach can help you determine the other materials you will need to complete your project.
Sometimes cracks – or the process of repairing them – tell a story that you'd like to show off. The Japanese art of Kintsugi, for example, involves repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer to honor humanity's mistakes. If a blemish doesn't threaten the structural integrity of an object, you can leave it alone or even celebrate its beauty.