Living Beautifully {By Lacey}

Hi all! Thanks Monica for letting me share your virtual space through this guest post. You can find me at www.laceywilson15.blogspot.com. I'm a full-time public relations professional and I enjoy all things crafty, thrifty and pink.

xoxo,

Lacey Wilson

@laceywilson15

I love to change things up when it comes to home décor. I have to admit it’s a bit addictive. The only problem is, if you change your décor as often as you change your shoes, the price to decorate your space can equal the cost of a few Manolos.

Being a bit budget-conscious, I found a new hobby in thrift-store shopping for most of my home décor needs. Ok, I’m not going to lie, it took me awhile to get the hang of it…and I still reach for my hand sanitizer whenever I leave, but I feel a sense of accomplishment when I can find something at a discounted price, then refurbish/repaint/reuse it.

The key to incorporating thrift store finds into your DIY projects can be challenging but here are a few tips for those who are willing to give it a shot:

• Have a list of purposes, not items (ex: mail organizer rather than basket). This will help you keep an open mind when browsing.
• Keep an eye out of items that are sturdy…which leads me to my next point: 
• Overlook color and in some instances, fabric. You will be amazed at what spray paint and a little stroll down the upholstery aisle will do. 

And if you’re still not sure what to look for, try these for starters:

• Remnant fabric to cover an old bulletin cork board 
• Magazines – look for retro or fashion magazine covers to frame 
• Small plates for candle holders 
• Bookcases + curtain rods to create a gift-wrapping station 
• Picture frames – you can easily repaint them and you’ll spend just pennies compared to buying new ones. (See this one below, embellished with some wallpaper.)

For a little inspiration, here are some of my favorite before and after projects:

So whether you're shopping for first-hand items or perusing the local thrift stores, always remember, your home can be fabulous no matter the budget.

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Thanks so much Lacey! Doesn’t she have a lovely sense of style? I love her damask bench and chandelier makeover- stunning! Also, I can totally relate to having the heebie-jeebies when you go thrifting, but once you find some good stuff, you will be addicted! I know this first hand since I started actively thrifting in mid-2009 and have scored some lovely treasures. Carry a tape measure, hand sanitizer and an open imagination and you shall be golden! Want your own little treasure? Leave Lacey some love in the comments section to be entered for a free pair of floral earrings.