This post is sponsored by Value Village & Savers. All opinions are my own and always will be! Thanks for supporting content that keeps Jojotastic going.
I’m always beyond excited to share more of my styling work with you guys, especially because taking on more styling projects is one of my goals for the year. Just last week, I shared huge news on Instagram: Value Village & Savers had approached me to design a living and entertaining space in a shipping container using only thrifted items. And I immediately asked, “Where do I sign??” Talk about the stars aligning! In celebration of National Thrift Shop Day, I teamed up the wonderful team at Value Village to shop at the store near me and pull together this dreamy, eclectic, modern space — that I desperately wish was mine! Come with me as I give you a tour of the small space + share tips on how to score incredible thrifted finds for yourself.
I don’t think I’ve mentioned it here on the blog. But one day Sean and I hope to have a plot of land in the mountains and to build our own home. One idea we’ve had is to create a shipping container home. And now I am totally convinced that is the route we need to pursue! First, I love the idea of turning something old into something new again, like upcycling an old shipping container into part of a home. Second, shipping containers help to create a really fun, modular space that is totally unique and customizable. This project has definitely gotten my wheels turning…
In terms of the design plan, I didn’t want the space to feel overtly bohemian or rustic. Instead, I felt inspired by the clean lines of the shipping container and opted for pieces that almost have an ’80s feel to them. Yup, you heard me… the ’80s are back! I tempered it with some eclectic touches like vintage lady paintings, a midcentury modern credenza, and a vintage Turkish rug. The ’80s elements that I mentioned can be found in the strong gold lines of the furniture. The touches of green and natural marble, and in the sculptural table lamps.
While thrifting, I found the motherload of what has become my signature design element… vintage lady paintings! I could not believe my luck when I found so many incredible pieces in a color palette that was so beautiful. I really let these paintings set the color palette for the whole space and I’m so glad I did. That’s the thing about thrifting: once you find that incredible piece (or pieces in this case), it all comes together!
And, you know me… no space is complete without an epic shelfie! This minimalist gold shelf was the perfect backdrop for all the one-of-a-kind finds I thrifted. A few key items included: stacks of vintage books, sculptural brass animals, houseplants, and matte ceramics. That last decor element was really key because a collection of really beautiful matte ceramic pieces always feels very wabi sabi, almost Japanese to me — which just further increases the eclectic vibes of the space!
While designing the interior space, I realized there was a great opportunity to add a bit more functionality to the exterior with a small patio set. Isn’t this moment just the perfect spot to entertain guests?? The finishing touch was filling a vintage typewriter with succulents for a whimsical centerpiece that is definitely a conversation piece. While we were showing this space to the public here in Seattle, one guy wandered in and exclaimed, “Oh, that’s what you use those things for now??” It was such a hilarious moment.
And, never ones to miss out on anything, our chickens tagged along for the day!
Tips for a Successful Thrift Shopping Trip
Be Openminded
I think a common misconception about thrifting is that everything fits into a certain aesthetic. I specifically designed this space to feel more modern than you’d expect because I wanted to really show that you can still do that with secondhand items. Also, thrifting is all about the curation, meaning that it’s all about how you pull things together. So many of the pieces I chose can work in a multitude of different styles and spaces.
Know Your Shopping Style
When I go thrifting, I like to go alone and shop each aisle at least twice, maybe even three times. I’ve found that this approach tends to yield the best results. I urge you to explore what works best for you and then go with it. So many of my friends want to thrift with me (and maybe even get some styling advice along the way), but I usually gracefully decline because I know what works for me! Oh, and definitely start out with a cart. I know it’s tempting to think you’ll only need a basket… but let’s be real here. Get the cart.
Shop Often
The beauty of stores like Value Village & Savers is that the merchandise is constantly changing! During the course of this project, I visited my local store 4 times… and each time it was full of totally unique items. Even if you’re looking for a few small pieces, visiting the thrift store multiple times can yield some amazing treasures.
If In Doubt, Just Get It
There are two facts about thrifting: the prices are usually really great and that item will not be there when you come back the next day. My biggest piece of advice is if you even just like something (instead of love it), get it anyways. Chances are that one item won’t break the bank and you’ll probably not regret your decision in the future. There have been way too many times when I’ve been on the fence about something and not gotten it… only to realize that I really wanted it!
Can you tell that I am totally a thrift shopping enabler??
Ready to go thrifting yourself? Click here to find the closest Value Village or Savers to you. And I’m dying to know… what is the best thing you’ve ever found thrifting?? Let me know down in the comments.
Styling (and most of the photography) by Jojotastic.
