thrifting Archives - Emily A. Clark

A Thrifted Find: Federal Eagle Mirror

May252016

When we were visiting my parents over Spring break, I found a federal eagle mirror in a thrift store that I *thought* might be great. It was just interesting enough to be something special. But, it was $50, so I left it there. Then, I kept thinking about it and sent my dad back the next week to get it. It was marked down to half price. Destiny, I tell you.

After I researched similar mirrors on One Kings Lane and eBay, I knew I’d found a gem. I haven’t found an exact duplicate but similar ones online are pretty pricey. Normally, I wouldn’t be so quick to paint a vintage mirror, but the finish wasn’t all that great to begin with—and it was so dark between the black bookcases. Plus, it’s easier to justify having a little fun with a $25 find, right?

I used Rich Navy by Glidden (in a matte finish). I hesitated several weeks before painting it because I just couldn’t come up with a color that felt right. If all else fails, layer in more blue. :)

It may not stay in this spot forever, but it works for now. (And, pulling those bookcases apart has helped to fill the wall behind the sofa a little better. . .) See the room a few months ago here.

How To Score The Best Secondhand Finds

Feb12016

I don’t find a gem every time I go thrift shopping or scour Craigslist. But, I do a lot of the time. I wouldn’t say I’m extra lucky; I’d just say I’m pretty open minded. In fact, my number one tip to shopping for secondhand furniture and accessories is to trust your instincts and consider everything—even if it’s not necessarily your thing.

There’s a reason so many people shop secondhand now. One—it’s fun to hunt (or at least I think it is!). Two—there’s freedom in finding a deal on something that you can pull apart, repaint or experiment with in your home. And, three—you can find things you’ll never come across in the aisles of Target or TJMaxx. (It could be the piece that makes your entire room.)

When I’m shopping secondhand, the thrill is going in with no plan whatsoever. I’m almost never shopping with a specific thing in mind or even a particular style. I just like to wander the aisles (or browse online) to see what jumps out at me. Then, I mentally weigh the asking price against the work involved to revamp it (if needed) or if I can resell it later—should I get it home and it’s all wrong. . .

I’m sharing more tips for finding the best stuff when you’re secondhand shopping over on Better Homes & Gardens.

What’s your shopping strategy?

Why I Can’t Resist Big, Ugly Beach Art

Jan142016

I posted this picture on Instagram yesterday and had several people ask me about the large abstract “art”.

It’s not exactly a masterpiece. I found it at a yard sale a couple of years ago for a whopping $10, as a not-so-pretty sailing scene, complete with a light, peachy frame. But, it was huge. So, I figured out a way to get it in the back of my van.

It’s not the first time I’ve bought art more for scale than for actual subject matter. My number one tip for buying something for your walls is to go bigger than you think. We’ve all seen—and possibly hung—art that gets lost on the wall.

This one was an easy fix. I took a can of flat white spray paint and covered the whole thing. (You’re not going for perfect coverage here, by the way. And, the “interesting” texture worked to my advantage, giving it a cloud-like effect. ) When it dried, I taped it off and sprayed the frame gold. I may eventually try my hand at painting something else on it. But, for now, I kind of like the soft white abstract feel against the black wall.

So, when I’m buying art that looks like it would be the centerpiece of a 1980s beach condo, what I’m really thinking about is scale and actually envisioning something more like this:

Becca Interiors

House Beautiful

House & Garden

source unknown

black_white_abstract Veranda

Luxe

House & Garden UK

See more art that inspires me here.