*This post is in partnership with Rocktops.  All thoughts, selections, and opinions are my own. Kitchens are often the most utilized space in any home. From food preparation and cooking to time spent around the dining table, this room sees a lot of action. It’s also typically the most expensive room in any home due to the investment in cabinets, counters, hardware, and appliances. When envisioning a kitchen for our new build, I aimed for a design with lasting power. While many man-made materials claim durability, I couldn’t ignore the natural stone that has adorned buildings and sidewal ..read more

*This post is brought to you by Delta Faucet. Like so many people, we put off our main bath renovation for years.  We focused on the areas of the house that “mattered more” and that others got to see and enjoy.  When we first moved in, the bathroom was a bright blue. I painted the walls a creamy white right away, but otherwise we’ve just been living with the space as is for the last seven years.  I always planned to gut the space and give it a whole new life, but when we decided to list our home this spring that changed.  We could have put a lot of work into a full renova ..read more

$20 later and I finally found some buffet lamps I like for this spot! I could have spent hundreds of dollars a year or two ago and got something new that I was happy with, but waiting and keeping my eyes open brought me to these beauties that check a lot of the boxes. If down the road I find something I like more, it was a small investment. I can easily sell them and make a profit to pay for the next pair. When you thrift, you can evolve your home and style slowly and inexpensively, all the while being more thoughtful in what you consume and how you spend. Join us @thriftwiththemakerista to le ..read more

I’ve always wanted a Bombay chest. I have a small, simple, black version I bought new after we got married 13 years ago, but it’s not the same as a secondhand one with stone top and inlaid wood. This piece isn’t as old as you may think, but the price was right and the scale is good. And that marble with the ogee edge is so substantial! At 6’ wide and 3’ tall, it’s a great size, one that works well here and will be nice in the next house too. The hunt and more details were shared in the Thrift Club! My love of thrifting is always fun to join.  Do you @ThriftWithTheMakerista? Join Thrift ..read more

I’ve been on the hunt for a really good nativity for the living room for a few years. Something either very neutral or very traditional – European in nature and classically painted. My aunt came into town, and she is always such a thoughtful gift giver. Not knowing I’d like to have one, she showed up with this nativity set. It doesn’t fit in the living room, but is the perfect scale and color way for the playroom. The resin pieces make it a great little play set for Domino too!   My love of thrifting is always fun to join.  Do you @ThriftWithTheMakerista? Join Thrift Club for $35 ..read more

Two ways I love to do seasonal decor unexpectedly: using unusual colors and elements to deck out traditional decor like trees and garland (look out for an example later today!), and bringing in traditional colors within everyday objects. This time of year I’m finding myself drawn to reds and greens and highlighting them. I always have the phone, but the poinsettias really add another nice pop. The champagne bucket kicks them up a notch too! Switching neutral books for more festive colors feels good. And vintage pieces, like the architectural base, bring color and character. The gold details fe ..read more

This year I went vintage and understated for Christmas in the dining room. I got a small, live tree and stuffed it into a pot of floral foam and then set that in this outdoor urn. I strung 300 twinkle lights, then added vintage ornaments. Many of them were my grandma Rose’s, who passed away over a decade ago. She was very thrifty, and some of the ornaments are only functional because of some scotch tape repairs. The rest were thrifted. From shiny brights to beaded satin, they all have character and a story, which is why I love them so much! I thrifted the candle holders from a German couple’s ..read more

If the ribbon tree was described as fun, the library tree is probably known as “over the top.” This 9’ fir has stayed in the basement storage the last few years, but when my middle daughter requested it make another appearance, we lugged it up. I pulled out all of the pink and maroon ornaments I owned and then added in anything jeweled and sparkly. Finally, I used about 15,000 strands of tinsel (thanks to those of you who gave me the tinsel tips and helped me find more!) to really take it up a notch. It sure does glisten, with sunshine by day and Christmas lights by night. Since everywhere was ..read more

I’ve been collecting random ribbons for well over a year in preparation for this tree. From estate sales, to pretty gift boxes, and finally a wonderful rally from Thrift Club members – all of the ribbons are secondhand. I began with the solids in satin, gross grain, velvet, silk, and paper, then added in some patterns that spoke to the colors. It turned out way more fun than I anticipated (I’m not typically a “fun” girl, ask those close to me ), but I think it’s just what I needed! Plus, it reminds me of thoughtful gifts given and club members’ generosity. It could be great tradition to start ..read more

It’s amazing what thrifting can do for your budget and style. Not only does it make decorating your home and life cheaper, it gives you an opportunity to buy higher quality pieces that are unique to you and your taste. You can’t run to Target and get this look! It takes time, but the hunt is half the fun, and I’ve found that I truly love what I have instead of feeling the need to refresh and replace every season. I no longer run out to buy a bunch of new decor every time the weather changes, and I happily live in spaces looking the same for years. You can join the Thrift Club  for just $3 ..read more