my “Middle Tennessee” Thrift Theory
Creating a living space that truly represents your spirit is an exciting journey of self-expression. The key to designing such a space is to focus on elements that resonate with your personality and passions. For example, this door? really DOES IT FOR ME..
Okay, First of all:
I am NO thrifting expert.
I’m not even sure that’s a thing, but I have some fashionably thrifty friends who will eat you, me, and our grandmas up when it comes to a good find!
I am absolutely a fashion girly, it was my very first “love”, or passion - BUT my newfound vibe is thrifting ✨furniture✨.
Since moving between Nashville and Portland, my shopping habits have definitely evolved a ton.
I mean hell, there’s been major shifts between my life and shopping habits in Chicago, versus Portland (which it’s like.. duh, I went to college, grew a bit, and ultimately gained the experience of having my own space to actually decorate with things I pay for with my own money).
I’ve also become QUITE the “window shopper”.
my boyfriend and I enjoy attending open house sessions, usually preferring to view whatever property is priced anywhere near or over $5,000,000, or any showing that peaks our design interest. From this, I get gratification from not only seeing ACTUAL Realtors in action, but also gawking over the decor & interior designs! (it’s literally a true inspiration)
From an entire city perspective - with Portland, I had grown used to an eclectic earthy, but modern twist. It always smelled like wet terrain or fresh school supplies (idk but it did) … the landscape and scenery definitely served the girls range. You can find outdated or rustic, but you can also find metropolitan luxury or a “colonial old-money feel”. Nashville almost definitely offers a rustic charm with an industrial edge that creates a warm and homey feel… but LOTS of old, southern traditional, MONEY.
Industrial rustic charm happens to pair well with ECLECTICISM - and then my heart feels.. overwhelmingly.. idk… ALIVE??
As we wandered through the aisles of my newfound favorite thrift store in America, I was captivated by the diverse selection, each piece offering its own rustic flair - but still serving the gworls.. for lack of a better term: vintage fairy dollhouse?
Both regions have their diverse factors, Nashville has Portland a LITTLE beat in the areas I value most.
Thrifting here is not just about finding unique pieces; it's about discovering items that tell a story and blend the old with the new. The city's thrifting scene is perfect for my modern rustic aesthetic, allowing me to create a cozy yet stylish living environment. I'm drawn to places that emphasize reclaimed materials and vintage finds, reflecting Nashville's rich cultural heritage.
Start by identifying colors, textures, and styles that make you feel most at home. Whether it's a vibrant color palette that reflects your energy or natural materials that evoke a sense of calm, let these elements guide your choices. As a "designer" of your own space, prioritize communication and compromise. This ensures the home feels inviting and comfortable for ALL inhabitants. Remember, the best representation of your spirit in a shared space is one where both partners feel seen and valued, creating a sanctuary that supports and inspires your life together.
When designing a space for a couple, the goal is to blend individual tastes into a cohesive environment.
Begin by having open conversations with your partner about what each of you loves in a home.
Find common ground—perhaps you both appreciate vintage furniture or have a shared love for art.
Use these shared interests as a foundation for your design.
Incorporate personal touches from both partners to create a balanced space.
This might mean mixing modern pieces with rustic accents or combining different styles in a way that feels harmonious.
The result should be a space that not only reflects each individual's spirit but also celebrates the partnership as a whole.
THE NEED OF THE DAY:
I was thrilled to find the perfect area rug for my modern rustic retro living room. Its intricate design and earthy tones blend seamlessly with my existing decor. I also found some charming dish and glassware that add character to our lil at-home dining experience.
One particular thrifting experience I’ve stumbled across?
BITCH. To die for.
Think.. World Market, with IKEA prices.
Located at 2728 Eugenia Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee. The store sits in the city's industrial area.
The best way to get there is by taking I-65 to the Wedgewood Avenue exit and following the signs toward the fairgrounds. The store's expansive layout is filled with an eclectic mix of home goods, from furniture to small decor items, providing both affordable and expensive price ranges.
I’m obsessed with this store, and it’ll OBV be one of my hot spots when I finally begin my dream career in Interior Design, and have a full warehouse to store a bunch of my ridiculously heavy, expensive, and eclectic furniture pieces. ♥️ (manifesting that fr)
MY FAVORITE FIND:
The highlight of my trip was discovering a unique magnifying glass designed to look like a paintbrush—a quirky yet functional addition to my collection. This blend of practicality and whimsy perfectly reflects my evolving sense of style since moving to Nashville.
I love love love the utilization of decor elements like area rugs, lighting fixtures, and a fuck ton of mirrors.
- If it’s not obv already…
Our lil couch/sectional situation is from Amazon, and was ~$665, give or take.
My mother actually purchased it for us, super grateful. The rug added the perfect contrast, as it’s like a tweed or wool material? pairing well with the couch’s sherpa style texture. I absolutely did not enjoy the fact that the couch did not come with legs, but the area rug made it all the more of a bearable sight (because I was seriously considering building a platform or finding functional legs).
I have a very sporadic, eclectic, and vibrant style-preference. My dude is seemingly more of a retro-modern, vintage sleek kind of guy. So I’ve been mixing a ton of musical elements, lots of burnt vibrant colors mixed with pastels and gray tones (because our freaking walls are gray… I digress).
It’s A LOT.
and I love it. It truly is my comfort zone, and THANK GOD my boyfriend has expressed a similar experience… cause I’m already compromising so much by not having neon pink paired with teal tones and my traditional b&w stripe vibe.
- so to sum it up? I’m just super excited to make more money, and buy more decor and furniture for our new place.
Just needed a place to dump all this pointless information and excitement.
Good Day, Doll . 🤣
Thanks for Reading & Bonding with me.
