Home decorator and content creator Grace H is one of Ideal Home’s newest Open House contributors, sharing her thoughts on colorful home design, mixing vintage pieces with new, and creating spaces full of personality. Check out the rest of his articles here.
My absolute superpower is always walking into any store and immediately noticing the most expensive item in the room. My eyes naturally wander to things that look a little different, unique and annoying, usually expensive.
The good news is that you can use those luxury items as pure inspiration, then go online to get something similar for a fraction of the price. Let’s see how to make your home elevated and luxurious on a budget.
I’m constantly trolling through Vinted (I’ve now perfected my algorithm so it serves me absolute gold on a silver platter). While eBay is still a great backup, listings have slowed, making Vinted the ultimate treasure in my eyes.
Here are some of the best secondhand secrets I’ve found, along with some pieces I’m constantly coveting.
(Image credit: Grace H)
1. Love the lamp
There are designer lamps that have been sitting on my wish list for over five years. The reason is that they are beautiful, but painfully expensive. Because of this, large statement lamp bases are always at the top of my search list on auction and reseller sites.
A vintage, oversized base can make a bold statement in any room. If you can snag the base at a bargain price, then you can justify investing in a high-quality lampshade. I recently bought an oversized 1980’s round lamp base for a steal and am still searching for the perfect shade but I love the fact that it looks unique and not all the same. The result will hopefully be a high-end, custom look.
Top tip: Be super-specific with your search terms. Instead of typing “pink lamp,” try keywords like ceramic, vintage Italian, glazed, ribbed, cylindrical, or large. The more specific the better!
(Image credit: Grace H)
2. Gallery-worthy artwork
Many talented artists now sell original pieces on Vintage. You can often choose to steal them, supporting emerging talent while enhancing your walls. A quick reframe, and a secondhand piece can look gallery-worthy in no time.
I always hunt for original oil paintings rather than prints; They catch the light beautifully and can look incredibly high.
Top tip: This is where I recommend being vague. Keep the search simple, such as “colored oil Painting” and just scroll until something catches your eye. Don’t focus on obscure framing choices; just look at the art. Save anything you like to train your algorithm to do the hard work for you the next time you log in.
(Image credit: Grace H)
3. Bespoke cushions
Custom cushions instantly elevate a room, however, buying them feels like a real luxury. I wish I had the sewing skills to whip them up myself, but alas, I am not blessed with the patience for a sewing machine.
Fortunately, plenty of talented online sellers know how. You can find incredible manufacturers online making cushions from deadstock, vintage or designer fabrics for a fraction of the high-street price.
Top tip: Never give up the flat, pancake-like inner cushion that comes with a secondhand buy. Switch it to insert a feather 5cm larger than the cushion cover. You will get that soft, plump and interior designed look instantly.
(Image credit: Grace H)
4. Statement ceramics
I’ve sung about my love of ceramics for years, and there are many unique, soulful pieces looking for a good home. It’s very rare that I buy a vase from the high street these days; They tend to look mass-produced, and good ones go viral so quickly that everyone ends up with a certain outfit.
Searching for vintage ceramics offers gorgeous colors and organic shapes that add instant texture to your style. I recently picked up some vintage colorful ceramic ice cream cups and I love the interest they add to the kitchen shelf. All for the price of a couple of takeaway coffees!
Trinket dishes are always on my hit list – they are so useful and look gorgeous placed on top of a coffee table book on my ottoman.
Top tip: Always check or ask for measurements! I learned this the hard way. I’ve had pieces that look like they belong in a doll’s house, and others that are large enough for a stately home.
(Image credit: Grace H)
5. Curated tableware
I’m talking plates, tablecloths, cutlery, water jugs and candles. One person’s trash is truly another person’s treasure. It amazes me how reasonably priced the beautiful tableware is at Vintage. A quick run through the dishwasher or washing machine, and it’s as good as new.
I recently hit ‘buy’ in record time on a stunning, hand-embroidered tablecloth. When it arrived, it was even better than I expected. I also have a few serving platters on the way that cost less than a tenner each – cheaper than buying mass-produced ones off the shelf.
Top tip: Good cutlery can be eye-wateringly expensive. Keep an eye out for vintage canteens or sets that are missing a few pieces; People sell them for cheap, and if you’re patient, you can usually find a replacement online later.
(Image credit: Grace H)
The combination is magic
While a quick high-street fix is always attractive, a truly interesting home thrives on eclecticism. The magic happens when you find pieces that have a past and a story to tell.
For me, the thrill of the chase, that late night scroll, the unexpected discovery and anticipation of the postman’s arrival, is half the joy of interior design.
By mixing high-street staples with secondhand gems and a splash of designer luxury, you’ll create a space that feels beautifully layered, personal and totally original.
