2025 THRIFT HAULS WE’RE MANIFESTING
Today, we’re sharing our ultimate thrift haul manifestations for 2025, curating collections of timeless, storied pieces that bring warmth, character, and sustainability into our home. This year, we’re on the lookout for pieces that offer both functionality and texture, from furniture to decor. The truth is, everything you’re shopping for probably already exists, waiting to be rediscovered. Thrifting gives us the opportunity to skip over cheap, mass-produced items and instead embrace well-crafted, unique finds, all while shopping more consciously and reducing waste. Whether it’s a patinaed piece of pottery, vintage European ceramic, or an ornate gilded frame, each find carries history and soul, adding layers of depth to our spaces. This year, we’re embracing the thrill of the hunt, seeking out pieces that transform our homes with intention, authenticity, and a deep respect for sustainability.
SECRETARY HUTCH
I’ve been on the hunt for a secretary hutch for nearly all of 2024 and I’m determined, this is going to be the year I find one! Functionality is of course my top priority (doors & drawers need to open fluidly), the condition isn’t a dealbreaker because I plan on refinishing the hutch in Benjamin Moore’s Black 2132-10 and adding antique brass hardware (if not already included).
Our current living room furniture is low-profile so my goal with adding a secretary is to increase height variation as well as additional storage to our space. And the black finish will pair nicely with our black TV console, although I don’t recommend purchasing this one, as it’s cheap and you get the quality you pay for (the front drawer panels warped) the color will create a cohesive feel without being a match set.
METALS
"Obsessed" is too mild a word for how I feel about vintage silver & brass decor pieces. I believe they’re an essential part of creating a home that feels layered, storied, and effortlessly elegant. Whether it’s classic brass candlestick holders that bring warmth to an evening dinner, whimsical brass figurines that add charm to a bookshelf, or an ornate silver tray that elevates even the simplest coffee table vignette, these metals have a way of making a space feel timeless. Their patina tells a story, their weight speaks to quality, and their versatility allows them to seamlessly blend with any design style. This year I’m on the lookout for unique, well-crafted pieces that add just the right touch of character and old-world refinement to my home.
ARTWORK & FRAMES
Similarly, I’m on the hunt for both unique artwork & frames to bring more personality into our home. As a recovering minimalist, our walls are bare, and I’m determined to change that. One of my goals from the past year was to create a gallery wall in our hallway featuring photos that C has taken on our travels. I’ve also been dreaming of an iconic Royal Gallery of our pets in the entryway, complete with ornate, gilded frames that give their portraits the regal treatment they deserve. They do rule our house after all. I’m also thinking outside the box of things I can incorporate into artwork like the collection of pottery shards that were gathered from an old family homestead and the inherited fiddle that once belonged to my great-grandfather.
Whether it’s vintage landscapes, old-world portraits, or simply interesting frames that I can repurpose, I’m excited to curate a collection that feels intentional, storied, and uniquely ours.
LIGHTING
Ready for a design tip? Never use the overhead lights. Overhead lights are the quickest way to kill a room’s ambiance. They’re harsh, overly bright, and anything but inviting. Instead, embrace layered lighting with a mix of wall sconces, table lamps, and candlelight to create a warm, intimate atmosphere. Thoughtfully placed lighting not only softens a space but also adds depth and character, making a room feel more lived-in and intentional.
This year, I’m on the hunt for all the lamps, scouring thrift and antique shops for unique pieces that bring both function and charm. But my biggest wishlist item? Finding classic Waterford crystal lamps: in my opinion, they’re the epitome of timeless elegance. My ultimate thrifting dream would be stumbling upon a pair tucked away on a forgotten aisle, waiting to be rediscovered for next to nothing.
“Never use the overhead lights. Overhead lights are the quickest way to kill a room’s ambiance. They’re harsh, overly bright, and anything but inviting. Instead, embrace layered lighting with a mix of wall sconces, table lamps, and candlelight to create a warm, intimate atmosphere. Thoughtfully placed lighting not only softens a space but also adds depth and character, making a room feel more lived-in and intentional.”
ALABASTER & STONE
Just like my love for vintage metals, alabaster and stone accents are high on my thrift list this year. The natural beauty and weight of these materials can instantly adds sophistication and a sense of time-weathered permanence to a space. I love incorporating marble trays to elevate everyday essentials—whether it’s a soap dispenser in the bathroom or a curated vignette on a console table. But my ultimate find? A classic alabaster bust, perfect for adding an old-world, sculptural element to a secretary or mantel. These materials have a way of grounding a room, bringing in both texture and quiet luxury, and I can’t wait to see what hidden gems I uncover.
VASES & VESSELS
I’m self-confessed pottery snob when it comes to my outdoor planters (only terracotta will do!) and this year, my goal is to bring that indoors by thrifting vintage vases & vessels. This is an easy way to bring character and artistry into a space. For 2025, I’m on the lookout for unique shapes, textured ceramics, and timeworn patinas that will add depth and interest to any room. A hefty stone urn, a delicate hand-painted vase, or an oversized terracotta pot, can serve as both functional decor and sculptural statements. I love the versatility they offer, styled with fresh or dried stems, grouped together as a curated collection, or simply displayed as art on their own. This year, I’m manifesting the perfect mix of finds to layer throughout our home, adding that effortless, collected-over-time feel.
RUGS & TEXTILES
There’s something so special about the craftsmanship, texture, and history woven into every thread of vintage textiles. A well-loved Persian or Turkish rug instantly adds warmth and character to a space, grounding a room with rich color and intricate patterns that only get better with age. At the moment, I’m also drawn to vintage tea towels, embroidered linens, and handwoven fabrics, especially those with unique motifs or delicate monograms. Framing these pieces transforms them into meaningful, one-of-a-kind artwork, celebrating the beauty of everyday objects from the past. Whether draped over a chair, layered on a tabletop, or displayed in a frame, these textiles bring soul and softness into a home in a way that mass-produced pieces never could.
GUINNESS MEMORABILIA
After visiting the Guinness Storehouse on our last trip to Dublin, C and I have developed a full-fledged appreciation (okay, some might say obsession) for the perfect Guinness pour. We’ve become particular about every detail: from the glass to the settle time, and our love for the brand has naturally extended into collecting vintage memorabilia. C has already built an impressive collection of vintage tin Guinness advertising posters, each one adding a nostalgic, old-world pub feel to his office. But we’re always on the hunt for more, scouring local antique shops in hopes of uncovering unique Guinness treasures.
Late in 2023, while putting together a design board for his office, I stumbled across a listing for a stunning vintage Guinness ashtray & matchbook holder—the kind of perfectly patinaed piece that instantly transports you to a cozy, dimly lit Irish pub. Unfortunately, it had already sold, but that discovery only fueled my determination to track down something similar. The thrill of the hunt continues, and I’m manifesting finding it in some forgotten corner of a secondhand shop!
WICKER & WOOD
Last on my list, but certainly not least, is anything made of wicker & wood. Baskets, catch-alls, uniquely woven designs, if it has natural texture, I want it. There’s something about the warmth and organic feel of these materials that instantly makes a space feel more grounded and lived-in. Wicker baskets are not only beautiful but endlessly functional, perfect for stylish storage, layering under tables, or even as wall decor. Wooden accents, whether in the form of trays, carved bowls, or vintage furniture pieces, bring a richness and depth that balances out softer textures. This year, I’m keeping my eyes peeled for those perfectly worn, well-loved pieces that add both charm and practicality to our home.
Here’s to manifesting the perfect vintage finds!