Unique home decor ideas. Mix old with new.

It may be a guilty pleasure, but I take great satisfaction in finding cool verge-side items, second hand goods and budget friendly decor. It can be satisfying to be savvy, and in this post I'll be giving you a little peak into my home to prove that you don't need to pay full price to style a space. And it may even make things more unique and interesting to have that eclectic touch.

There is certainly a fine line between collecting old verge-side junk and finding a gem amongst the junk. I think the difference is, actually doing something with the junk. Actually up-cycling it, cleaning it up, or having a use for it in the first place. If it just sits out the back or in the garage, just waiting for you to follow through on that great vision, then maybe you should have left it where it was. I can't talk, I have four pallets sitting out the back that I intended to turn into a bed, but it just didn't fit the bedroom! Not to mention an old brown suitcase (was meant for plants).

The take home message here is, make sure before you buy something or drag something home that you actually need it or can see where it may go or how it will function in your life. And if it doesn't go to plan, make sure you pass it on before the spiders move in (too late for my pallets).

I hung my clothes from this rail in my old house, but we moved into a place with a wardrobe so I had the idea to hang plants from it and I think it's quite a good statement piece. I love the matte black against the white wall with the touch of wood. It's a good alternative to nailing in hooks especially if you're in a rental and don't have permission.

The flower book was from a book exchange, pots from Kmart.

My boyfriend gets credit for this piece, he found it on someones verge while he was working in the neighbourhood. He asked the owners persmission and she said he could take it. It's got that rustic feel, and adds warmth to the place. It's a nifty little shelf.

Three mini botanical paintings from the op shop. Painting by me. Glass skull from thr $2 shop.

It can act as a coffee table or standing vertically. Versatile.

Our old house, and Louis's original vision for the wooden box.

Cozy floor vibes.

Wicca chair was found verge-side, spray paint to cover up some scuff marks. Foot rest new from Kmart. Sunflower cushion gifted from a Grandma. Record player a family heirloom.

Another wooden box that comes in handy for displaying books or plants, or anything at all really. It was found in the abandoned Scarborough markets.

A ceramic sculpture I made at art school that is one of my favourite things, weather it scares visitors or not. I love the warm colour and feel of it, and feel like it's pretty weird and interesting thing to have around.

This random empty space on the other side of the lounge has turned into a mini gallery. I quite like the look of pictures just propped against the wall in a cluster. The large red frame was also found in the abandoned Scarborough markets with a poster of a ship. I guess you can find some cheap or free art, but these pieces were all bought full price (gotta support the artists).

Brown and beige print pillow cases were made by Louis. The white bedside drawers were given to me by my Nanna, I spray painted them white from the original chestnut brown. The succulents were take home gifts from my friends' engagement party (they were only tiny cuttings) and pot given to us from Louis' Mum. Rattan mirror bought new from Target.

Round table second hand from Facebook Marketplace. Chairs new from Kmart. Painting by me, on a pre-used canvas of Louis'. I kept my used Kombucha bottle for a vase.

Probably the most expensive part of our home decor is the plants and pots! We try to get the bargains when we can but if you see a plant you love sometimes you just have to get it. Greenery adds life to a space and can help to reduce stress.

I really like the wood, the matte black and greenery. It kind of gives the place a modern industrial feel whilst also feeling old and warm.

I like the fact that it isn't super cluttered, somewhat minimal, but still feels homely. So there you have it. Most of the things we own are hand-me-downs, second hand, found or made, with a few things bought new, but still cheap. It just goes to show you that you can decorate even on a tight budget, it just means you have to get more creative. Louis and I have found lots of joy putting all the little pieces together, slowly over time we have collected bits and pieces.

I feel like that's the key, is not to rush out and buy everything all in one go from one place because you just want it done. If that's what you want to do then that's fine, but for me I prefer to do it slowly and collect. Then the space can be ever-changing so I never get bored.