More Than Just Clothes: Sustainability In The Home/Decor World
Thrift and second-hand stores are treasure troves for rare, even valuable items. You can shop with the satisfaction of knowing that you are giving items a well-deserved second life. PhotoBook is a large proponent of thrift shopping for new items to upgrade your wardrobe, but what if we told you that buying second-hand could give your home a fresh look as well? Pre-loved furniture and home decor are the latest rage, as sometimes you can score the most unique and beautiful items in a thrift store, with some dedicated effort. Many new apartment owners are turning to thrifting instead of purchasing all that they need from stores like IKEA or Target. These pieces can also be amazingly thoughtful gifts during the holiday season. It is money well spent, and these items have intriguing backstories, giving them even more depth and personality than an item bought at your average furniture store.
There are definitely a few things you should consider if you decide to elevate your space with vintage decor items. Of course, these items have been through what can be up to years and years of wear, so you should always check used furniture or decor for damage before welcoming them into your space. Make sure that the items are intact and still functional. Aside from logistical tips, it is also important to go into this search with a creative and open mind. Sometimes it is hard to see the potential of an item while in-store, but there are endless possibilities that can be created from a solid canvas, some paint, and even some clever reupholstery.
Now that you have some useful knowledge of how to extend the ideology of sustainability even in your personal spaces and homes, you are wondering where to start. It can be a daunting task to try to find high-quality and on-trend used home items if you do not know where to begin to look—and that’s exactly where we come in. Of course, paying a visit to your local consignment or thrift shop is always an effective first stop, but if you want to know about some of the best, artfully curated home decor shops, then read on.
1. The Dahl House
The Dahl House is a vintage and pre-loved home decor shop started by Hannah Dahl in 2020. The brand takes inspiration from Dahl’s wildest daydreams: she aspires to turn her customers’ homes into imaginative and ethereal spaces, straight out of a fairy tale. This playful essence is evident in all of the items that Dahl carefully selects to resell on the company’s website, and The Dahl House Instagram is where the brand really began to take off. All of TDH’s items are sustainably sourced and Dahl even considers ethical practices in shipping items out to buyers. If you want to turn your home into a place straight out of a storybook, then TDH is for you.
2. Coming Soon NY
For our New Yorkers, if you haven’t discovered this gem, you need to check it out as soon as possible! Coming Soon NY specializes in home fashion, contemporary design, and vintage furniture. The creative space was founded by Helena Barquet and Fabiana Faria — two individuals with backgrounds in art and design — in 2013 and lies at the intersection of the Lower East Side and Chinatown. The duo was inspired by the creativity and free-spirited souls of New Yorkers. In the same ways that the city is always in flux. They are always hand-picking new, dynamic items to sell, whether that be abstract candle holders or groovy printed rugs.
3. Vintage Show Pony
Vintage Show Pony diverges from some of the other featured sellers and shops because it does not actually own a storefront, but it is still killing the vintage game via their Instagram! The Connecticut-based, quirky online shop shows off items that are a blast from the past, such as psychedelic floor lamps and 70s style chaises. Prices are based on the rareness and quality of items, but one thing that is consistent from piece to piece is that everything is curated by someone with a talented eye for interior design and a knack for vibrant colors
4. Resident Objects
Resident Objects when two friends, Camille Nichelini and Yuki Iwasaki, decided to turn their love for design into a passion project in which they could contribute positively to a circular industry. Their main goal is to curate vivacious items that put a smile on their customers’ faces and brighten up homes sustainably. If you are a Los Angeles local, you can pick up directly from the company as well.
Article by Kayla Curtis-Evans,
Contributing Sustainable Editor PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer,
Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine
