Complete nonsense if you ask me. But why? Surely new is much better and more beautiful? Other than that, we live in a society where everything has to be new. We fill up our new home with furniture that we have custom made for us and fits our mood board exactly. Not to mention that most homes are all derived from the same picture. But what's the fun in that? So I am in favor of a used interior!
Why does everyone actually want this same look? That feeling of luxury, that one expensive sofa or that painting with gold details? Is it like the ideal beauty image? Do we really feel good about ourselves or is it to get approval from the outside world? Or to show that we have it "right" for ourselves.
I think we all let ourselves be led. Let ourselves be led by the media that whispers to us what is beautiful and what is not. But who cares if the sofa you have in your home is from marketplace or from the home furnishing store on TV? No one!
Second-hand interior
The other day I was asked if I would highlight certain products in my home for a publication. I took a quick look at where I got my furniture and came to the conclusion that there wasn't much to highlight! The most expensive purchase in the house is the sofa, which is second hand and the previous owner bought it at Leenbakker. For a moment, I felt a little embarrassed. But about what, really? On the contrary, I should be proud that with so little, we have created such a personal place here.
I think it makes our house even more fun that every little thing has its own story and that it cost me almost nothing. In fact, if I wasn't so "skimpy" we might not even be living here. It even goes so far as to make me look at a price tag and say, "For that money, I can make it even better myself." Because if I'm honest I find some stuff way too pricey for the quality you get.
Treasure Search
Aside from enjoying making things myself immensely, I also love scouring the marketplace. It is sometimes difficult when you are looking for something you don't know you are looking for. But that makes it all the more fun when you finally find it. The same goes for the flea & flea markets that I visit regularly. So wonderful to find that one bargain, but especially to find that one that not half of the Netherlands has in its closet! Because as I said before, "What's the fun in that?"
Anyway, we never really need decorations. So you can probably find some decorations in a place where you know you can give them a second life. Consider the thrift store! While you're there, also drop off some stuff you've long wanted to get rid of.
Oh, am I getting ahead of myself? Of course I sometimes give in to that one little candlestick or cushion. But I think we could all do with a little more thought about everything we consume, and that doesn't only apply to our interior.
Nice exercise:
Consider how many items are new or second-hand in your interior. Think about the new stuff and see if it would have been better to buy it second hand. You will see that you could have saved quite a bit of money by reusing things.
Hopefully I got you thinking a little with this blog! Also, read my low-budget blogs once for great tips & tricks.
