If an eclectic boho home is your style, you’re most likely the type of person who schedules in thrifting on a Saturday morning — are we right? It’s all about finding the best pre-loved home decor items to give them new life while infusing some old soul into your home. But like everything else, COVID has put a kink in the typical weekend thrift dates.
If you’re already an avid thrifter, you most likely have taken to online thrifting through websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. But how do you know it’s right if you can’t touch it and feel it? How do you find exactly what you’re looking for? And how do you buy and sell safely?
Jamie Dodson is *kinda* the expert in the area, as you’re about to see when we tour her rad Colorado casa! Jamie is a self-described “recovering wedding planner,” having honed her craft in the California wedding industry. Moving her family to the foot of the Rocky Mountains brought with it a fresh opportunity to infuse her event design know-how with home decor. The main goal? That their home capture Jamie’s love of the modern bohemian style and be a functional space for herself, her husband Brian, and their two girls.
We asked Jamie to share her tips about sourcing pre-loved home decor items in the time of COVID. Let’s take a walk through her home as we go with images from Christa Tippman Photography!
Gathering Inspiration for a Boho Home
I’m constantly inspired by accounts I follow on Instagram and Pinterest whose style and values align with ours. Because of this, our home is constantly evolving and we always have a handful of new projects in the works. Plus, making mood boards for every room in our house is how I wind down at night!
Combining Couple Style
Buying second-hand as much as possible is important to us both. Nothing beats a Saturday morning spent thrifting together for vintage + unique treasures that complete our décor. Because of this, our home is an eclectic mix that showcases our love of modern boho style. Another important element for us is to incorporate calligraphy, art, and furniture collected from friends and family. Our home feels very personal and really tells the story of “us.” Also, we both love plants!
Displaying Items from Your Wedding in the Home
We have beautiful open shelves in our living room and display our wedding cake topper there! We also have our invitation on display and the vintage floral garland in our youngest daughter’s room was leftover from our big day. Thanks to my job, we also have LOTS of details from past events I’ve designed sprinkled throughout our home.
Showcase Pieces from Your Travels
Anytime we travel, we try to bring something home for our casa. It’s usually a small touch, like an art print, votive, or pot, but I love looking at each (seemingly ordinary) item and recalling the time and place where we purchased it.
Whimsical Bedrooms for the Girls
I especially love both of our girl’s rooms. They are equal parts eclectic and whimsical and fit each of their personalities perfectly.
Boho Eclectic Home Base — the Master Bedroom
How to find pre-loved pieces for your home during quarantine:
COVID has altered everything, including how we decorate our homes. Browsing the garden + household sections of Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist is the new thrifting! I’m a firm believer that you can’t achieve the perfect boho look without incorporating lots of vintage + unique treasures. Plus, we all know that buying second-hand, especially locally, is more sustainable for the environment. Below are some of my tips for shopping local resale sites for the cozy, eclectic home of your dreams:
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Look for colorful or textural pieces you can layer (vintage or handmade pottery, rugs, pillows, vintage linens, baskets, frames, trays, mirrors, lamps, that sort of thing).
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Don’t look past a piece of furniture just because of a few dings or a bad paint job. Pieces with a bit of history are integral to achieving the boho look! Keep in mind that a fresh coat of paint and new knobs can do wonders for just about any piece of furniture. I’ve even spray-painted a light fixture before!
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Nothing gives off boho, earthy vibes like tons of plants. Many people propagate their healthy plants for sale locally or else list big, beautiful plants when they move. Make sure to check that the plant looks healthy and is pest-free, and ask about its history (how much sun was it getting, when was it watered last). You can also find plant accessories like macramé hangers and pots or baskets for sale!
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Keep an eye out for handmade art pieces, wall hangings, weavings, etc. by local artists, or consider reaching out for a custom piece.
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Just like thrifting, you want to check these sites often, especially if you are looking for something specific.
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Know what keywords to search for (I usually search for terms like vintage, antique, handmade, boho, eclectic, wicker, rattan, mid-century, wall décor, etc.). Facebook, for instance, is smart and will start to remember your most searched for or saved items.
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Since we are in a pandemic, use Paypal or Venmo for payment and ask for contactless porch-up.
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Always shop safely! Take someone with you (or at the very least, tell someone when and where you are going) and go during the day.
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Check the seller’s rating (if they have one) before purchasing.
A Cozy Boho Back Porch
One of our favorite ways to bring some boho soul into the home is with handmade items. Check our list of 30 DIY craft kits you can do at home!
The Cutest Playhouse Makeover
We recently did a DIY playhouse makeover for the kids and have been enjoying the sunshine and outdoor time on our patio (a major selling point of our house). I love how kid-friendly our entire house is, all the while staying true to our bohemian aesthetic.
Number 1 Tip to Couples Designing a Boho Eclectic Home:
Take your time and don’t settle on cheap décor that you don’t love. In a world of instant gratification it can be hard to hold out. But stumbling on the perfect piece is the best feeling! This approach will also set your home apart and in my experience, bring you and your family so much joy.
photography: Christa Tippman Photography // interior designer: Jamie Dodson // leather + calligraphy wall hangings: Maggie Waller // “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” wall hanging: Tina Yang // wall signage: Meghann Miniello // sofa throw pillows: Shop Lucky Collective // Braewood Wooden Outdoor Playhouse: Kid Kraft