Redecorating can be expensive, but not for sisters Kristin Spence and Brittney Gutierrez who managed to thrift all their furniture for just $350.
After moving into her new apartment, Gutierrez, 35, knew the space needed a new lease of life, but she didn’t want to break the bank. She had a maximum budget of $400, which may have felt rather limiting until her sister, Spence, 36, offered to help.
Indeed, Gutierrez told Newsweek that decorating has “always been a challenge” for her, but her older sister has such a natural talent for it. She “happily accepted” the offer and the two sisters, from Tampa, Florida, set about finding the perfect décor.
The apartment is 1,170 square feet in size, and they needed to furnish everything apart from the bedroom.
@kristin_spence / TikTok
Gutierrez has always admired the aesthetic of her sister’s home, as Spence likes to mix vintage with modern “to bring a space together.” So, where better than a thrift store to locate some unwanted treasures?
“It was easy to find items at the thrift store for her because they are items that I naturally gravitate towards,” Spence said. “While thrifting, my sister fully trusted my vision when selecting items for her home.
“We both have full-time jobs, so we made four or five quick trips together within a three-week timeframe. We didn’t spend more than 40 minutes inside the thrift store as I find this works best,” Spence continued.
The duo managed to find many larger pieces of furniture, as well as small decorations to add character. That included a couch for just $60 that’s been placed in the office space, and a vintage painting for $15 that has become “the focal point” in the living room.
Both sisters are delighted with how it’s turned out, and what makes it even more impressive is that the total cost was below budget at just $350.
“My favorite finds are the smaller ones that get tucked in corners as little reminders of the special treasures we all get the pleasure of owning and caring for,” Spence told Newsweek.
Gutierrez has gladly hosted friends and family in her new home, and she feels very proud to have curated her ideal aesthetic using secondhand pieces. Needless to say, she’s “forever grateful” to her sister for helping bring it all together.
Gutierrez said: “I have never had a space that reflected so many of the things that I love. It’s truly special to see her bring my vision to life. I wake up excited to make coffee at my cozy coffee bar and I’m proud to host others in my space.”
@kristin_spence / TikTok
Spence documented many of their thrifting trips and shared videos on TikTok (@kristin_spence). When the apartment was complete, she posted an apartment reveal clip on April 28, and social media users are obsessed. The clip has amassed more than 69,000 views and over 8,100 likes on TikTok at the time of writing.
The online reaction has been incredibly positive, and Spence hopes it will inspire others to give thrifting a try. She highlights that buying second-hand is sustainable but it can still make a home feel modern and intentional.
“So much is wasted and thrown into landfills because we’ve been taught that more is better and new is better. I hope to inspire others to be content with the beautiful things they have already, and to find inspiration in bringing someone old back to life,” Spence told Newsweek.
Internet users have been blown away by the video of the newly redecorated apartment, leading to more than 100 comments on TikTok.
One comment reads: “Girl this is PHENOMENAL.”
Another TikTok user wrote: “You found such great things! I love that bookshelf especially.”
While another person added: “Buying secondhand always adds more character. The space looks beautiful!”
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