A $1,200 look. A $7.99 thrift find.

A $1,200 look. A $7.99 thrift find.

I’ve been swooning over those beautiful designer lamps for years, the ones with earthy, sculptural silhouettes and soft, timeless texture. They show up in all my favorite interiors: quiet, intentional spaces that feel grounded and elevated all at once.

The problem?
They’re usually priced anywhere from $300 to $1,200.

And while I absolutely appreciate beautiful design, I also believe something deeply important: A beautiful home doesn’t have to come with a designer price tag.

The Inspiration

I kept coming back to the same style of lamp, oversized ceramic bases, organic curves, matte finishes, neutral tones. They feel collected, old-world, and modern all at the same time.

I loved the look.
I didn’t love the cost.

So instead of buying one, I did what I always do..I went thrifting.

The Find

Tucked away on a shelf at Goodwill, I found it.
A lamp with the right shape. The right proportions. The right bones.

Price tag: $5.99.

The finish wasn’t right. The color wasn’t right. But the potential was there..and that’s always what I look for.

The DIY: Texture Over Perfection

To get that matte, ceramic, high-end look, I mixed black paint with baking soda, a simple trick that creates a beautiful, soft texture once it dries. It instantly transforms glossy or flat surfaces into something that feels aged, artisanal, and intentional.

I didn’t aim for perfection.
I wanted character.

Once the base was finished, I paired it with a simple $2.99 linen shade (also found at Goodwill) clean, understated, and timeless. The contrast softened the dark base and brought the whole piece together.

The Result

What started as a $5.99 thrift store find now feels like something straight out of a design magazine.

It has weight.
It has presence.
And most importantly.. it has a story.

Why I Do This

At Home by Pari, my goal has always been the same:
to rescue, revive, and reimagine forgotten pieces.

I believe in:
Repurposing instead of replacing
Creativity over consumption
Intention over impulse

This lamp is a reminder that you don’t need endless money to create a space that feels elevated and personal. You just need a vision, and a willingness to see potential where others don’t.

From Secondhand to One-of-a-Kind

This is why I thrift.
This is why I DIY.
This is why Home by Pari exists.

Because the most beautiful homes aren’t filled with the most expensive pieces.. they’re filled with pieces that mean something.

And sometimes, the best design decision you can make…
is deciding to do it yourself.
🖤
Home by Pari Philosophy
I believe the most beautiful homes are built with intention—not excess. Repurposing, restoring, and reimagining allows us to create spaces that feel elevated, personal, and meaningful—without the designer price tag.
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