How to Mix High and Low: Thrifted vs. Designer Southern Decor
How to Mix High and Low: Thrifted vs. Designer Southern Decor
Mixing high-end designer pieces with thrifted finds is an art form, especially when you’re trying to create a home that feels both polished and personal. In the South, where hospitality, charm, and comfort reign supreme, combining thrifted treasures with designer accents helps create spaces that are effortlessly stylish and uniquely yours, all while staying within budget. Here’s how to do it with specific pieces to acquire that will elevate your Southern decor game.
1. Start with Statement Pieces
When blending high and low, it’s key to begin with one or two standout pieces. For example, invest in a luxurious, well-made sofa like the Restoration Hardware Belgian Linen Sofa to anchor your living room. It’s timeless, elegant, and offers the comfort you’ll love. Then, find a vintage or thrifted coffee table, such as an antique oak or pine farmhouse table from a local thrift store or flea market. It adds rustic charm and a bit of Southern history to balance out the modern sleekness of your designer sofa.
2. Accessorize with Thrifted Treasures
Thrift stores are goldmines for unique accessories that elevate your space without the hefty price tag. A few items you might consider include a vintage brass lamp from the 1960s, which adds patina and warmth, or a thrifted ceramic vase that fits perfectly on a designer console table. Pairing something like a vintage Persian rug with a high-end coffee table from Crate & Barrel will make the room feel eclectic but harmonious. It’s all about mixing modern, polished finishes with more worn-in, history-filled items.
3. Balance with Color and Texture
Creating balance with color and texture is key when mixing high and low. If you’ve chosen a luxurious velvet chair from West Elm, balance its richness by draping a thrifted linen throw over it. The contrast of sleek and tactile materials will give the room depth. For instance, mix a designer leather armchair from Pottery Barn with a distressed wood side table from a local vintage shop to add some Southern charm and ease.
4. Mix Designer and Thrifted Art
Art can make a room come to life, and mixing high-end with thrifted finds is one of the best ways to curate a Southern-inspired space. A designer print from Anthropologie can hang above your couch, while an antique portrait from a local estate sale brings a sense of history to the room. Alternatively, combine a modern gallery piece with thrifted botanical prints framed in vintage wooden frames to create contrast and visual interest. The combination of modern and antique artwork brings sophistication and a sense of time to the room.
5. Create a Layered Look with Vintage Rugs
Rugs are one of the easiest ways to introduce both high and low decor into your home. Try layering a luxurious silk or wool rug from Serena & Lily over a vintage Turkish or Southern woven rug from a thrift shop. The balance of textures will make your living space feel cozy and inviting while also elevating it with the luxurious appeal of designer rugs. Adding a vintage leather trunk to your living room alongside a designer ottoman from Pottery Barn will continue that layered feel—classic, but with a twist of personal charm.
Kieran’s Tip: Don’t Overthink It
The key to mixing high and low decor is creating a space that feels natural and lived-in, not forced. A beautifully curated Southern home is all about comfort, warmth, and character. When adding designer pieces, ensure they’re timeless and versatile, so they pair seamlessly with thrifted finds that tell a story. Don’t worry about everything matching perfectly—trust your gut. If you love it and it feels right, it will work. Your Southern home is a reflection of you—comfortably stylish and full of heart.
