Amy C., a natural creative who loves thrifting and DIY projects, had a very specific vision when searching for a home in Austin, Texas, four years ago. 

“I wanted an older, charming space in a location that suited my lifestyle,” she writes. “I truly feel like I manifested this home — I searched around Austin for weeks before finally finding this unit. I applied immediately after touring it and have been living here since January 2020.” 

The one-bedroom apartment is one of four spaces in a fourplex built in the 1950s. It boasts great character, including “vaulted wood-beamed and wood-planked ceilings, large angled windows, traditional blue ceramic tiles throughout the kitchen and bathroom, and an ice cube window cutout,” Amy explains. 

But the outside of the home is just as important as the interior. Trees surrounding the complex make the home feel removed from the nearby city and lend themselves to the name that Amy gave the space: “Eclectic Treehome.” Her pup, Coco, likely also likes running around the trees. 

The trees influenced the way Amy decorated the space, too. “Most of my furniture and decor has been thrifted or is a DIY of mine! I use a lot of blue and greens to tie in the tiles and surrounding trees,” she writes. “I also incorporate a lot of natural and wood textures to emphasize its ‘tree house’ qualities. After years of thrifting, I have been able to curate so many beloved items that suit my style: eclectic, maximalist, and a touch of jungalow (I love the tropical style so much!).”

Describe your home’s style in five words or fewer: Vintage “Eclectic Treehome.”

What is your favorite room and why? The living room, hands-down. When the afternoon/evening light beams in through the large windows, it is the most magical view. It illuminates my space and reflects off the window crystals, disco balls, and mirrors in my space. I call the time frame “magic hours” and get so sad on cloudy days when I have to miss it!

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I recently purchased two accent chairs for the living from off of Facebook Marketplace. I replaced a blue armchair with these two! While I adored the armchair, the green of these chairs suit my living area much better. They’re originally from Amazon.

Have you DIYed or renovated anything in your home? Yes!

If yes, tell us a little bit about the project. I love to make mosaics! I have DIY’d a few mirrors, vases, and patio decor with mosaics. I also have pulled the blue paint from the bedroom into the living and dining areas as an accent color, tying the entire space together!

What’s your best decorating, shopping, cleaning, or organizing advice? Thrift your home decor and start by buying items that you genuinely love. Eventually, they will all come together to reflect your true aesthetic. The more frequently you thrift, the more confident you will become with making selections based on your style! More is more, and color is better!

Thanks, Amy!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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