A big part of my work as a designer includes helping clients find the perfect items for their home. This is not an easy task, and it can sometimes take months to find exactly what we want. To further complicate things, I really like finding unique pieces – preferably antique, vintage, thrifted – and giving them new life.
A few months ago I was introduced to @FurnishingHope on Twitter. I knew very little except that they are kind of a Goodwill for home furnishings. I’m a fan of both (Goodwill and home decor) and thought the concept was pretty cool. Plus, I enjoyed our mini conversations on Twitter…so when they invited me to their warehouse sale in Santa Ana I figured it was probably something worth checking out.
But when I got there I was literally blown away.
I couldn’t believe the amazing selection of furniture and decor. It’s a triple win: great style, great condition, great prices. So many pieces have clearly come from homes that were a) professionally designed and b) not used much. Like this gorgeous ‘greige’ sofa with a quality tweed fabric and cute 19th Century carved feet.
Not a scratch, stain or tear on it. If it weren’t for the 8′ length, this baby would be in my house right now! The price? Well, let’s just say that it was under $200. No, seriously, practically new and under $200. Tell me where else you would find that. Craigslist? Maybe…but you’d spend weeks looking for something similar, in all varying levels of decay and put a whole lot of miles on your car.
Also impressive is the DIY section – casegoods that have been fully sanded for your convenience (by a military veteran) and ready for some color and love. These aren’t your typical Amish designs, these beauties are ornately carved and often antique pieces.
And I was especially enamored with this vanity…
I love that you can find a complete set of dining chairs, all in great condition.
Though it’s a warehouse, they have a whole section of vignettes on the showroom floor, ranging in styles from Traditional to Modern Glam. But I like to be creative and mix things up a bit so I recommend that you put your hunting gear on and search through everything! Accessories are worked into vignettes as well, but check out the accessory section as well for pillows, lamps, window treatments, art and decor. There is also a children’s section.
That’s my perspective as a designer, here’s what else I love about Furnishing Hope:
- They are a small, locally owned and run non-profit. They are passionate about helping the local community and organizations that promote healing and transition when people need it most.
- The entire staff and volunteer group is so helpful and enthusuastic – they genuinely want to find good homes for these pieces.
- The items are carefully selected by Interior Designers, some are even refurbished by designers for a signature style
- They deliver
- They have a monthly Warehouse Sale that’s open to the public
- They are offering a 10% discount to Clever readers during the next sale. Must mention Redefine Home or Linsi Brownson to receive discount.
You’re Invited: Saturday, July 7th from 9am to 4pm
2109 South Wright Street, Unit F, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Furnishing Hope furnishes homes for people in crisis, one room at a time. They work with a variety of recipients, from emancipated youth to wounded warriors to include partners such as the American Red Cross, Orangewood Foundation, and Veterans First. Professional interior designers transform houses into homes with donated furniture and accessories, creating a healing environment, within a few hours. Visit www.FurnishingHope.org and follow them on Facebook and Twitter to show your support. And sign up for their email newsletter to stay on top of events and receive coupons for special events.
