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10 secrets to striking gold when op shopping for your home

By Guest Poster •

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By Claudia Stephenson

Previously on Interiors Addict, I shared my top op shop finds. People often ask me what my secret is, so I thought it could be useful to give you my top 10 tips:

1. Don’t limit yourself to one area. Of course I have my favourite stores that usually deliver some kind of delight each visit, but when I have time, I travel all over Sydney, to the Blue Mountains and up to the Central Coast. Just because it’s in a nice area doesn’t mean there will be better stuff: cast your net wide!

2. Keep going back. The reason I tend to find great stuff is because I keep going back. Don’t be put off if you go somewhere and find nothing the first go, chances are you will if you are persistent. I tend to visit at least one store per week, even if it’s on my way home from work, I always find time to pop in.

3. Take your time. I took a girlfriend once and she scanned the room once and gave up, whereas I always scour every shelf and corner. I once found (and bought) an Hermes ashtray tucked up at the back of a bottom shelf amongst some cheap white plates. I paid $3…

4. Do some research. There are whole websites dedicated to op shopping. Find those that specialise in furniture and homewares and then call up and go to their biggest stores like Salvos at Tempe and St Vincent De Paul in Brookvale in Sydney.

5. Get to know what stores are good for particular items. For instance, there is one shop where I always find marble cutting boards and glass domes, one where I always find great chairs and one that has great knick-knacks.

6. Don’t hesitate. If you love it, buy it. It will not be there when you go back.

7. Keep your expectations realistic. You are probably not going to find a genuine Saarinen dining table or an Eames chair (although you never know!). Not getting your hopes up means you will be pleasantly surprised when you do hit the jackpot

8. Take cash and don’t be afraid to haggle. Pricier items are always up for negotiation and remember, cash is king!

9. Be thoughtful. Will that cool retro icebox actually suit your place? Yes it’s nice and may be worth some money, but think about things in the context of your predominant style.

10. Filter. You need a good imagination and mental filter. Sometimes I will see things that people say ‘really!?’ but back in the context of my home amongst all my things it works. Without this, you will miss out on some great finds.

Peep My Style blogger and op shopper extraordinaire, Claudia Stephenson
Peep My Style blogger and op shopper extraordinaire, Claudia Stephenson

Follow Claudia’s op shopping adventures at her great blog, Peep My Style. 

Jen is currently on honeymoon in Tokyo, Venice and the UK, and has opened up the blog to a series of fabulous guest posters to share their interiors-related expertise in her absence. She hopes you’ll enjoy them and look out for the odd honeymoon post from overseas! The new Mrs Francis (who will still be known as Bishop for work purposes) will be back at her desk on 11 November.

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November 4, 2013

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Maybe it's an antidote to the grey weather but we Maybe it's an antidote to the grey weather but we find some of the most colourful interiors from my motherland, the UK!

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I remember the chair being such a key purchase whe I remember the chair being such a key purchase when I put together my first ever baby room for Seb. I spent many an evening relaxing on mine while pregnant as I tried to get my head around impending motherhood! Not only are glider recliners like the Chelsea from @iltutto the most comfortable chairs EVER for those many hours spent feeding and settling, why shouldn't they look this good too, am I right?!

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Pix by @mareehomer.photography and styling by Jackie Brown.

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There's a LOT of goodness in @sageandclare's lates There's a LOT of goodness in @sageandclare's latest collection Marguerite but the Aida rug has to be my personal fave.

Handcrafted from wool, it features a rustic check design with a rainbow of nostalgic colour. Embroidered edge stitching furthers its handcrafted feel. 

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Head over to the blog now via link in bio to see more, including Phoebe's 5 faves.

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A DIY dining nook bench seat with storage for $120 A DIY dining nook bench seat with storage for $1200!

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"Disorganisation puts barriers in the way. Imagine how much quicker you would get things done if your home or work space ran smoothly. Researchers have found that clutter can actually make it more difficult to focus on a particular task. From the frustration of not being able to find what we need, to the feeling of being constantly surrounded by chaos, a disorganised environment creates brain fog and can lead to procrastination and reduces productivity. It can also trigger feelings of stress and anxiety, making it difficult to switch off, relax and sleep well."

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Swipe for before 😲 @adoremagazine's Loni Parke Swipe for before 😲

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Pix by @coastpark.creative
An exterior makeover for just $50? You read it rig An exterior makeover for just $50? You read it right! 😲🤯

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All the details via link in bio now. 

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Happy #iafoodiefriday 🥦 This broccoli salad fr Happy #iafoodiefriday 🥦

This broccoli salad from @thewholefoodsrefillery looks DELISH!

And you can get 20% off one order with them (they're my friends!) using my code JEN20

Recipe via link in bio now. Enjoy!

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Comments

  1. AvatarAlex Sebby says

    February 11, 2014 at 5:48 am

    If looking for another website that entirely focuses on Op Shops please visit OpShop.com.au which is a free classified website that specializes in online vintage clothing Australia. Items that can be found there are vintage dresses, vintage guitars, vintage bicycles for sale, and even the occasional good old vintage typewriter.

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