$22k Retail Value by Buying Secondhand | Guess How Much I Paid?

[@MelbaMakes]

👋🏽😊 Have you found any awesome pieces lately? I’ll go deeper in future videos on the ways I find pieces across a variety of ways - estate sales, Craigslist, etc. Please let me know if there are any questions that came up after watching this that you think I might be able to touch on! Thank you for watching. Since Sunday is Mothers Day I will be posting this week’s video on Thursday at 5 pm PT!

[@CK1000ism]

The idea that you don't have to live with your "mistakes" is pretty empowering. That is part of the downside of buying new furniture.

[@marylhere]

All my second hand sofas have been much better quality and so much less expensive than the one new one I bought in 1984. My latest sofa was a Stickley (NY based known mostly for their Mission Oak) at Habitat for Humanity. $125. Pristine condition, right size and right color.

[@diannerempel8262]

Your home looks beautiful! You have done a wonderful job on a small budget!

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you Dianne! 🤗

[@michellepereira2328]

You’ve done a great job! I’m enjoying your channel.

[@b.walker5955]

Love your encouragement to take the plunge. We can't learn standing and watching from the safety on the side of the bank. JUST DO IT! ~ THANK YOU! And that delivery service snatch up, BRILLIANT!

[@shirleylipps6360]

I just found you late yesterday. What an awesome concept to get great furniture. Wow!!! I will be watching all of your videos for more ideas. Thanks for sharing what you do.

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you Shirley! 😊

[@drummerlovesbookworm9738]

I subscribed! This was helpful, interesting, informative, and very well done! You have the gift of a natural communicator. I think buying things like this has way more soul than going to a chain store and buying matchy-matchy rooms. I also like hearing your stories about the hunt, the people you run into, and the experiences you have buying and selling things. It’s excellent to hear about how you tried different pieces of furniture and learned from them. Your space looks great so I trust your advice and style sense! Thanks for the content! XOjennyinseattle (I’m the Bookworm. We decorate around books and drums. 😂 But there is always hope.)

[@MelbaMakes]

Books and drums centered design, fantastic! ❤️ The connection to other people/history is such a big part of the fun for me. I hope you find some cool books, drums, and other fun finds out there! Thank you for being a part of the community Jenny 🤗💕

[@mayangirl3757]

this works because of where you live..california is a great place to find these rare opportunities...no so much in other states..Great video.

[@wandadelacruz2486]

Totally agree.

[@MelbaMakes]

You are right location absolutely helps! In case it helps some people have mentioned that some thrift stores also have online options like Goodwill Auction. Thank you for watching 🙏🏽

[@mayangirl3757]

@@MelbaMakes 🌸

[@NoMoreHeroesAnymore1334]

I am SO JEALOUS of your fireplace. I love it!

[@katherinebaer6798]

This was an incredible video! I learned so much!

[@eileenwang3113]

WOW. Very interesting to see how much the space transforms in each of your iteration. I want more before and after videos! Also I didn’t know about Lugg but I’m definitely looking into it. As someone who dreads carrying heavy things, live in the city, and dont have a car, Lugg sounds perfect.

[@MelbaMakes]

I hope Lugg helps you as much as it’s helped us (always check online for promo codes too)! Plan to share more before/after in future videos! Thank you for watching and your comment Eileen 🙏🏽❤️❤️

[@eboneescreativity]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. I LOVE second hand shopping!

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you Ebonee! It’s SO fun! 🛒🛍️

[@MizJilly]

Ma'am?? I have never seen any of your videos before, but you have done an AMAZING job with that space! I have seen so many layouts like that and people - even professionals - make a complete mess of them. The sloped ceiling, open floor plan, and corner fireplace are the obstacles. You have done a beautiful, perfect job in there.

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you MizJilly!!🥹🙏🏽💕

[@sophiakitts]

Your channels gonna explode with subscribes. Love it. I’m from the Bay Area (Berkeley, Richmond, and Walnut Creek). I so enjoy what you’ve created in your MCM house. Miss that!

[@MelbaMakes]

Great to meet you and that you are from the Bay! Thank you for the kind and encouraging words! 🥹💕

[@heatherb9853]

This house is almost identical (different fireplace) to the house @lonefox designed on his channel!! The layout is so cool, and amazing ceilings.

[@citygurrrl6387]

YES!! i was thinking it looked familiar. i think she did a better job than lone fox overall!! def more access to nice expensive items 2nd hand in Cali. east coast people sell garbage and no good thrift stores

[@gretchennesmith9538]

I just came across your channel and it is right up my alley. I don't buy all furniture from big box stores, I love vintage pieces. Don't get me wrong I do buy a few things from West Elm, CB2, Target, Josh and Main just to name a few. But mainly everything in my apartment is from a vintage shop or a garage sale and yes from the curb for free. My apartment is very curated.

[@jekku4688]

Thank you for this. I am currently in the market for a bunch of "new" stuff for my new apartment, and I am hot on the trail of pre-loved items for cheap (or free). I had also packed up a TON of stuff from my old place that I will undoubtedly have to resell. Your dining area behind you is lovely, well done!

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you and enjoy your shopping for your new place! 😊❤️

[@kimdoughman5859]

Love how u glowed up ur furnishings ❤u inspire me to follow through with my desire to get pcs and clean them up to use and or resell… Thank you👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@cherylswindells3845]

Ok. I’m completely inspired! I’m going to follow your tips. Wish me luck! 😃👊🏼

[@MelbaMakes]

I hope you find some great pieces! ✨🙌🏽

[@reginabrowning8278]

Wow! Just the kind of video I needed. New subscriber and looking forward to following your content !

[@MiamiPush2theLimit]

Bought my first house. 4 bed 2 bath. I literally got all my furniture donated from family and friends. The only thing I have to buy is a washer and dryer and a couple area rugs.

[@dianefrances4786]

Enjoyed this, thanks!

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you for watching and for sharing that you enjoyed it Diane! ❤️

[@jennc0945]

Thank you for sharing your techniques!

[@margaretghirardello5933]

U r smart shopper reselling stuff is awesome people i have got quality furniture over years i never ever had bed bugs imalways steamed clean my furniture with chemicals

[@rhondagoldberg8419]

Great vlog! ❤

[@Caemen87B]

Love love the couch!!!! Anything leather 🥰

[@susancnw59]

Wonderful, you've given me the guts to get more furniture at thrift storesm etc, We moved a year ago & will be getting into our own place by the end of the year & we'll need furniture One critique, the captioning on the video is helpful, but it takes up a good half the screen.

[@nicholcleminson8984]

Very interesting and in love with the GSD 😊

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you! 🐾❤️

[@suecahill2364]

Do you have a video on resale process? This is intimidating for me. Thanks!

[@vickym.campbell631]

I love your advice

[@MelbaMakes]

❤️🙌🏽

[@anblesduke6360]

Fab video. Do you mind telling the general area you live? I’m in Sacramento and don’t think I could find the great things you have but maybe it’s worth trying ! Thanks and I subscribed to your channel!!

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you and I’m in the Bay Area! I’ve seen some excellent vintage pieces in Sac area that have tempted me to make the drive there! I don’t know what you are on the search for but I took a (very quick) look at Craigslist in Sac today and see a West Elm C side table for $40 and free pottery barn armoire 👀 if there’s a bigger piece (or many pieces) in the Bay Area that you find maybe that could be worth the drive too?

[@nzazzara3111]

Love your work

[@MelbaMakes]

🙏🏽 thank you!

[@maryharper9321]

Love the look

[@ltuerk]

I appreciate your content! And I found great pieces here in the Midwest… We don’t have a log here yet if anyone has suggestions for an alternative - - much appreciated!

[@garlicgirl3149]

I was bummed too. I looked online. It looks like it is only in major cities.

[@sophiakitts]

Likewise. We are in Knoxville TN and everyone has a pickup truck but us. Would love access to a Lug provider. Yeah, we can borrow but don’t like to mess with our friends and family that way!

[@michellepauline1043]

Can you share with us how you get the back-lit effect behind your vintage stereo console? It's a total vibe and I'm sure many of us would love to recreate it for ourselves. Thanks!

[@MelbaMakes]

Hi Michelle, so fun that you noticed that detail! We are big fan's of Hue lights and I used two Hue bar lights behind the console - you could also use their string lights and a couple of other options too! I also believe that there are different brand alternatives to Hue so also can look into those!

[@michellepauline1043]

@@MelbaMakes Hi Melba. Thank you SO MUCH for your response! And yes, I Totally geek-out on home decor details. New subscriber to your channel and I love it! Please consider adding a full home tour to your list of videos. 🙂

[@MelbaMakes]

Hope it helps (let us know if you add any new lighting, would love to hear if you try something different!). And thank you for the feedback on what you would like to see, it's helpful to hear!

[@lucyperez-bunescu9306]

Hello love your channel❤❤ great ideas

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you Lucy, I’m glad you are enjoying the channel!❤️

[@leslie8423]

Love your style!

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you Leslie, excellent cat photo! 😺

[@annasandoval4837]

Your home looks beautiful! What great finds. Question: Are you worried about bed bugs? That’s the only reason I won’t buy upholstered furniture. Any tips on that?

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you Anna! Fortunately I’ve never had a bad experience so it’s not really something I worry about but I totally understand your concern. I wish I had some tips I could share that would eliminate all risk but I don’t think that’s possible. I personally just always try to get as much information about the condition of the couch and its history, or just accept the risks of getting something used. Tomorrow’s video is about couches! I hope that can provide more insight into my personal thinking/approach. Thank you for your comment, it’s something I will think about more! Also thanks for watching and I’m glad you enjoyed seeing some of my favorite finds 😊

[@Debtfreedvm]

My Dad has repaired furniture for years and suggests flipping furniture over to look at the bottom to examine for bugs, etc

[@TubeTorte]

From what I understand bed bugs leave traces. I recently stumbled upon a very clear video on what the signs are. Unfortunately, I don't remember where it was, possibly from the NYT. It's an extremely informative news paper. But if you are buying quality furniture I'd say chances are there will not be bugs. Something picked off the street I would be concerned about.

[@JoJo-hn4tn]

I stumbled on your channel last night and now am hooked!! Great videos- I've watched a couple by now. Question- how do you handle reselling? Do you have people come over to your place and are you ever concerned about that? I would love the option of reselling if something doesn't work but feel weird about having strangers over. Thanks!

[@MelbaMakes]

Hi Jojo! These are great questions and a great topic for a future video. In short when possible I meet in a public place or sometimes even drop off the item if it’s not out of my way. Ultimately do what you are comfortable with - my personal preference is to try to meet publicly as much as possible

[@JoJo-hn4tn]

@@MelbaMakes Oh thanks for the response! I'd love a future video on the topic especially on how to handle reselling something large like furniture. Thanks for the suggestions too!

[@kathyorourke9273]

What a great job!

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you! 💕😊

[@Nas_Tee]

Love your content

[@MelbaMakes]

Good to see you again and glad you are enjoying the channel!

[@nclare7]

You're a smart girl.

[@annw1395]

Gorgeous pieces! How on earth can you find some of those for free?? I've never heard of Lugg. Do they just deliver, or will they put the item in a difficult location-- I've got small rooms and tight corners.

[@MelbaMakes]

Thank you Ann! Lugg will deliver and move the piece inside the space. But I do make sure that I measure beforehand and make sure the item will fit in the space to avoid the scenario where something just doesn’t fit!

[@davidsandraramey742]

Very helpful video

[@MelbaMakes]

Glad it was helpful David and thank you for watching!

[@Ytbkt]

Wow absolutely beautiful

[@IMOO1896]

What was the condition of the fabric couch when you got it for free?

[@MelbaMakes]

Hi Sandi, thanks for the question - I go into more detail about the condition of the couches I got free in my latest video on couches. I hope that helps!

[@garlicgirl3149]

Man, Lug is not in my area. I am bummed out. I would rather a professional company because some of these folks that do it on the side charge way too much money for what they do.

[@luch5146]

Hello, I have two cats. Do you recommend a leather sofa having cats? How does your cat behave on your couch? Thank you!

[@MelbaMakes]

The leather sofa is the one I worry about the least with our cat (I don’t think Ive ever seen him try to scratch the leather couch)! I have to take more precautions around the upholstered couches - I put little scratching posts around the upholstered couches near where he would want to scratch the couch and also use throw blankets over the arms to prevent him from scratching the sides - it’s not perfect but since taking those precautions so much better

[@jadasnowrememberingGigi_Always]

Cool

[@angelaf4831]

Everything in my house, other than some of my appliances, was purchased at a yard sale, estate sale or a thrift store. Everything can be cleaned. My guests think I have spent a fortune furnishing and decorating my home. Not even close. As much as you thrift you need to invest in a truck.

[@MelbaMakes]

Sounds like we have a lot in common! 😊 my dad has been trying to convince me to get a truck for years 😅

[@klo9380]

Where did you resell your unwanted pieces?

[@ShellSellars-Smith]

I wonder what your fireplace brick would look like painted Black?

[@MelbaMakes]

Black, very moody (my vibe!). While I don’t think I will end up painting it inside (the red brick has grown on me!) that is the direction I am considering outside 🤩

[@philrose7716]

Just wondering what was the delivery service you used? You talked so fast I missed it.

[@MarySpain1958]

Lol no Uber or Lyft or decent bus system where I live seriously doubt they have that delivery service .

[@susanvelez6534]

Darling what state are you in our Craig’s list sucks

[@MelbaMakes]

Hi Susan! I’m in California. May I ask what state you are in? I’m trying to better understand whats available in other locations and approaches that have worked for other people in different states. If you discover that any alternatives to Craigslist work better in your area please do share!

[@susanvelez6534]

@@MelbaMakes I’m in Oregon I look every day but the cities are really spread out

[@ileanamurias922]

Honestly I have the same issues. I’m in south Florida. It’s either very traditional very outdated pieces or very contemporary awful pieces. I do love estate sales!

[@MelbaMakes]

@@susanvelez6534I see, that is helpful to know thank you for sharing

[@drakecarter1780]

Just be careful for bed bugs.

[@marclopez9492]

The sound does not help to understand what she is saying.

[@MelbaMakes]

Hi Marc, I’m sorry about the sound quality! This was my first video, my new videos all use a new microphone for better sound

[@janetboette7013]

Hi! Love the idea of re use, recycle, etc. But when I hear about got cheap and resold for so much more, I get a bad taste. Ok, part jealousy. Are you claiming this as income? Don't mean to be a bummer, just honest.

[@MelbaMakes]

Hi Janet! I understand and I’m sorry you feel that way. I work with a tax professional to meet my tax obligations and encourage others to do the same!

[@muxajetaptocom]

You have such a great eye, I want all of your pieces ❤ I wish thrifting was more common here in spain, because I keep finding the same type of provencial outdated furniture, MCM never happened in spain😂