STYLE your home WITHOUT spending a DIME: Sustainability thru creativity series

[@michdancer13]

I've said it before..... Christina, you are a breath of fresh air! What sets you apart for me is not that you thrift and like found objects and approach decorating and design from an artistic POV - you meet us where we are at! You seek to inspire and empower regular people living regular lives on tegular budgets to create beauty in our homes. Thank you.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

🤗 I was just about to go to bed and saw your comment. I so appreciate you sharing your perspective-I needed to hear that (well read that but you know what I mean). I’m going to sleep well 🥰Thank you, Melanie. It makes me feel great knowing I can inspire you and get you excited about your home. This is why I do what I do! Sending you love babe. Thank you again 🥰

[@miriamalonso3959]

So true. Christina helps us look at the world as Art

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

@@miriamalonso3959 Thank you Miriam, dear! 😘

[@marciafirst2271]

Now I have homework to do making vignettes around my home. I loved the photo collages at the end. This is such a great way to personalize and memorialize those who are gone. Thanks for the inspiration-again!!!😊❤

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Awww you’re very welcome, Marica. It’s always my pleasure, luv. Thank you for watching and showing up over here in the comments 🤗

[@Androgynary]

Exactly what I was thinking! I have old photos and letters that belonged to my grandpa and I’ve always wanted to display them… I love the idea of combing them under one frame!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Yes I love this idea. It warms my heart thinking about it. These types of things-collages made from family photos, notes, move tickets, etc are so special to me. I’m the family archivist (I have all the old photos and things) and I couldn’t be more honored to have them. Please, let me know how it goes when you create the collage ❤️

[@clare7234]

Over the weekend, i created two pieces of framed art using fabric samples that I've had hanging around. Love all your content, thank you, Christina 😊

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Yes I love it!!! I’m so happy you were inspired, Clare 🥰

[@drytoasts]

Great practical examples. When I moved recently and all my art was still in storage, I framed wrinkled pieces of brown kraft paper from packages etc in junky frames. The abstract fold lines and earthy color were interesting when recontextualized like this and warmed the space right up.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

I love that you thought to do this and to create something from nothing. A true artist!!

[@MyGoldendoodleDiary]

As always, I’m vibing with you, Christina. I counted at least 15 still-life and art-wall vignette moments around my home, each separated by a stretch of white wall (negative space). That includes a large-ish collage I compiled of photographs and artworks from my favourite Australian artist (Joshua Yeldham). Most of my vignettes are ‘moving feasts’, and some are ‘permanent fixtures’ (because they work so perfectly well). I love collecting feathers, freshly fallen branches and river stones on my dog walks and nature walks and displaying these in and around my home. I have a gorgeous ‘bouquet’ of feathers that have fortuitously crossed my path, and even some magnificent peacock feathers I found lying on the ground at a park where peacocks live. It took a lot of trial and error, but I have really stepped into my creativity in the past 2 years especially. My muse is my stylish and creative/artistic grandmother whose beautiful home in Poland has been inspirational to me to this day (my blueprint of a 'homey home' as you put it). I am blessed with her presence in three photos of her on my walls - one as a child in the 1920s, one as a young wife in the 1950s and one with me as the elegant wise elder she was towards the end of her life. The spark of creativity that lived in her has now emerged more fully (matured) in me and I feel enriched beyond measure. You have the perception and language to articulate and teach such subtleties of design (and life) in your videos, Christina. This, and the generosity of spirit to bring this out in your viewers. What a treasure you are. x

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Thank you so much Joanna 🥰 I appreciate your words-they encourage me to keep opening up and sharing my imagination with you all 🤍 Your abundant vignettes sound fascinating! We are so alike with the fathers and the stones. Perhaps a Libra thing 😘

[@lynneross319]

Brilliant video. I love the little curiosity to bring the eye in to a vignette. I recently did this unintentionally on my open kitchen shelves. I placed two small brass ducks. They make the viewer stop and look closer. 👏 👏 👏

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Exactly! You listened to your instincts and created a memorable experience for your guests. I love it!!! 💛👏🤗

[@sharonw4541]

This video was so much fun! I have the teabag tag with quote from the night I met my husband ("what we anticipate seldom occurs; what we least expect generally happens"). I can't wait to frame it with a collection of memories! Thanks ❤

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Ohmygosh that is BEAUTIFUL and AMAZING! How special ❤️ I love it! Fellow tea quote collectors ✨

[@gaillind8249]

We are retirees and 'half sizing'...shopping my current home before the big forever move. I found you and thank you so much for your inspiration and ideas...(I keep doing screen shots!). I just finished auditing 10 art history classes at the local university, and I can 'see' how (hopefully) most of my ideas will work. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos and expanding my visions. You are what I needed at this moment in time. Thank you.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Aww you’re welcome Gail 🤗 I’m so happy you’re here. I hope to inspire you in decorating your new forever home ❤️

[@AyH25]

Ive never been a collector but I will have a keener eye now so I can put things together like this! My aunt does things similarly and I admire her as well

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Yes!!!!!!! I love that you’re getting inspired!! I think I just saw the other comment you made 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 exciting!

[@patriciagrisham5938]

This is one of the most inspiring videos I’ve seen on creating vignettes & styling a beautiful home. When I think of it, using things in nature is second nature to me. I watched my mother do these very things! Fellow rock/stick/shell (& lamp) lovers/collectors unite! You have some very creative viewers, Christina. I loved being inspired by their comments & ideas. I enjoyed the bonus content at the end. Really, thank you for teaching & inspiring in such a “real life” way. Now I’m going to go clean & dust!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Hahaha yes!!!! You got inspired, Patricia 🥰 I did my job lol! Thank you for all the sweet and kind words-yes, we should unite! I have always loved connecting with people who also see the beauty in nature’s treasures. So many childhood memories storing my little findings in my coat pocket. My mom always wondered what and why 😂 Thank you so much for watching and showing up in the comments. It means so much to me to know that you were inspired by my creation 😘❤️🥰

[@patriciagrisham5938]

@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio Yes, you did do your job! My mother passed away 7 years ago. As I was going through some of her things, I came across a cardigan with pockets. In a pocket I found a Magnolia tree pod & a rock that was shaped like a heart. I still have them in a little crystal dish. Of course my girls did the same thing when they were little. It’s in the genes, so to speak!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

@@patriciagrisham5938 Oh wow I’m touched 🥹 Your mom. What a treasure to find. Thank you so much for sharing your story, her story and you girls too! I don’t have children but I know if I did, they too would appreciate all the secret beauty found in nature 🤍 I say secret because it takes certain eyes to see it, to let it come through. Though something passed down and in the genes, I hope that everyone here can develop that awareness. It brings so much happiness into our lives when we see the world this way. Thank you so much, luv 🤗 Sending you a big hug…

[@AyH25]

I stopped this video and painted a big canvas I’ve had lying around. Thanks for the inspo :)

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Yeah!!!!! That’s what I thought I read (that you made a painting). Amazing babe! This makes me so happy! I love that you got to work on creating art 😘

[@tracysavage5189]

Excellent! So practical and helpful! I’m watching this on a wet Sunday in England so I’m going to clean/throw open windows clean shelves and create vignettes!💋

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Awwwww wonderful babe! I’m excited for you and all the creativity that will follow 😘❤️🥰

[@cd2659]

So I might love modern lamps but every lamp in my house is vintage and I absolutely love every single one of them. Some might say I love lamp.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Hahaha yes CD! I love lamp too! 🛋️🤍

[@mysterytrip7110]

OMG I loved this video. So much creative inspiration, especially the framed collages!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Yeah! Happy you enjoyed it 🤗 and you’re inspired!!!

[@sezenkassap1536]

I watched your video in the morning and decided to make it the last thing I watched today so I could think about the ideas you gave and look around my house. Thanks so much ❤

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

You’re welcome Sezen 🤗 I’m honored that you woke up with this video and ended your night with it too. I hope you get some creative ideas in your dreams 🤍

[@hudsonboycandleco.8317]

I love you art ideas at the end! Drawing with your non-dominant hand is a great suggestion! Love it all! Thank you Christina!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Yes!! I find it much easier to draw in a way that looks a little more creative and abstract. So glad you enjoyed the video Nicole 😘

[@kimberlyg9867]

Awesome, I am currently in the process of a coffee table vignette. You have given me some great ideas👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Yassssss, Kimberly 🙌🙌🙌 love a good coffee table vignette! 😍

[@melindaferreira9879]

Vignettes! Yes.. i do that often!! I am so glad to see I'm not alone in saving bits and bobs of ephemera... (what my family thinks is useless junk)... i save wrapping, ribbons and cardboard tags off of purchases, crumpled paper, especially brown paper rolls or bags or the inside wrapping of items, paint color samples, interesting tags, tea bag quotes!! We are of one my mind my friend ❤️!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Oh wow! I’m not alone 🤗 Actually there are a few of us here in the comments-welcome to our club babe! So special and sentimental. We find beauty in simple things that often get overlooked ❤️ Just wait until I have the art making video using found objects! I think you’ll like it!!!!

[@melindaferreira9879]

@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio awesome!!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

@@melindaferreira9879 Yeah babe so welcome to the club 😘😘😘

[@gradyvandenbosch]

I think this video shows your specific talent for interior design: to be creative, to see the possibilities, to start with small steps and at the same time work with a wider vision or framework. To give creativity space to find her way, also in interior design, is very inspiring and encouraging. You point out correctly that it is a journey, that you also build up in your series of video’s. It is never a static thing. Not only because one changes and also one’s skills develop, but also your home changes. Because of the light, because you bring other items in, because things can land somewhere by accident and become a new vignette etc. Yes, it is such a great feeling and so healthy for your home to declutter and clean. Because of my own spiritual believes, I would not do what you do, but I recognize bringing a healthy atmosphere in the home. For me it is praying, and playing religious music, let the Holy Spirit fill my heart and home. That is why there is peace in my home, or will return when I feel troubled. And then I can really enjoy the work I put in my home, the creativity and the activity to building my haven. Thank you for sharing your talent to help us really see what visual components bring a spark. Especially the refinement of it is what builds a home.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Beautifully said, Grady 🤍 and thank you so much for being here and continually lifting me up! Your comments always brighten my day. Thank you, thank you, lovely. Feeling the love 🥰

[@miriamalonso3959]

Christina you are amazing- a true inspiration! Thank you for helping me see ART all around me! 🩵

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Awww you’re welcome Miriam 🥰 Thank you so much for letting me know. That makes me feel so good that you’re seeing the world this way!! 🤗

[@karenh.9180]

Hi kindred spirit! Your Sunday Inspo is always inspiring. Your creative art displays at the end is wowza, and I love it! Would you consider doing a video on how you pull a vignette together on a mantle, table or whatever? You are so artistic, Christina. 😘

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Absolutely!! I can work that into a video for sure. Thanks for the suggestions babe! 😘

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Also THANK YOU SO MUCH 😘😘😘

[@gradyvandenbosch]

@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio I would love that also! I'm in the process of learning. Especially the combo of my windowsill and radiator cover is challenging to style. I am analytical as well as intuitive and try to combine them in my approach. Wonder if you have a vision for that.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

You got it Grady. I will definitely add this to a video. I have so many fun ideas for you all. I wish I could do and share everything at once lol. Feeling a bit like a kid again with making these videos. So fun and love to help!

[@juliadonaldson6943]

I am also drawn to nature. I have a crock with pieces of driftwood on my coffee table. I also love dried grasses. The house I moved into had an old bottle dump in the woods out back. I collected a bunch in shades of clear and brown glass, washed them out, and arranged them with dried grasses in my window sill.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Wow! Lucky you with that treasure! Sounds so beautiful and truly a simple pleasure. Those are so satisfying for me. Thank you for sharing that vision 😍

[@HR-re6mr]

Great ideas! Another idea is using the paint chips you have from shopping. Can definitely make a cool art piece with those!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Wonderful!! I’m happy your got inspired 😘

[@sheilathornton6313]

Three dimensional mood mood… brilliant

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Yeah!!! So happy you love my creative use of words haha. I love to paint a picture with my words 🤗 Thank you so much for watching and being here, babe!

[@paulenedean3774]

Loved this video Christina! I love creating vignettes around my home. It takes hours sometimes but I’m in another zone when I do!😌🤎

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

You are creating art and in your “zone of genius!” I love it, Paulene! 🤗

[@simplipeace]

Love this! I did a couple vignettes, moved a few things around.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Yeah Tascha! I love knowing you’re getting ideas AND implementing them! Just more ways in which you can add your charm and love to your home. Nite babe! 😘

[@heidimispagel9877]

I love your style and ideas! So inspiring!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Thank you Heidi! 🤗

[@amylott4249]

“Creative anxiety” Thanks for bringing that up and expressing it so nicely. I’m clueless about decorating and just getting started, so I haven’t exactly experienced this state with visual endeavors. But I have been a songwriter/musician since I was a child and have never heard it expressed quite like that. I get it all the time. I’ve never really addressed it, thanks for the tips. You’re the best, btw, as I consider all the videos I’ve consumed as I figure out how to decorate the first house I managed to afford as a musician. ❤

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Congratulations on your home 🤗 That’s exciting and to be able to use the profits from your passion is very rewarding I’m sure! Thank you for watching the video. I’m happy to hear you connected with it. Getting started is just that. We don’t have to make it a big deal or put so much pressure on ourselves-but we do-myself included when I began. Start small with a little area and let that inspire you. I wish you the best, luv 🤗 Big hug.

[@amylott4249]

@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio I’ve watched quite a few videos since I wrote the last comment. You are a joy to learn from. I’m trying to narrow down what I’ve got, making piles. I already gravitate to… Do you have any thoughts on incorporating large musical instruments into smaller spaces? I have an upright studio Baldwin that is my most precious possession hands down. And I sit at it a lot. And a B3 Organ my daddy rebuilt. Sigh and I play all kinds of other stuff. And it looks like from my closet I’ve been dressing in the color palette of piano keys, accordions, and clarinets without even knowing it. I do think about my music non stop. I am a little scared of the black incorporations. Why are we so scared of that. 😂 I freaking out lol. You are a joy to learn from. I mean that from bottom of my single momma heart. I needed some of the permissions you have given us. Kept it up! Inspired by ya for sure.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

@@amylott4249 I’m starting the Fix My Home live series back up in October. You should submit your home so I can see what you’re working with. I’ll send a reminder a little later when I’m ready to take submission, but I’d defiantly love to give you some feedback. A little hard to say without seeing everything. PS I’m so happy you’re loving the videos 🥰 Makes the time I invest in this worth it to know it’s helping and inspiring you! That keeps me going! Thank you!

[@amylott4249]

@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio I saw this and panicked at the thought. Lol. I’m the kind of girl who would clean her house before the cleaning professional arrived. I have more experience as a lifelong musician being that maid, not that homeowner. So I’ve cleaned and played music in a lot of fancy houses. And knew I was missing something… You! :) I curated my crap and boy oh boy..I make no sense. 😂👌 The only colors I haven’t used are the ones in my closet. If I bought it for the house decor, I bought two. 😂🙏 And I’m going from old and 14ft ceilings to normal builder grade bland house..I’m bored with the walls and doors and windows and far as furniture, It looks like a giant is trying to live in a molehill. 😅 I am embarrassed for you to see what I would even consider stylish and functional at this moment. None the less, pictures coming soon. ❤️ Do you need anything from me to make that happen (email address etc)? The piano and organ are being moved this weekend. I’ll snap ya a few when my favorite pieces (family members) are finally home. Thank you for what you do. I’ve averted my eyes until now to all things style and interior design, I knew my limits… I didn’t realize how much joy I was missing until I started utilizing your videos. I have been framing my sweet son’s artwork, putting musical memories together etc.. Thank you for that tip. It’s been so good for my wellbeing after the challenges life recently presented. You’re the best.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

@@amylott4249 Hi dear! Join the mailing list and I’ll send an email out when I’m ready to start receiving the submissions. It’s easier for me to keep track of them if they’re sent at the same time. Stay tuned babe! Very soon!

[@tobeytravels893]

The rooms I find interesting have vignettes, as you said, “bringing the viewer in.” Great examples.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

They’re bringing you in, Tobey! Love it 🤗

[@JoanWilliams-oj9kw]

So interesting. Thanks for all the inspo.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

You are so welcome Joan!!!! Thank you for watching and being here with your encouragement--I appreciate it! xoxoxo

[@hannahkaiser5110]

Thank you Christina, great tips.❤

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

You’re welcome, Hannah! Thank you for watching, luv 🤗

[@dianebig7857]

This is soooo helpful. Thank you!!!!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Glad it was helpful, Diane! Loved making this one for ya 😘

[@swaters5127]

There is art at goodwill. I've filled my home with gorgeous oil paintings. Most of them were 30 dollars are less. I have a few prizes that were around 100.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Absolutely! If you saw the most recent video, I purchased all the art for our gallery walls from thrift stores.

[@carolhollinger6949]

Wow this was so inspiring!!!!! thanks!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

You’re welcome, Carol!! Happy you found it inspiring 🤗🤗🤗

[@Chidiya79]

Love the music ❤

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Me too! It has been playing in my head all week! I included the link and name of the song in the video description xoxoxcd

[@erinlee7216]

Love your channel ❤❤❤

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Thank you, Erin! 🤗

[@jj9501]

Really love the vibe of your videos and I know this wasn't about music but could you tell me the name of the song at the end? Motivating me to finish decorating my new home❤

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Yes I love this one! I got it on Epidemic Sound. It’s called "Running Into" by Ooyy & STRLGHT 😘

[@lf9341]

Great video. I brought rocks to my new apartment that my son used to give me as presents when he was about 5. I put them in a glass jar. I'm still moving in slowly and not rushing. I hate when people color coordinate their books. Looks weird.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Your rock collection sounds so sweet. I used to give my mom rocks too! I wonder if she still has some of them haha. Yes color coordinated books are very unnatural looking to me!

[@lf9341]

@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio I also love your art ideas...especially the 1st one! My bathroom came out great. My bedroom is coming out vintage, modern organic, rustic, but I too like a little modern and bought 2 desk black task lamps and on the dresser that was painted chocolate I think I may buy a red glass lamp and a red velvet round pillow for a bit of pop for the velvet gold brown chair I put in the bedroom. Also, I'm afraid to sit on my cream couch so when I don't have guest I draped a taupe wrinkly sheet and tucked it loosely as I love the organic look (much to my 86 year old mom's dismay who presses everything!) Waiting on my bookshelves to be built. That beautiful coffee table I boughtwas too big but I sold it for $80 more lol! Happy 4th! From Linda

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Hi Linda!! Wow that chocolate brown with the pop of red sounds dreamy!!!!! I can see it now. You’re doing it!! Whoooohooooo!!! I can’t wait to see you place!!! Exciting babe🤗🤗🤗🤗 Happy fourth to you too!

[@erinlee7216]

Love from Iowa❤

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

😘 back-at-cha!

[@Stefanie272]

Love from Frankfurt, great video ❤❤❤

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Hello, Stefanie!!!! Welcome 🤗 thank you for watching, luv!

[@nadinetonn5196]

Love the collages, and looking forward to revisiting this medium. So dreamy! 🤍

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Yes-love those collages too-and happy it gave you some inspiration! 🤗

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

❤️ Find all the images from this video on my Pinterest board here in.pinterest.com/christinaatcasaserenita/style-you-home-0-budget/

[@9519631]

Muito obrigada.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

De nada 😘

[@accidental_teacher-jw8kl]

I would love to see your art.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Thank you for saying that ❤️ There’s some always in the background of my home but I’ll have to do a little section on the rest of the artwork 😘

[@accidental_teacher-jw8kl]

@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio yes I have noticed. I didn't realize it was your personal work. I love it! I keep checking out your backgrounds. 😄

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Awwwww 🤗🤗🤗 some of them are not mine-mostly the large paintings and then a few small ones. Thank you for looking ❤️

[@civilizeddiva]

14:27: Statement flora🤩

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Gorgeous right????!!!

[@dranthtalks]

"small wonders"

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

😘😘😘😘❤️🤗 thanks lovely!

[@juliemarkham4332]

I'm not sure we should block the airflow of a vent. 🤔 Maybe get a decorative cover instead?

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

There’s a gap in between and it’s the intake ;)

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Also feel free to do as you wish babe. Everything I present is optional and you are of course free to decide for yourself ❤️

[@dranthtalks]

"3 dimensional mood board"

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Awwww thank you for noticing my language 😘

[@ginalowe9103]

I didn’t know you were an artist…

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Yes! I paint, make sculpture and photography 🤗