Blog & Social

Virginia Chamlee is bringing her passion for thrifting and design to the Salt Lake Home + Garden Show, where she’ll share her expertise on “How to Thrift Museum-Quality Art, Designer Furniture, and More.” The celebrated artist, writer, and best-selling author of Big Thrift Energy will host three sessions:

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• Friday, March 7, at 4 p.m.
• Saturday, March 8, at 5 p.m.
• Sunday, March 9, at 3 p.m.

Known for her unique approach to design and her keen eye for vintage treasures, Chamlee’s work has been featured in high-end residential and commercial spaces, including the green room at Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Her art is available through Anthropologie, Chairish, and Artfully Walls, but her true love is teaching others how to find beauty in unexpected places.

In Big Thrift Energy, Chamlee offers a blend of practical advice and inspiration, showing readers how to spot quality pieces, style vintage finds, and even flip items for profit. For Chamlee, thrifting is more than just collecting—it’s about storytelling. “Thrifting isn’t just about finding beautiful things,” she says. “It’s about creating a home that reflects your personality.”

Chamlee’s Top Thrifting & Home Tips Ahead of her Salt Lake visit, Chamlee shared some of her favorite thrifting tips and design hacks:

• Thrifting Tip: Go often! Look for maker’s marks to determine the quality of a piece and avoid anything broken—you’ll never fix it.
• Must-Have Tool: A tape measure! Keep one in every room and on your keychain for on-the-go finds.
• Best Budget Buy: Smart lights for under $100 can completely transform a room’s ambiance.
• Favorite Paint Color: Benjamin Moore’s Soft Satin.
• Furniture Shopping Tip: Visit frequently, and don’t be afraid to imagine how a piece can fit into your space.
• Organization Hack: Embrace the Marie Kondo method! “The more people donate, the more I get to find,” Chamlee jokes.
  

Chamlee’s love for thrifting extends beyond furniture and art. Her Substack newsletter, What’s Left, features city shopping guides, interviews with design experts, and highlights of her latest finds. “Every item has a story,” she explains. “Part of the fun is imagining where it’s been and how it fits into your life.”

Join Virginia Chamlee at the Salt Lake Home + Garden Show Don’t miss the chance to learn from Virginia Chamlee in person. Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or a curious beginner, her presentations will inspire you to embrace the thrill of the hunt, find unique treasures, and bring a touch of Big Thrift Energy into your home.