Secondhand Chic

National Thrift Shop Day is Aug. 17, and we’ve got ideas for DIY home stylists to find potential in reused pieces.

Furniture, décor and kitchen items rank among the top 10 product categories in a 2026 Capital One Shopping Research report on secondhand trends. Thrifting at brick-and-mortar shops or online outlets like Depop and Poshmark is good for your wallet and extends the life cycle of manufactured items. Shopping secondhand can also make a difference for local nonprofits like Goodwill Hawaii.

“We welcome all donations of household goods as long as they are good, clean and [in] ‘saleable’ condition,” says Kelley Cho, Goodwill Hawaii’s director of public relations and communications. “Our processing system is designed to put items out as soon as possible after they are donated so that shoppers continually have more options to choose from.”

Valerie Joseph, host of the local lifestyle show “Fashion Sense by Valerie,” recently curated a selection of home goods for the annual Goodwill Goes Glam event. Joseph invited Ku‘u Home to her East Honolulu residence for an exclusive styling session and thrifting tips.

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to create a beautiful, intentional space while being resourceful,” Joseph says.

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Mix High-End and Low-Cost Seamlessly

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that thrifted means lower-quality or outdated,” Joseph says. “In reality, many pieces are incredibly well-made. It’s less about what the item is and more about what it can become.” This elegant brunch spread includes thrifted drinking glasses, dishes and butterfly teacups complemented by lush flowers and golden accessories.

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Edit with Intention

“I shop with a vision in mind, whether it’s [for] a vignette, a tablescape or a full room,” Joseph explains. “A well-designed space isn’t about having more — it’s about showing just enough.” A secondhand serving board, drinking glasses and vases accent this earthy table setting.

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Read the Room

“I love the storytelling behind [thrifting],” Joseph says. “Every piece has a past, and when you bring it into your home and style it in a fresh way, it becomes part of your story.” Pick out throw pillows with patterns and messages that speak to you, as Joseph did for this nook.

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Prioritize Form and Texture

“Look for interesting silhouettes, solid materials and unique finishes,” Joseph says, with a nod to an intricate thrifted trunk that’s now a statement piece in her home. “I look at shape, texture and material … A piece might not be perfect in its current state, but if it has strong bones, I know I can style or transform it.”

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This story appears in the July/August 2026 print issue of Ku‘u Home magazine.