My wise, thrift pro of a roommate once said, “Never buy anything. Believe in your heart that the streets of San Francisco will provide for you.” Those words changed my life — and my living room — forever.
The inside of my Richmond apartment is an island of misfit furniture — one shook-up jumble of colorful bookshelves, paper cranes and posters (including an outer-space tapestry that, I theorize, once lived in a seven-year-old boy’s room). It’s a mess. It’s beautiful. It would force an involuntary cry out of any minimalist’s mouth.
So you, too, want to turn street trash to treasure. The good news? The only step you need to take is one outside your front door. Let’s hit the streets, folks.
Step 1: Take a walk
A neighbor’s trash is your treasure. San Francisco residents turn over quickly (thank you, excessive cost of living!), meaning someone is always moving in, and someone is always moving out. On a daily basis, you’ll probably find at least a few forgotten chairs, televisions and paintings out on the sidewalk, waiting for you to take them home.
Step 2: Disinfect. Please, for all that is good in the world, disinfect.
Don’t get me wrong — San Francisco is a magical place. But there’s no need to bring all that street magic into your home. Wipe down any chairs, tables or small tchotchkes you find, and spray down large furniture or fabrics.
And for the love of God, don’t take any mattresses (hello, bed bugs).
Step 3: Don’t be easy
Picture this: you call some of your buddies to help you carry your rad, new couch home (12 blocks). And then you sit on it and realize that it was on the street for a great reason — the spring is broken, and you fall right through. You’ve just learned the most important lesson of the sidewalk treasure hunt: always inspect.
Tip 4: Embrace the chaotic aesthetic
So you’ve acquired a miniature tea set, a paisley recliner and a turquoise-blue wardrobe. Sounds like a great start to your new home — and the new you! Just go with it. If you’re like me, then you know you don’t have the time, money or ego to put together a bougier home. It’s time to work with what you’ve got. Hello, Pinterest.
Tip 5: Craigslist is your friend
For more specific, obscure pieces (e.g., an entertainment center for your newly found TV or a drawer organizer), , etc.), you’ll most likely be able to find all your dream objects under the free section of Craigslist. Do some web surfing before giving up hope!
