Many of us have been homebound during the pandemic and if you are like me, you became a little bored looking at the same view in your home day after day. DIY home improvement projects are skyrocketing and those big box stores are going to have record years. Even in talking to some small local businesses, the home decor and specialty paint supplies and DIY art kits sold well during this time.
I accomplished a few DIY projects during COVID and it felt really great to check things off that ever-growing list. I wanted to redo the art that hung over our TV in our family room and so a few trips to the hardware store later, I have my family pictures hung. I also found new curtains in the living room and it’s amazing how much different the room looks with just a color swap.
Next up is painting a hutch for my wine area in my home. And lastly, and this has been on my list for a while, creating an American flag from wine corks for the wine area.
If you are later to the game like myself, but still looking for ways to make some decor changes, here are my favorite shops in Waukesha to provide your home some updates.
Burlap & Lace Marketplace—the variety of vendors in this store make this a must shop. Ever-changing inventory made by local artists will allow you to add some extra charm and help a small business at the same time. From woodwork, knitting, repurposed items, this store has it all.
Antiques and Uniques on Main—one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. No, I am not saying these items are trash at all–items people don’t want anymore become amazing treasures to another. Vintage glassware, artwork, toys and more. My husband and I love wandering the aisles and even getting unique gifts for our loved ones. One of our best finds was a coca-cola crate that we repurposed to a spice rack in our kitchen.
Plowshare Gifts Fair Trade Marketplace—this fair trade store has an eclectic assortment of home goods, fashion, food, and gifts all made by artists for a fair wage in developing countries. You can feel good when you shop here that you are helping others. More information on fair trade found here.
Polished Patina—This shop is new to me but will become a regular stop. The collection of decor, jewelry, clothing, art and crafts is very much my style and reasonably priced. They offer classes as well if you aren’t so inclined to try a craft on your own first. And they sell Dixie Belle chalk mineral paints for all your DIY projects you need to do! (And my hutch!)
The Front Porch—probably the most beautiful artificial flowers I have seen. The arrangements are great or build your own. In addition, they have a lot of seasonal items, clothing, jewelry and household decor.
And an honorable mention goes to Facebook Marketplace-you truly don’t know what you could find on there. It’s categorized and searchable–pickup is as easy and meeting up, picking up on a porch, or in some cases having it shipped to you. I have become quite the peruser of Marketplace since the pandemic and have had great luck unloading some of my own treasures to new homes.
Sarah Appleton
Hi! I’m Sarah, 38, and have lived in Waukesha for over 10 years. My husband has two tweenage daughters, Violet and Samantha, and they live with us half the time. We also have my son Cameron, just turned one, who is my whole world. We have a rescue pup, Letty, who is an Alabama Designer dog–an Australian Sheperd/Catahoula/who-knows-what-else mix. She keeps us on our toes, wanting food and attention all the time. Being a new mom to Cameron and an insta-mom to the girls brings joys and challenges, but I am soaking in every minute because kids are only kids for so long. I love Waukesha and have my own blog about my experiences in the area. When I’m not out and about in the city, I’m enjoying time with my friends grilling out, drinking wine, and playing games—Uno is one of our faves. Or I’m in my kitchen trying new recipes or recreating ones I have had at local restaurants to share on my Sundays with Sarah
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