If you are a serious secondhand home decor lover, and if you live in New York City, then you know that Design on a Dime (DOAD) is one of the most highly anticipated thrifting events of the year. Founded by interior designer James Huniford in 2004, this three-day shopping experience is celebrating its 19th anniversary (they skipped 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic) at the Metropolitan Pavilion where 60 designers have created one-of-a-kind, shoppable vignettes using donated decor and furniture items that are being sold at an extreme discount. The pieces sold will directly benefit Housing Works, the New York organization that’s working to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic and provide support and healthcare to the unhoused.
In the previous years, designophiles—both professional and recreational—have purchased amazing finds marked up to 80 percent off at this secondhand extravaganza, from gorgeous couches and statement light fixtures to breath-catching pottery and cashmere throws. Plus, these vignettes can serve as some great interior inspiration. Directly source tips from interior designers and firms like Keith Carroll, Redd Kaihoi, Shakoor Interiors, and Eclectic Home, all with a great mix of styles represented in each “room.:
However, Huniford says to expect an interesting theme of textured wallpaper and pattern on print this year. “Rayman Boozer’s room in particular screamed House Beautiful to me,” Huniford says, explaining that Boozer opted for a range of different, highly patterned wallcoverings for his vignette.
This year, between April 25 and 27, thrifters can expect a record number of donated items to shop from out of the swiftly completed vignettes, Huniford tells House Beautiful, with even more in back stock when the first round gets shopped out. “People have really gone overboard with donations,” he explains, happily. “So in the first go round, if things get sold out, there’s that opportunity to have back stock, which I think is unusual.” Some of the brands featured at DOAD this year include Serena & Lily, ABC Carpet & Home, OKA, and West Elm to name a few, with a price range of items from $50 to $5,000.
Out of the thousands of pieces donated, Huniford gives a little peek at what types of products you can expect to find while there, and what pieces he, along with other interior designers, always love to shop for secondhand. There are exclusive pieces, like a custom desk from Steven Gambrel and a René Prou chair in Cliff Fong’s booth. Other amazing finds include a pair of galvanized metal planters in Mark Cunningham’s booth, a gorgeous coffee table in Michael Mezzano’s booth, and a blue lapis-looking mirror in Redd Kaihoi’s. “That’s just my brain on speed dial,” Huniford adds.
Huniford expects the coffee tables, the lamps, and the accessories—like pottery—to be the first to go. “Those kind of singular things make a room really special and personal and unique,” he says, are what interior designers are always on the hunt for, both at DOAD and the local thrift store.
While the sheer number of pieces donated this year was extraordinary, it’s the fact “that people are still showing up and doing it” that completely fills Huniford up with joy after these almost two decades of DOAD. Tickets are still available for purchase for opening night, which is April 25th, but entry is free for the public sale days on April 26 and 27. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, we highly recommend stopping by for endless interior inspiration. Click through the gallery below for a peek at some of the stunning vignettes you’ll find this year.
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