My Houzz: A Serial Thrifter's Comfortably Bohemian Bungalow

Blogger and serial thrifter Hilary Walker believes in the power of working with what you've got. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Fort Worth, Texas, rental she shares with husband David, a music teacher. The Walkers filled the 1940s house with antiques, roadside furniture, quirky art and repurposed household items that all seem to come with a heartfelt story.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: David and Hilary Walker and their rescue dog, Ives
Size: 1,030 square feet: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Location: Cultural Arts area of Fort Worth, Texas

Hilary's brother found the leather sofa on the side of Music Row in Nashville and brought it all the way to Texas for them. Above it, Hilary mounted a grid of snapshots from her Instagram feed.

Gold urchin object: Pulp Home; photo prints: Printic; lampshades: Target; curtains: Marmorblad, Ikea


An open ledge separates the living room from the dining room and serves as a mini-bar. Hilary painted the small accent table from Hobby Lobby. It has been with her since college, where she studied interior design. She recently taped the feet and gave it a dip-dyed look. "With a small amount to spend on decorating, I've had to be very creative and selective about what to spend money on," she says.


As part of their rental agreement, the couple cannot paint the walls. Instead, they've made design choices to highlight the home's good bones. Curtain panels dress floor-to-ceiling windows to make the room appear bigger, and a graphic rug adds visual movement to the hardwood floors. "I just can't seem to get rid of our brown zebra rug," Hilary says. "It is old and worn, but the oversize animal print has always added a quirky, bold element to the room."

End tables: Montgomery Street Antique Mall; floral club chair: Berry Good Buys; zebra rug: Craigslist


On the coffee table, an overturned lampshade holds a collection of discarded light bulbs. "After replacing all of the lights with fluorescents, I didn't know what to do with the old bulbs. David came up with the upturned metal lamp shade idea," Hilary says.


A terra-cotta colored accent wall was already painted when the couple moved in, and while it's not the color they would have chosen, they've worked it into their design. The warm wall color provides a great backdrop for a library and gallery wall. "The artwork is such a big part of what makes our home unique, warm and inviting," Hilary says.

Prism area rug: Hayneedle; rattan chair: Berry Good Buys; shag throw pillow: West Elm


Hilary works from home in this office area. The giant cork board above her desk provides inspiration for her blog, Our Style Stories.

Desk: Berry Good Buys


Like the rest of the house, the dining area mixes new and old. An Ikea table pairs with a set of vintage chairs upholstered in cowhide. The Asian screen came from a secondhand store.

Hilary's parents bought the sewing form for her when she was interested in studying fashion design. While that interest has subsided, she now uses the form to make alterations to thrifted clothing.

Table: Docksta, Ikea; chairs: Craigslist


A chain chandelier hangs from a plant hook by the kitchen window. "I didn't need much light there, but the airy silhouette and interesting shape made it a perfect fit for the space," says Hilary.

A built-in corner shelving unit houses stemware, candlesticks and a collection of thrift-store plates.

Chain chandelier: Urban Outfitters


David, a percussionist, is a high school band director and music teacher. One of the home's two bedrooms serves as his office, music room and a home for his marimba.

The taped papers are a study guide highlighting great moments in music history. "I haven't taken it down yet because it's a good reminder," he says. "If I look up and can't remember the details of a certain historical aspect, I know it's time to hit the books again."


The couple's brass bed once belonged to Hilary's relatives. The yellow lamp is one of Hilary's recent DIY projects. Orthodox Christian iconography hangs nearby.

Curtains: Lappljung, Ikea


This painted maroon vanity and rose velvet chair were gifts from Hilary's mother. "Almost every year for my birthday, my mom gives me a piece of antique furniture. I love it. She's been doing it for most of my life," Hilary says.


Hilary's jewelry collection sits atop an antique bureau, organized in vintage trays and bowls. An earring tree stands to the left, and a set of glass candlesticks to the right keeps bangles and bracelets in order.


Hilary is inspired by street fashion, bohemian lifestyles and natural elements. David's aesthetic leans more modern. "Together it makes for an interesting mix," Hilary says, "which in the end is probably my design philosophy: Embrace the mix."

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