Hidden in the quaint, relatively quiet area of Hunter Street, Hornsby, lies a secretive and discrete little treasure. The Second Hand Studio located just a 5 minute walk from the Westfield Shopping Centre brings to your attention plenty of delightful and interesting surprises. They are located at unit 4, 85 Hunter Street in Hornsby.
With “Choose to Reuse” being their motto, finding the perfect affordable piece of second-hand furniture for your home could never be easier and more personal. Amongst furniture, they also stock clothing, knick-knacks and other bits and bobs – making the experience of shopping for homewares and clothing much more fun than any other store you might find in the nearby shopping centre.
I have always had an interest in all things old and interesting and don’t believe that because something has a “fault” or somehow damaged means it should be disregarded. In fact, it is these very characteristics that make them unique.
From opening in the beginning of July of this year, the store has been rewarded with amazing positivity. Shoppers enjoy the surprise of discovering vintage delights and re-vamped modern furniture.
I took the opportunity to speak with the owner, Di Harris, who gave me her time for a few words of her inspiration and beliefs in the store. “I have always had an interest in all things old and interesting and don’t believe that because something has a “fault” or somehow damaged means it should be disregarded. In fact, it is these very characteristics that make them unique. It has long been a hobby of mine to recreate furniture and I have always felt strongly about being resourceful and using what we have. Annie [my daughter] has always been very creative and artistic and we both have a background in retail.”
Combining their business and retail-savvy attitudes with their mindset on resourcefulness and creativity, The Second Hand Studio really is not your usual thrift shop. With their dedication to often re-painting and re-creating their pieces, Di and Annie never restrict themselves to one particular style; there is always something for everyone. “Our customers enjoy browsing our “You Choose” area at the back of the store. This is where we stockpile pieces of furniture we are yet to work on but give our customers the option to choose the piece they want and tell us how they would like it styled.”
Turning the entire concept of recycling upside-down and adding their touches of style to it, Di and Annie are devoted to their “Choose to Reuse” motto. “Our mission is to turn around the “throw away” mentality. So many of the things we throw away have the potential for a new life as something else or simply require some loving care, turning them into one of a kind pieces with plenty of personality.”
The overwhelming responses from the local community has made Di and Annie’s motto for the Second Hand Studio even more reinforced, and their goals towards influencing the community even further is nigh with their unique and incredibly personal mindset for each and every customer. I definitely know where I’ll be finding my next pieces of furniture when the time comes to re-decorate my room.
