Why Millennials Are Ditching Fast Furniture for Thrifted Treasures in Los Angeles
A growing number of younger shoppers are embracing secondhand furniture and antiques over disposable designs. Tess van Hulsen and Andrew Chait, who moved to Los Angeles in 2023, have furnished their rental entirely with thrifted and restored pieces. Their approach reflects a wider trend of valuing quality, history, and sustainability over fast, mass-produced items.
Van Hulsen, 28, and Chait, 32, relocated from Palo Alto to Los Angeles with little more than a standing desk and a bed frame. Instead of buying new, they turned to thrifting, antiquing, and bargaining to fill their Westwood condo. The result is a California Coastal-inspired space filled with gently used furniture and unique finds.
Van Hulsen enjoys the character and stories behind each piece, whether it's a lucky discovery or a successful haggle. She takes pleasure in displaying items like a silver-plated trinket tray for jewellery. Chait, meanwhile, thrives on the thrill of searching and negotiating, finding satisfaction in uncovering hidden value.
Their approach aligns with the philosophy of designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, who recently redesigned a Westwood apartment using only secondhand furniture. Both the couple and the designers reject 'fast furniture'—poorly made, short-lived items—in favour of durable, meaningful pieces.
The couple's home now stands as a showcase of secondhand treasures, proving that style and quality don't require new purchases. Their experience highlights a shift among millennials and Gen Z toward heirloom items and away from disposable design. The movement suggests a lasting change in how younger generations furnish their homes.
