College DIYer Turns Goodwill Find Into the Most Elegant Back-to-School Treasure

Back-to-school season is upon us and it's not just for the littlest ones! Much of Gen Z is gearing up for classes as well and unsurprisingly, they're the ones to watch for tips we can adapt for our own homes. Not only are they incorporating sustainability practices by thrifting instead of buying everything brand new, but they're also turning those finds into some stunning DIY projects that further customize their spaces. Take Alabama-based TikToker Amelia Rauter , for instance, who just made the most elegant decor for her dorm.

Related: IKEA Is Selling Dorm Room 'Starter Kits' to Make College Life Easier

Watch her transform a dusty mirror from Goodwill into stunning hallway decor for her and her roommates' enjoyment.

"My roommates and I found this antique mirror for $10 at the Goodwill back in Tuscaloosa & we’re OBSESSED," she shared with her followers.

"Can’t wait to add this to the entryway in our house back at school," she noted. The mirror appears to be an old Baroque style and it's certainly seen better days. Its color has quite literally faded to black in some places but the intricate frame detail remains intact.

Amelia cleaned it up, marked off the glass with tape, and then went to work with her transformation. In probably one of the quickest DIY projects you can perform, she used gold Rust-Oleum metallic spray to give the mirror a bold, gilded look that maintains its vintage vibe. Once dry, she removed the tape and voilá — a stunning update for her college house entryway was born just $10 and a can of spray paint later.

Consider this a sign to make good bonding moments out of thrifting with the college student in your life and DIYing cool things for their dorm .

And no, the Gen Zer in your life won't be offended by the suggestion — at least according to Vogue Business, online secondhand platform Thredup, and more outlets tracking their spending interests. Per reports, Gen Z leads the charge where secondhand shopping is concerned, directing a lot of their dollars to this sustainable practice. They're thrifting, flipping, and DIYing to their hearts' content.

"The global secondhand market is expected to surge at three times the rate of the overall global apparel market up to 2027, driven by Gen Z consumers, according to online secondhand platform Thredup," wrote Vogue Business .

The sustainability effort s are also unsurprising given that Gen Z seems to be the most environmentally conscious of the generations, per Forbes . We could all take a page out of their book for shopping and home decor.

Race you to Goodwill?

Love what you're reading? Be sure to follow us on Google News and subscribe to our Newsletter to get home and gardening news right to your inbox. For a chance to be featured on DenGarden and our social channels, click here to upload your clip and share your latest project with the world.