Abbie Chatfield and the 'affordable' $300 gold paper towel holder that broke the internet
Abbie Chatfield has never been one to shy away from strong opinions from democracy to decor, she's got it covered.
And the renovation of her Tamarama apartment has become another platform for her outspoken views, but with a degree in property economics, you could argue the influencer knows what she's talking about.
The podcaster, influencer, and TV personality recently divided fans when she proudly unveiled a $300 gold vintage paper towel holder she sourced from etsy, declaring the benefits of thrifting for unique pieces.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy."Do you understand that you could have an actually unique, really beautiful home that has your personality in it? And in the end, it's often cheaper," she told her followers.
You could argue that a $300 gold paper towel holder isn't exactly cheap. But it is certainly fun!
She justified the cost by comparing vintage with new homewares.
"I feel like the hardest part about getting unique pieces and having a unique home is that it's really expensive. New stuff, like Fenton and Fenton, which I love, is really expensive.
"You can find vintage stuff at the same price or cheaper as in a normal store, but it's unique," she told her 679.4K TikTok followers.
Her fans replied enthusiastically.
LOVE THIS!!!!! As a vintage Etsy seller this makes me soooo happy! Reclaim, recycle and reuse! And vintage items make the BEST unique gifts!!! I love the Etsy vintage community!
Oh I love Etsy but problem is I get into a rabbit hole then end up with 200 cute things in my cart
Chatfield has three rules she lives by when it comes to interior design, she "hates anything that isn't vintage, custom or fun ... In that order".
Determined to modernise without stripping character, she's blasted the trend of rendering and "white-boxing" heritage homes.
"When I see people buy a house and it's a beautiful house with character ... Art Deco house from the 1920s, I just know they are going to f**king render that thing and paint it stark Dulux White with a Colourbond f**king roof.
"I actually can't sleep because of it. That's how upset it makes me.
"If you want a new ugly boring home, then go and buy a new ugly boring home. Go and do that." she said.
Personality always trumps minimalism and in her reno she embraces pops of colour, including an oversized green couch, and uses gold accents, a gold-framed mirror, and gold-trimmed wall units to add to the aesthetic.
She urged Australians to skip cookie-cutter "micro-trend bullshit furnishings" and instead shop for vintage unique pieces that make a space feel individual.
It's a philosophy she's living out in her own growing property portfolio.
Since 2021, Chatfield has made two headline-making unique property purchases: a $1.45 million eco-conscious Bangalow cottage known as La Casa Black, built from recycled natural materials and complete with a deck overlooking lush reserve land.
She also bought a $1.758 million Art Deco apartment in Tamarama which she snapped up below the asking price after it failed to sell at auction, saving her $117,000. It is in a tightly held boutique block where the longest owner paid $68,500 in 1984.
From $300 paper holders to million-dollar property moves, everything Chatfield touches gets people talking.
Originally published as Abbie Chatfield and the 'affordable' $300 gold paper towel holder that broke the internet
