Add Color and Character with Furniture Store Accessory or Flea Market Find

A recent trip to Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market in New Milford, CT yielded a non working vintage camera for about $5.00. I’ve noticed vintage photography items being used as decor in catalogs and magazines so I decided to pick one up and I grabbed a couple of old movie reels as well. Of course before I knew it I was seeing photography equipment everywhere, placed on a bookshelf, a side table, clusters of cameras, movie reels and more.  Non-working cameras found at a chain furniture store are selling for many times more than my flea market find. Just wondering if you can really see any difference? Do you like the look of vintage cameras in decorating?

Furniture Store Accessory

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The Art of Signs

Signs add visual interest to this outdoor patio.

Signs, signs, everywhere signs… It’s true, everywhere I look I see signs being used as accessory art in the home and I’ll admit I’m a collector. I think it started when a friend of mine gave me a sign that reads “Don’t mess with my Feng Shui”. Now I’ve collected several and continue to look for more. In particular I like distressed looking signs, but I also choose them for the message.  For the most part signs are an inexpensive way to add art to a space. The right sign in the right place adds visual interest, can be inspiring and might even help strike up a conversation. If you like the idea of a custom sign you can try a site like Saltbox Signs or Etsy is great if you want more of a selection. Do you have any signs? If so do you have a favorite?

Cool Way to Make Your Photography into Art

Finally, your woes about what to do with all the family photos you have stored away, are over! Show off your photography skills in a fun and creative way that is sure to attract attention.  Photo mosaics are a great alternative for displaying a collection of pictures as a single image. Choose from a single event or several events and like magic your photos become a memorable piece of art.  Check out Design A Mosaic for creations starting as low as $24.99, just think your entire life on display as a wonderful piece of art! I love this idea as a memorable and creative present, so try this out and share your experiences!     

Organize, Decorate, and Save the IKEA Way!

Shopping at IKEA can be both exciting and overwhelming, it is very easy to get distracted so it’s important to know your budget and what you’re looking for before you head up the escalator into the unknown. My interns and I went in with the intention of finding creative storage solutions. While there were many possibilities, we liked these hanging baskets for only $19.99 each. They are perfect for any room. Hide those unsightly toys that clutter the floor in your child’s playroom, use them for laundry, magazines, supplies… their uses are endless. These versatile baskets can be arranged as a decorative set as well. When shopping for storage solutions, it is important not to be close minded. There are hundreds of ways to maximize spaces with storage that is cost effective and appropriate for any room. So be creative, and feel free to share your ideas!

Great Idea!

For a recent bathroom remodel project, shades or any window treatment didn’t seem to be an option. While searching the isles of Home Depot, I came across decorative window films. At first I thought it might look tacky, but for $22.00 it seemed worth a try. I have to say it was easy and the results were fabulous! At some point I might add a valance, but for the time being I have a finished look and the necessary privacy for a bathroom, which is why I call this a great idea!

Holiday Table Design

This Easter I didn’t have much time to plan my table, so I had to make due with what I have and unfortunately I don’t have a tablecloth that fits my 130″ table. I’m not crazy about a regular table cloth and have never set my table the same way twice, so I found myself digging through an assorted collection of fabrics, curtains, runners, quilts and the like.

I finally decided on some fabric I found on eBay a few years ago and since it wasn’t long enough I used a couple of curtain panels underneath. The fabric wasn’t finished on the ends so I used pinking shears to remove the fraying. I went out in the yard and clipped some daffodils and andromeda. Found some fake forsythia and a collection of small vases, added the family china and you can see the end result below.  You’ll have to let me know what you think and I’d love to see pictures of your table settings.

Jewelry for Your Home

Accessories are like jewelry for your home. You put your room together, arranging furniture for function and flow…and your done? Not quite. Now it’s time to add personality and flair. This is where you can really make your house feel like home.

I shop for accessories everywhere, consignment stores, tag sales, Home Goods, furniture stores, flea markets, online and while traveling. When I’m looking for a particular item I shop everywhere and if I see something in a store that’s too expensive I’ll research online and try to find it for less. I’m not sure if I just like shopping or if I’m just on a mission and don’t want to give up until I find what I want at a price I’m willing to pay.

Some of my favorite finds were unexpected, a kneeling statue from Thailand and a carved  lotus panel wall hanging. When I look at these items each day I remember how I found them and it leaves with with a nice feeling.

Lotus Panel

Bodhisattva Bestowing Blessings

Both items are large, 4’x4′ and 4′ tall.

 

 

 

Finding accessories you love will give your home personality and warmth. Be sure to select items that blend with your decor, be aware of size, color and placement and don’t be afraid to experiment. If you find an expensive piece and you’re not sure how it will look ask the store owner if you can take it on approval. This may seem like a lot, but if you think of your home as your retreat and a place to recharge, surrounding yourself with the jewelry you love will really make you feel good.