Stores and catalogs are filled with terrific accessories we’d love to have in our houses, but why not “shop” in your own house first. You’ll be amazed at the bargains you’ll find!
Look in the attic and garage for objects with interesting shapes, color or a function that can be reinterpreted. On a recent project, I explored the client’s garage. I found a retro child’s wooden rake and an unused wrought-iron garden trellis.
I hung the child’s rake above the mantel in a simple, yet fun, autumn display. The trellis became a more permanent part of the home. I cut off the sharp metal spikes that normally go into the ground and hung it in a hallway between the kitchen and the kids’ bedrooms. We clipped photos, school projects and artwork to it. (Think: All that stuff that usually hangs on the refrigerator door.) At Christmas, the client cleared it off to make room for Christmas cards. Although we did a major remodeling for this client, it’s the trellis she often shows friends first!