Garage sale finds, Thrift shop treats and Yard sale treasures

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Anyone can create a unique interior decor on a tight budget by thinking outside of conventional resources.

Garage sales, thrift shops and yard sales are a great place to find a unique treasure for a fraction of the cost of traditional retailers.

There's a saying that "everything old is new again" and nowhere is that more true than in fashion and decor. Trends resurface, things that were one 'old' are now 'antique' and pieces of furniture that may not look like much to the naked eye can easily be transformed into a stunning addition to any home by using a touch of creativity.

Look for tables, shelves or other furniture pieces that have good "bones" (structure, legs, construction) and you can easily recreate them by adding something new to give them new life.

Slip covers are great for turning an old sofa into a new centerpiece. If you find a used coffee table that looks great except for the scratches all over the surface... paint it. Or, better yet, create a new top by designing a mosaic out of title or mirror.

And old quilt or blanket can easily be stretched onto wood stretcher bars to make an art print or hung on poles to create a fabric wall hanging.

Take an old light fixture and apply some create paint techniques to make it new and completely unique.

And just because something is used doesn't mean it's junky. Many treasures can be found when people are "downsizing" their homes (moving from the big family home to a maintenance-free condo, for example). These pieces can often be in like-new condition, but still cost a fraction of the original purchase price.

Keep your options open, and not just when you're decorating on a budget. The most unique decorative finds out there may be waiting for you at the local thrift store.