If ever there is a time to apply “use what you have decorating” this is it! Everyone is feeling the pinch of our economy and even if one is fortunate enough to have a job, career or income, we’re all cutting back on spending.

But does that mean our homes, our havens, have to suffer from the consequences? The answer is NO!
 Recently I was asked to visit a home in the Fayetteville area that had been purchased about 6 months before and it was an increase in size and number of rooms for this family. They needed some decorating advice and I was happy to share my “expertise”.

We toured each room, assessed the needs of the family, discussed furniture placement and if they may need to make any new purchases.
Now it would be nice to go out and buy all new furniture and accessories, but let’s face it, who can do that? Even if we weren’t all affected by the economy, I’m not sure one could afford to do such a thing.
We then descended into the basement. Now this is where my creative juices start to percolate! I love basements and attics. There is usually a treasure trove of cast off goodies in these areas. Forgotten treasures is what I like to call them. I feel like those people on the History Channel called “American Pickers”.
There were old trunks, armoires, chest of drawers, fireplace screens, artwork, lamps and even a church pew. We had hit the jack pot. We discussed places that these treasures could be used in the main part of the house, and once finished, there were very few pieces that the owners needed to purchase to complete a finished look.
It may not be the look that they want to keep forever, but it will work until they can find just the right pieces that they desire.
Use what you have decorating, give it a try. If it’s more than you can wrap your head around, then give me a call. A fresh set of eyes is usually all that’s needed.

Happy Hunting!