Readers often contact me to share their ideas and decorating successes. I've enjoyed hearing from you over these past 15 years. (Has it been that long?)
Linda D. recently contacted me to share her story of decorating triumphs while living on a fixed income. I dropped in on her a few weeks ago to see just what this clever gal could do with a limited decorating budget.
Linda's apartment was bright and sunny, which lent a great forum for her found treasures. I was pleasantly surprised at all of the lovely items Linda found at various thrift stores, estate sales and yard sales over the years. Her home was comfortable and cosy, yet stylish. Some of her items, such as a lovely corner china cabinet with curved glass, belonged to her mom and are treasured by Linda. These are things that give your decor meaning and a sense of history. Use them in your decor if you can work them in.
I've always touted shopping at thrift stores and yard sales for your decor needs and this gal has proven me right to the nth degree. Her clever use of creating zones and vignettes allowed for the eclectic mix of items to work in harmony. She was able to tell me where she purchased each item but also stated that it took years of collecting, rearranging and patience to obtain the look she's managed to create.
She would find a great lamp base at a thrift store, for example, and wait sometimes years before the right lampshade came along. At other times she might find a frameless print or an empty frame awaiting their perfect mate. I've always found, and Linda agrees, the item you want will find you eventually if it was meant to be. The outcome is usually worth the wait. If not, the investment is small so no big loss if you buy something that you end up donating back.
Linda's decor is ever evolving and changing, which keeps it fresh and interesting. Because she doesn't spend top dollar on her decor items, she can switch them out without regret to keep her decor updated.
Some of the items Linda has collected over the years have been swapped for other items with her neighbours. I thought that this was a very clever way to get what you need without spending a dime. The next time you're looking for a specific decor item, think about your family or friends who may just want to get rid of said item or trade it for something you have that you can part with. They may be grateful to de-clutter their space and you may very well come home with a treasure.
In sorting through 30 years of 'stuff', my husband and I ended up donating quite a few boxes of things to various thrift stores in the city. It felt good to give back and most of the items we donated were purchased at thrift stores and yard sales to begin with. Now these treasures are waiting to be found by another clever shopper.
Decorating is, and should be, an ever-evolving prospect. A great item may find its way to you and another item has to go to make room. If you were buying new, this would not be an affordable endeavour so your decor would stay stagnant for years. This is how a decor becomes dated.
If you've spent hundreds of dollars on a set of lamps, you're probably going to keep them far past their expiration date.
If, however, you're like Linda, you'll find a great lamp at an affordable price that you can part with down the road without hesitation as styles and needs change.
Thanks to Linda for sharing her story. As her neighbours would say, 'you're living large', to which Linda says with a satisfied grin, 'yes, I am.'
Connieoliver2014@gmail.com.
