Jim Kelley admits he's a rabid recycler whose obsession involves breathing new life into tired furniture and wonky light fixtures.
As co-hosts of the HGTV show Junk Brothers, Kelley and his younger brother Steve have spent three seasons combing the streets in search of curbside discards to transform into functional, often whimsical, home furnishings.
As a new member of the Home Depot team, Kelley's eco-smarts and thrifty sensibilities are being put to good use, educating consumers on everything from how to repair leaky toilets to buying earth-friendly blinds and energy-saving light bulbs.
When decorating a small space such as a dorm room on a shoestring budget, Kelley recommends starting with the basics. He says the quickest, easiest and most affordable way to pack personality into a space is by splashing a coat or two of low-VOC latex on the walls.
"Paint is the most important thing," says the reality-TV trash-to-treasure magician. "You can brighten up the whole room just with paint."
He insists plants are another affordable option for bringing life and vitality into a room.
"Plants give you a calming effect," says Kelley, who sells a wide assortment ranging from three dollars for a small potted houseplant to $35 for a bushy tropical that would fill a corner of the room.
When original art isn't in the budget, he suggests hanging or framing a few strips of punchy wallpaper and bringing colour into the space with vibrant pillows or patterned drapery panels.
Home Depot even sells window films in a variety of bold designs that look like intricate stained glass.
"They give privacy and save energy by cutting down the heat coming through the window," Kelley explains of the simple do-it-yourself kits priced around $30. "All you need is a squeegee, knife and water bottle. Then you just cut and trace."
Canwest News Service
Checklist No.1
Potted plant $24.991 Lime throw pillows $10.19 each
2 Botanical print $24.99
3 Striped area rug $19.99
4 Silver table lamp $64.99
6 Tab drapery panel $29.97
7 4.4-cubic foot wine cooler $288
8 Two-drawer cabinet $109
9 Straw baskets $69.77 for set of three
Total: $641.29
Checklist No.2
Faux stained-glass window art $30.70Lime damask wallpaper $39.88 a roll
1 Black mini fridge $99
3 Amethyst cushions $19.97 each
4 Chrome wall sconce $35
5 Sisal rug $149
6 Three-shelf chrome trolley $64.95
Total: $438.57
