Decorating with "Finds" Around the House. A Weekend Challenge.

I like to decorate and I am pretty picky with what I put in my house. I have to really like it to actually purchase something and I don't like a bunch of clutter. My family has been making some cut-backs and trying to make our dollars go farther as many people are. Therefore, when I was staring at my fireplace mantel this weekend, knowing it needs to be updated for spring/summer, I needed to do it inexpensively.

I decided to "re-look" at things around my house. I get use to seeing the same things in their "place" and not thinking of them differently or thinking of them in a new spot that could make them be seen in a new light. So, that was the challenge I gave to myself today and here is how it went...

This is the mantel as it was decorated for the winter season. It included an icicle wreath, two little trees on each end, some white candles, icicle garland and pine cones.

Next, I cleared the items to start with a blank canvas.

Then, I searched the house for some items that I might like to try. I saw these two little artificial grass pots and thought I'd go with this idea. I knew I had another pot on my nightstand in my bedroom so I headed in there to get it. Removing the pots from below the table won't really matter - it will still look fine with the wooden bowl. The night stand, after removing the little pot will need something else. I like to read so I might stack some books or move a picture of Max to jazz it up a bit. All things I will have around the house, so I won't be buying anything for these areas either.

I gathered the pot to put them on the mantel to see if I'd like them...

I like that it seemed balanced (I am not an interior decorator but I have always heard things are best grouped in odd numbered items like 3, 5 etc.). I re-purposed the candles used from the "winter" theme I had on the mantel and found this large plate I had received from my father-in-law for Christmas. I put it all together and stepped back to take a look.

I like the pieces but something didn't look right. They 3 separate sections don't look like they want to be friends - so I tried moving them together more.

This was a little more interesting and so I am sticking with this. Basic and simple and best of all completely free - I just used "found" items around the house. If you need a change in an area around your house but don't want to spend the dough... try to re-purpose first, you might be surprised by where your creativity can take you.

Comments

[Shannon]

I love the new look! I love "shopping" the house and rearranging. I probably do it almost every day. :)

[Janell]

I was trying to do the same thing today. Even though it was only 30 degrees today. The nice weather we had last week put me in the mood to get my house looking like spring. I think I need to go to gordmans though.