Discount Furniture

Just found out that we have a new furniture and accessory consignment shop in my hometown.  I love finding great new sources for furnishings.  I know that some people have an aversion to "used" furniture, but if you shop carefully, places like consignment shops, antique stores, and even the Good Will can provide some real special bargains.

What to know before you go:

1.  Always ask what the return policy is.  Many stores that sell used items don't take returns, but you'd be surprised that some actually will take back merchandise if you find it is damaged once you get home.

2. Take measurements before purchasing.  Make sure that beautiful dining room table actually fits in your dining room.

3. Inspect everything throughly.  Don't be afraid to open every drawer, tip over every chair and take off every sofa cushion.  You don't want any surprises.

4.  Keep an open mind.  You might find a beautiful dresser that is just your style but the knobs are a little funky.  Drawer knobs are easily replaceable... don't pass up a bargain for ugly hardware.

5.  When purchasing a used chair or sofa (anything that's been upholstered), double check each pillow and take off fabric covers is possible.  You want to check to make sure there are no holes, mold, bugs, etc. in any part of the piece.  Anything can be reupholstered, but make sure the frame and base cushions are clean and in good condition.

Where to Begin

One of the questions I hear most often is, "Where do I begin?"

I usually follow that question with "What do you like?"

Sounds simple, right?  Not always.  It's really hard when you are put on the spot to think of what style, color, fabric, or furniture you like.  But... it's usually pretty easy when you are out shopping to point to things that you do like... a particular chair or pattern or accessory. 

My best advice?  Take a camera along in your purse... or use the camera on your cell phone.  Take pictures of the things that strike you... it can be a room in a furniture store or a pattern of a dress.  Print up your pictures to get a collection of colors and items that you like... it will lead you in the right direction.

Find Your Color

I took my 10 year old daughter shopping today and as we were looking at all the clothes, I realized that I was consistently drawn to certain colors... mostly the blues and greens.  Now, I don't really have a lot of blues and greens in my closet, but for some reason those colors kept speaking to me today.  Color is a funny thing... from day to day we are drawn to different colors for different reasons.  Blues and greens are very serene, calming colors which might explain the fact that I was pretty relaxed and calm today while shopping with my daughter.  If I had also been shopping with my 7 year old and 5 year old, chances are I would have been drawn to the reds and oranges.  Bright colors that shout, "Here I am, I'm not relaxed one little bit!"

Choosing colors for your home is very similar to choosing colors in your wardrobe.  You want what makes you feel happy, good, attractive.  Take my bedroom, for instance.  I love the beach.  My dream house would be a shabby chic style cottage on the beach.  If I could pick anywhere to go on vacation, it would be the beach.  I feel comfortable, relaxed and happy in the warm sand listening to the crashing waves.  It's my heaven.  So when I was ready to get rid of the bright pumpkin walls of my bedroom, I knew I had to bring some of the beach in.

I chose a very calm and soothing light blue for the walls and a sandy colored berber carpet.  All the furniture we already had was wood, but a very eclectic mix of styles: knotty pine dresser, dark glossy wood antique vanity, vintage and rustic sewing machine table that we use as a nightstand.  And then, we were lucky to find a shabby style (but newly built) bookshelf with glass doors that might or might not be old windowpanes.  Our photos over the bed (of our children, of course) are framed in dark natural wood frames that resemble old driftwood.  It's my dream bedroom.

Before

After

If you are stuck deciding on a style or color scheme, think of those things that make you feel good.  It's a really good start.

Finding Treasures

I just wanted to let you know that every so often you can really find something special in your local home stores.  Places like Home Goods, Ross, TJ Maxx and Marshalls are great stores to sort through their housewares departments to find accessories.  A few days ago I was at Marshalls and came across an adorable vase from the "Life is Good" line.  It was blue and brown, the perfect colors for my bedroom.  Originally $14.00, I got it for $6.99 - half price.  Very cool find.

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