Donating to your local Goodwill, Salivation Army and other charitable organizations is a “good deed” towards those in our community who are in particular need of your support. Clearing out from beneath the clutter, we have accumulated and donating furnishings and clothing for resale enables these facilities to fund the programs that rehabilitate the drug-addicted homeless by providing opportunities in lifestyle changes towards a skilled trade.

I have set out on a special mission with these organizations to provide stimulating environments for the people who are in these programs and contributing back to the community. I personally am donating my interior designs services to rejuvenate the rooms of these facilities with fresh coats of paint in exciting colors and to replace the battered up furniture with newly donated pieces. Continued support is encouraged; it is a real need every non-profit organization is depending on… your generous donations!

A Treasure Trove

What a better way to pull together an eclectic home and office than to stumble upon that perfect treasure in a thrift shop, consignment store or novelty shop. The treasure usually appears when you were not even looking for it. This is actually part of the fun when wondering through…it finds you!

Keep your Eyes Open

Out dated side tables and end tables in wood, rattan or metal can be turned into a transitional wonder with a coat of spay paint in a crackled metallic or a zany color.

Wooden framed or rattan chairs with missing cushions; customize them with a fabric that is a jazzy compliment to your sofa or blend it in with a solid color and let the rattan and wood take dominance.

Look out for lamps that are classic in their shape, color or styling. A new shade is all that’s needed to create a stunning light source for your room. Pick a shade that demands attention in color or shape. Remember, shades make the lamp!

Always spot-check the walls; pictures are often hung all the way to the ceiling. Do not judge a picture by its frame or vise versa. Reframing can be inexpensive by purchasing a simple ready-made frame from Michaels. Occasionally, you will run across an older frame that has a less desirable print in it; buy it for the frame!

The knick Knack display shelves are always brimming with stuff, you will have to make sure you do not miss the hidden treasure. Hand painted porcelain dishes, old glass vanity and desert trays. Give a new look to tarnished metal trays with spray paint in an interesting color. Skim through everything with the idea of repurposing an item into another use.

Books, books and more books…it is an endless collection

If you are, an avid reader or looking for coffee table books this is a source not to be overlooked. Leather bond books that are older give a library tone to a room that has floor to ceiling bookcases. Stacking several books together and placing something on top is a unique way to alter heights in a display of accessories.

Enjoy the Hunt!