Budget Decorating With Old Cameras And Other Antiques
Shabby Chic Décor
Shabby Chic decorating has become very popular and appealing because of it's tasteful blending of the old with the new. You don't always need to spend money on home décor. Sometimes what you need is simply in a box in the attic. We have been the lucky recipients of many antiques. Unfortunately, for years they stayed hidden in boxes. Every now and then we would open a box (usually by accident) and exclaim "oh aren't those neat" and then carefully wrap them back up and there they would set for another couple of years. Finally, I decided we could not continue storing things if we weren't going to use them. That's when I put my thinking cap on.
One particular box was filled with old cameras. Obviously they couldn't be used anymore but they were so cool looking. I had to find a place for them. All of them were black with a touch of silver. Wa la - they could be grouped together. I already had some black and white pictures hanging above the fireplace in my husband's study. I decided to expand upon that color theme. If you have a large grouping of objects, it's nice to keep the color theme simple so that it doesn't become too confusing and cluttered. Now the cameras had a home, the mantel wasn't bare and we had a conversation piece (or pieces) in our study.
Garage Walls
I did something similar in our garage. We had boxes upon boxes of old tools and farm implements. Again, they were useless but neat looking. Whatever were we going to do with them? These definitely wouldn't work inside the house. The next obvious place was the garage. So, we hung them on the wall. Again, I kept the groupings similar and simple. My husband is happy too since the items have sentimental value - better to enjoy them than keep them hidden away!
Old Books
Books can add a lot of warmth to a room - especially old books. Old books add a special warmth to shabby chic or country style decorating. Stack a few on their sides and place in strategic spots around the house. You will be surprised at how comfortable and cozy it makes a room feel. If the books have jackets on them, try taking them off and see how you like the look of the book that way. Usually you will have a black or brown book that will go with any décor.
Old Picture Frames
Maybe you have been handed down some old wall art. You hate the prints, but you like the frame. Simply take out the old print and substitute with something new. I had an old odd size picture that was in a great frame. I bought a poster print larger than the frame and cut it down to fit. Obviously, you need to find a print that will look fine cropped down. I also had to retouch the frame a little bit with some stain and paint. I used both to get the right aged effect but still camoflauge some large chips.
Vintage Décor - Where To Find
Obviously not everyone has been given boxes of antiques. When you see how nicely they can be displayed, you may want to get some for yourself. Decorating with antiques is still possible. Antique shops, of course, are loaded with all kinds of nice items. My husband and I love to shop at antique stores, even though we would get moans from our children when we would stop on vacations!
You can also find some great deals at flea markets and estate sales. Both are fun to go to and browse. I find it to be like a treasure hunt. Once I was looking for particular items for my kitchen. Searching, searching for that old coffee grinder...ah..it's so satisfying to finally find the coveted item.
If you would rather just stay at home and search, then the obvious choice is Ebay. People are always selling antiques.
**For more decorating ideas check out my blog at Rustic Crafts & Chic Décor.
Buy Now From Amazon
More Interior Design
- Wall Art - How To Make Your Own Photo Gallery
Turn your digital photos into a photo gallery of your own making using Adobe Photoshop software. Travel photos are a great place to start for affordable wall art. - Home Office Décor To Calm Away Stress
I find I can do some of my best thinking during some quiet time outside. Whether it be a walk in the woods or down a beach, the calming affects of nature allow my mind to go free. I feel like if I could... - Rustic Mantels - How To Decorate A Fireplace Mantel
Instead of a traditional finished wood mantel, you might want to go with something more natural if your décor is rustic. We actually harvested our own wood and had the builder install it for us but you can... - Custom Window Coverings -Sewing Window Treatments With Whimsy
Blinds and window treatments can be perked up with a little customization. If you can sew or try some of my whimsical ideas, you will have your own custom window treatments. - New Home Construction - Choosing The Interior
It can be mind boggling when you are building a house and you have so many decisions to make. All of your interior design ideas such as wall paint and flooring should be kept in a notebook. - Bedroom Designs - How To Decorate A Teen's Bedroom
Tips for decorating kids rooms when they become teenagers. A bedroom makeover is made easy with these teen friendly decorating ideas. - Living Room Designs - Personalize Your Space
Your home should reflect who you are, so decorate with things you love. Even if your favorite things are offbeat and unexpected, you can place them in your room to really add character. What fun is it to... - Paint For Effect: Make A Zesty Nest
When choosing your interior paint colors, it is important to know which colors have an impact on elevating mood. Learn the best color choices for each are of your house. - Budget Decorating - Creating A Rustic Bar Scene
Whether you are looking for log cabin décor or a rustic setting, guests will appreciate a cozy lodge ambience. Whether serving coffee or something a bit more lively, this bar begs you to come sit and stay awhile.