Design Tip #3~Mix it up

Before I share the tip----A few of my favorite blogs did not transfer over to my sidebar when I changed the format.  I sincerely apologize if I have left anyone out...it was not intentional but apparently a few of my buddies did not get transferred.  I apologize and if anyone would like to be listed on my sidebar, please let me know and I will add you when I have a chance.

I know that with the economic turndown, people are spending less money on frivolous purchases and I am looking for ways to decorate for less too. Over the years, people have come into our home and assumed everything was an antique or expensive. And while I admit to having expensive taste, we have quite a few bargains lurking in our home. We do try to invest in quality antiques and things that will last a lifetime BUT I also know how to weave in the inexpensive items too. 

Here is an example....

I have always wanted an antique Welsh dresser.  So we found one that fit in a niche in the breakfast room of our old house perfectly.  We searched antique dealers in Virginia and finally found the real deal (at a pretty good price too). However, most of the plates that are displayed are from Target or Marshalls. There are two antique pieces on there that were purchased at large antique malls.  Someday, I would love to collect majolica or antique transferware to display here but for now I think these work well.

Another example is mirrors.  We have a few antique mirrors that I love.  This is one....

We bought it many years ago (10) from a Houston antiques shop.  The owner bought it at an auction in New Orleans and we think it is French. It has gold gilt under some of that paint and one day I will take some light sandpaper to reveal more of it. And yes those are still my Christmas card in a crystal bowl--I cannot put them away yet.

But after realizing that an antique Venetian mirror was way out of our budget right now, I just got this one (below) for our powder room from Wisteria!

It is not perfect but I think it looks really great for the price.

As an aside, the builder put a sterling silver light fixture in this bathroom (above the mirror). Do you know what a pain it is to polish a light fixture regularly?  It is pretty but very high maintenance.

Okay, my last example of the post.  Artwork.  We love oil paintings and original artwork but the price tag can be hefty. So we mix it up.

Below is an original oil painting by a Texas artist that I love.

But then right across the hall, I have this beloved piece that was purchased at a Belgian flea market (not by me though).  I did not pay much for it at all.  It is a signed watercolor and very charming in real life. 

So, when possible, I think that mixing in high end and bargain buys really works well in a home.  To find the bargains, go to large antique malls with various dealers.  Look for the less than perfect item.  The one with a chip or scratch and make an offer. Frequent auctions, flea markets and antique fairs (Roundtop in Texas is a great one for accessories).  For art, look up local beginning artists in your town. Get to know you local art gallery owner.  And don't forget to utilize catalogs such as Wisteria and Ballard, Williams Sonoma and even Pottery Barn.  Be careful though.  A few pieces look okay but you do not want your home to look like a catalog photo.   In sum, if everything is the best of the best, a house looks fussy.  If everything is bought just because it was a great price...well, that doesn't work well either.  I have more great tips on decorating on a budget planned for the future.

Please let me know if you enjoy these decor posts. (or not).  I feel really funny doing them sometimes because there are so many talented designers out there with blogs.  I am trying to offer more practical tips for those who cannot or would not really use a designer.  But I need to know if I should keep these coming or just go back to my normal posting.  I enjoy doing these especially since I am really working hard on our home now.  I will show you before and after photos of our home as I complete the rooms.