Home Decorating Digest is An Online Digest of Decorating Tips & Ideas For Your Home & Garden

Home  |  Advertising  |  Contact Us      

HOME & GARDEN RESOURCE GUIDE
 

HOME    

Salvage Finds For Stylish Rooms 

Picture Courtesy of Vermont Salvage

Salvage style has gained wide acceptance in the decorating community for adding a hint of architecture to your decor.  Using these accessories in your rooms will add an element of distinction and class, while helping you save money. 

If you have ever noticed in model homes or decorating magazines most unique accessory combinations are NOT made up the everyday common furniture you would find in a department store. They are interesting objects such as Grecian urns filled with yarn balls, or an old Monopoly game glued to a picture frame and hung on a wall. What is their secret ? 

For all practical purposes let's  focus on a few specific areas  that can help your bedroom become original and unique without a lot of expense or elbow grease. The one thing to remember while searching for your hidden treasure amongst the junk is "everything is a potential find ".  Old blankets can become vintage pillows, old glassware can become candleholders, old pillows can become - old pillows!  That is the beauty of the beast.  

Salvage Shop vs. Thrift Shop

The differences between these establishments is generally the types of materials you will find within. Your average thrift shop is used for accessorizing your home, such as fabric, sofa's, dishes, or any other everyday items given as a donation.  A salvage shop is exactly what it sounds like, salvage materials like old pillars, claw foot bath tubs, wrought iron fencing or terra-cotta tiles removed from another residence.  They provide what are called architectural elements.  

Using Architectural Elements

Adding architectural objects to your decorating theme can truly enhance the entire room.  Take for instance the adding of a fireplace mantel where there isn't one. Here are some suggestions for turning your bedroom into a professionally decorated home space. 

• Salvaged windows can be painted and mirrors placed where the glass use to be. this creates a wonderful wall hanging that draws your attention and also give the illusion of more space. 

• Wrought iron fencing or posts can be used as curtain rods or head boards. 

• An old birdbath can become an interesting glass top table or nightstand. 

• Old baskets can hold books, magazines, paperwork or personal care accessories. 

• Vintage clothing, or table clothes can be used as they are or made into beautiful pillows. 

• Have a theme for that room, and select any object that falls within that theme, then use those items in unusual ways - this creates the style!

Keep your eyes open for great deals in your thrift stores, salvage yards and even yard sales.  Try to think of what it can become, and keep your mind open to new possibilities.  One word of caution.  Don't fall into the trap of buying everything you see.  

Salvage decorating can be fun as well as adventurous - enjoy the journey! 

If your enjoyed this article you may also enjoy: 
Shabby Chic
Budget Decorating