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Remember those Magic Eye posters that were popular in the ’90s? Look at it one way and it’s just a psychedelic poster, look at it another way and it’s a picture of dolphins swimming. Sometimes it’s the same with home accessories: look at something one way and all you see is its original use. Look at it in a new way, and suddenly you’ve got something else entirely.

I love using this approach when decorating. Not only do I save money by not running out and buying something new, but I also get a thrill when someone compliments my creativity.

Take this little martini glass (which was part of a set until its twin had an unfortunate incident with the floor). Used for its original purpose, it’s chic and eye-catching. It became 10-times moreso when I used it to hold dip at a recent cocktail party.

Glasses like this would also make great dessert cups. Fill them with some pudding or ice cream, top with a little fresh fruit, and you’ve got a dessert dish guaranteed to impress your guests (and maybe even Martha Stewart, if she should happen to drop by). A friend of mine uses similar glasses as a chic way to hold Q-tips and cotton balls in her bathroom.

One glass, endless decorating possibilities, and you don’t need to spend a dime. It’s a beautiful thing. Browse these two articles on about.com for more fun accessorizing ideas: http://interiordec.about.com/od/articlesonbasics/a/finishingtouch.htm and http://interiordec.about.com/cs/quicktips/qt/qt_customize.htm.

Happy decorating and regards!

“Reduce, reuse, recycle” croons Jack Johnson from our Curious George soundtrack. Maybe he is on to something. Seems like you can’t throw a stone without hitting something “green.” And, as far as I’m concerned, that is a good thing.

I am a huge fan of reusing furniture, accessories, fabric, clothes … you name it. Old draperies become my newest table cover, an old picnic basket becomes our favorite new craft carrier, my grandmother’s old writing desk is painted and becomes my sturdy little laptop stand, grandpa’s barn wood hangs our outdoor swing. The list goes on, and I’m sure you can add to it. The idea is finding pieces you LOVE and repurposing them in ways that fit perfectly into the functionality and feel of your home.

There is so much great quality used furniture out there, why always buy new? Not to mention the sentimentality that goes with owning something your grandparents used. To find these hidden treasures, peruse all the usual venues: your local antique or vintage stores, garage and estate sales, Mom’s basement or grandma’s attic, E-bay, craigslist and the like. Ask friends if they have anything they want to part with. You never know, that dusty piece of wrought iron in the garage may be your new quilt rack or funky wall hanging.

With a little ingenuity you can be reusing furniture and accessories in no time. And, if you aren’t into doing it yourself, there are plenty of places to buy vintage that is ready to use. Here are a few of my favorite blogs on old (but new to you) furniture, housewares and fabric and some fun shopping sites, too. Feel free to share your faves or any tips you have on this topic. Enjoy being green and regards!

http://www.lowimpactliving.com/blog/2008/01/01/vintage-used-furniture-find-green-gold/

http://vintageindie.typepad.com/vintage_indie/crafting_diy/index.html

http://plump-pudding.typepad.com/plump_pudding/

http://mediazene.com/

http://www.gono.com/vir-mus/village/bwemporium/furniture/barn%20emp%20furniture.htm

http://www.vintagevending.com/

(Note: There are no affiliate links to the sites. I don’t make any money from these sites, I just believe they are good sources.)

Who doesn’t love, love, love beautiful, unique accents, housewares and furniture? Even if your family isn’t as passionate about beautifying efforts as you are, there is no doubt they appreciate living in a thoughtfully-decorated, well-planned home.

One of my favorite hobbies is assessing our decor and finding what needs updating or improvement. I cherish going from room to room, pondering the perfect additions and wrapping my head around what would make each space more livable and lovable. When I’m done tweaking all the rooms, I wait a while and start over on reviving what has gotten stale. Change is good in life and in our homes.

Sometimes that change is as simple as a coat of paint, and other times it is that perfect picture or piece of furniture. Whatever choice I make, one thing is certain: I crave good deals but also beautiful quality. So, where do I go to find that sometime dubious combination? Here are a few of my favorite online and traditional stores.

Homedecorators.com. I’ve used this online and traditional catalog for as long as I’ve been decorating our homes and was thrilled when a store opened in my city a couple years ago. This company offers an amazing selection of styles, sizes, colors and finishes. If you have something very specific in mind, chances are, you will find it at homedecorators.com. While you are shopping, visit the clearance outlet, but act fast. You can garner some great deals but the selection changes rapidly.

Nellhills.com. Visiting Nell Hills is an absolute MUST if you are ever in the Midwest. Named after owner Mary Carol Garrity’s grandmother, this store is a decorator’s dream: room after overflowing room of lovely (and surprisingly affordable) accents, housewares and furniture that reflects Garrity’s warm, elegant, homespun style. Each season brings an amazing amount of new stock and ideas. If you can’t make it to a store, browse Garrity’s’ decorating books (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=mary+carol+garrity) to get a feel for her inspired taste and ideas.

Tuesday Morning (http://www.tuesdaymorning.com/indexCatalogOff.asp). I don’t always need something when I go to Tuesday Morning but I always leave with something special. This store carries lovely higher-end items that are steeply discounted. Don’t get me wrong — they don’t give their stuff away, but they offer much better deals than buying full-price. They also offer an online list of great deals that are delivered to your doorstep (https://www.tuesdaymorningoffer.com/). In addition to goodies for your home, if you are looking for wedding, baby or birthday gifts, these stores are perfect for unique items. There more than 700 locations in the U.S. so hopefully one is close to you.

I love new loot, but I also adore good deals on gently-used furniture and accents, too. I often peruse ebay.com and craigslist.com just to see what people are selling. Although you need to be careful of the prices (not always a good deal), quality and shipping charges, if applicable, there are some hidden treasures out there. It is just a matter of finding them.

Warmest regards and happy shopping!
Amy