Have you been looking for ways to revitalize your home without breaking the bank?
One fun way to make your living space come alive is to display your fabulous art collection. You may be thinking, “Wait a minute, TK! I don’t have an art collection.” Well, you may not have a cool collection now, but after reading this post, you may be inspired to begin your search for items that not only lift your spirit, but may also be the fodder for interesting conversation.
But first, get rid of what you don’t love!
Let’s talk about the importance of beginning with a fresh, clean environment that’s free of clutter and muddled mounds of mess that may be clogging your creativity. Perhaps you may recall previous posts on dejunking your home, natural and décor lighting, and using a natural color scheme. I invite you to revisit those discussions before moving forward. It’s hard to imagine a lovely home, when your eyes are fixated on stuff that leaves you feeling lifeless and depleted.
After you refresh every room, sit back in your easy chair, take a deep, cleansing breath and imagine what it will take to wake up your space.
Tips On Where To Begin Your Search For Exquisite Objets d’Art
Art can be in the form of a decorative rug, vase, chair, tapestry, lamp and more. You get to choose how to make a personal statement.
Thrift Stores
Many people, including me, have donated magnificent treasures to the Goodwill. I still have the beautiful, flawless set of china I purchased decades ago at a shockingly low price. And just a few years ago, I bought a classy set of bookends for my vintage bookcase. There’s a lot to pass over at a thrift store, but if you take your time, you might spot something that strikes your fancy and that will be the ideal addition to a room in your home.
Specialty Shops And Antique Marts
Have you noticed how some antique boutiques have a distinct aroma — sort of like furniture polish mixed with frankincense and myrrh? Perhaps that’s part of the attraction for me. Anyway, when I purchased my current home, I found the cutest metal jesters on wood plaques for my entry, and a magazine holder in the shape of a large tote with a cat hanging off the side. Those who appreciate the expression: “Let the cat out of the bag,” are moved to chuckle. I enjoy collecting one-of-a-kind pieces that pique my imagination. Searching for rare collections for your home can be a pleasurable venture. Take your time and savor the experience.
Yard Sales
You know the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”? If you like yard sales, your treasure trove may be waiting for you at one of these neighborhood events. By the way, you don’t have to go it alone. Check out a list of yard sales in your area and invite a friend to accompany you, then stop for tea afterwards. What an awesome weekend outing that is sure to spark a great discussion about your finds!
Furniture Store Clearance
Many large furniture stores have a clearance room. You never know what you will discover — wall art, unusual furniture, artsy area rugs, sculptures and more. Sometimes the items are discounted, due to a small scratch or chip that is not that noticeable. I found two tile inlay end tables for my den at a fraction of the original price. The sales person said there was a flaw, but I couldn’t tell the difference. If you’re not sure the piece will complement your room, snap a photo, go home and visualize it in that space. Hopefully, your piece will still be there when you return.
Online Search
It can be fun browsing art on the internet. Amazon, Etsy, eBay, Wayfair, Poshmark, and other sites have plenty to peruse. And during your search, you may get ideas about how to illuminate your space. Search by specific interests, i.e. nature scenes, sport sculptures, angel wall hangings, fruit picture frames, and so on.
A while back, I was surfing the net looking for an oil painting to go above my baby grand piano — something exotic that exuded passion and romance. I came across a print by Kevin Williams depicting a couple dancing. When I inquired if an oil was available, I was given the artist’s phone number and was surprised when he answered. When I told him I had fallen in love with his work, he offered to prepare a giclée for me with a certificate of authenticity. I was excited to receive a numbered and signed piece, embellished with my colors. Even though my piece cost more than a print, it was a great investment. And I caught a half-price sale at Hobby Lobby and purchased the perfect frame. Guests rave about my gorgeous acquisition, and I’m delighted to share the backstory.
Feature What You Have
And last but not least: How about showcasing what you already have, but in a different way? Do you own a special book collection? Antique dolls? Miniature porcelain figurines your grandmother entrusted to your safekeeping? Earlier, we talked about eliminating the clutter. But as you’re cleaning out your boxes and storage bins, you may want to keep certain items. An empty shelf would be an ideal place to display your interests and family heirlooms.
I kept three small faded black and white photos of me as a baby with my mom and dad, tucked away in a bureau drawer. Last year, I had the photos restored and placed in an elegant frame that is now on display in my guest room. And some time ago, I purchased three gold metal wall art pieces at a discounted price, thinking they would look great in my dining room. But when I got them home, they sort of blended in with the color of the paint on the wall. Then I had a lightbulb moment. I’d purchase a dark teal backing for each piece. That one inexpensive addition made the entire room pop — just what I needed to pull my teal palette through that space. And, I put my pointe shoes in a frame box and mounted that part of my childhood on a wall.
Are you ready to begin exploring inexpensive ways to refresh your home with items that speak to your heart? Hopefully, this article supplied you with bright ideas: interesting art, collectibles, keepsakes and pieces that invite stimulating conversation. More importantly, your updates may encourage creativity, activate your happy hormone, promote a sense of well-being, and help you live your best life.
Consider This
“The brilliance of art as a collectible is that it has a way of reaching out on an emotional level. It touches on mystery, even spirituality.” — Robert Genn
Your home is your personal palace. How will you feel when you turn the key and step into your own exhibition?
Four Steps to Nourish, Transform and Flourish
• Set a loving intention to enliven your home with unique art pieces that speak to your soul.
• Begin by decluttering your space and getting rid of things that no longer serve you.
• How will refreshing your home with a special collection provide peace of mind, open up opportunities for self-expression, and improve the quality of your life?
• Close your eyes and visualize how this lifestyle change can prepare you for your amazing second half.
Need help refreshing your home environment?
It can be challenging to maintain momentum on your own. My Sprout Your New Life™ course will give you the tools and the strong spiritual foundation to make lasting change in your life. Click here for more.
In love, peace and health--
Your feminine glow guide,
T. Kari Mitchell, M.Ed.
Motivational Speaker
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Lifestyle120.com
When your spirit is nourished, your inner light produces an outer glow reflecting your beauty and truth.