Bedazzle it!

80s fans rejoice! For an easy update, try bedazzling a simple mirror with black gems. Gluing these on is very tedious, but the end result is tres chic!

Add impact with an art wall...

This was a great solution for displaying the mish-mosh of artwork I had stored in my basement. I chose black & white and color photographs, original artwork by yours truly, and added a painted letter "P" for dimension. The frames are a mixture of black, silver and dark wood tones.


Tip: Don't be shy about putting it all out there! Eclectic is in, and a good layout will make mismatched pieces work in harmony. Trace each piece onto some posterboard and move your "templates" around on the wall until you find a layout that's appealing to you.


And ignore your husband's cries about putting a million holes in the wall; when your friends start gushing about your gutsy decor, he'll forget all about the holes!

Recycled furniture - chic on the cheap II

Here's an old bedroom dresser that I repurposed as a dining room buffet. The original piece cost $35 at Goodwill. I painted it, changed the hardware and had a custom glass top added. I added the monogram letter "P" in the center to cover up a really ugly engraved heart design.

The drawers hold all of my nice dishes and serving pieces, and when I entertain I can put all of my appetizers and drinks out on top of the "buffet."

And yes - the plates on the wall were also collected from Goodwill for about $1 each.

Recycled furniture - chic on the cheap!

Transform a Goodwill bargain into a one-of-a-kind conversation piece! It's amazing what a little paint and creativity can do; this entire piece cost just $43.

Tip: When bargain-hunting, look for details in the wood that will stand out when painted. Here, I was seduced by the pyramid-stud shapes across the bottom and down the sides. I added ornamental mouldings to the doors for a more expensive look.

A primer for glossy surfaces will save you from sanding; have it tinted if you're painting in a dark color like black.