Many people fall into the trap of thinking that if they can't buy it at Target or a furnishing store or a high-end design studio, then it cannot complement their decor. Wrong.
Too many times I have found store-bought material to be too contrived or not precisely what I wanted to convey. In earlier posts, I've shown how tool chests and cabinets can be used effectively as furniture. I've shown how a galvanized trash can can serve as a laundry hamper. When I could not find the right piece or pattern, very often, I've made it myself. High quality solid wood tractor beds with working lights are not easy to find. Nor are beautiful, functional cradle plans that are designed around the mattress and covering set already selected. So what do I do? I make my own.
The same is true with decorating a house. In my last home, I went for an antique agriculture theme. Using print advertising, antique tools and farm implements, old saw blades, wood and iron shelving, carpentry planes, and other "country" items, I created an atmosphere of yesteryear without it appearing unkempt or dingy.
Similarly, you may not be able to find just the right wall-hanging to match your decor. Not a problem - in these photos you'll see three canvas paintings made with ordinary house paint. In each case, the colors were used elsewhere in the room and the wall-hanging helped tie it all together. As a motorcyclist, I was excited when the postal service announced a tribute stamp series to motorcycles. A simple matte and frame resulted in a decoration perfect for the sports bar-themed office. Hockey jerseys serve as window valances and autographed hockey sticks adorn one wall.
Dear friends of mine have a lovely cabin in the mountains of Georgia. It so happened that I had several Amish wagon wheels in need of a purpose. The last photo shows a hanging candle holder using decorative metal frying pans and crackled glass votive holders. If they don't intend to light the candles, they can wrap silk greenery around the chains and spokes. If they do, then it can be left as-is.
Don't limit yourself to what you see at the store.
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