Furnishing with Finds

I know I posted a few days ago about going green by Thrifting.  I thought I would expand on that and do a room by room showing of how easy it is to decorate second hand.  My house is very homey and decorated with a mix of old and new.  However, it is mostly old and filled with hand me downs and second hand finds.  I like it that way- each item has a story to tell and a history behind it.  Not only that, its a whole heck of a lot cheaper than buying it new!  

I got married young, at 24... had a honeymoon baby, built a house, and stopped working to stay at home all within one year's time.  We had to learn to tighten  our belts and live life on a budget.  As a young new wife I wanted to be able to decorate and make my house a home.  That was very difficult to do when buying new... so, I learned how to be a fabulous finds detective.  It isn't as tough as some might think- but it does take a keen eye and some patience.  

You have to go into stores you may have sworn you never would.  Donations Centers and Second Hand stores are great ways to find these items.  Goodwill  has an amazing selection of home furnishings for pennies on the dollar.  And please, don't ever ignore garage sales.  Often times entire neighborhoods will get together and have a huge group sale.  These items are often discounted at the end of the weekend or event and usually just need  a little dusting or furniture polish!  It's important to keep an open mind!

Here is just a room of finds... but they really do MAKE the room...

Hand Me Down Colonial Print- Free

Antique Hand Carved Desk $200... Antique Ladies Chair $15 purchased at an estate sale

Silver Candle Sticks from Goodwill $3 for the pair... Belleek Vase- $15 on ebay

Antique China- Complete Service for 16+ with serving dishes $20 at a garage sale

Part of the China Collection and gifted crystal (inside my antique china cabinet)

It might seem difficult and overwhelming but I do enjoy the hunt of it all.  I will go and search out an idea with an open mind at various stops and shops.  I have to have a connection with everything I buy as I am not a fan of purchases made for functionality alone.  I find if my find speaks to me it makes my house feel even more homey.  

I would love to hear about your finds you have accumulated along the way. How did you stumble upon them, what are they and where did you end up placing them?  I love the story behind furniture and love to hear yours....

I wanted to make a quick revision... as there is a great blog post at THE SHABBY NEST about
DECORATING YOUR HOME ON A BUDGET....
The link to this blog is below