Support your local 'junk' shops!

I just know a country dining room in France probably wouldn't have something as silly as a decoupaged light switch! The timeless elegance present in an old room with panelled walls, faded paint, tiled floors, and shuttered windows, wouldn't need a modern bibelot! Instead, the well worn table, and much used china and silverware, would be the center of daily living.



I removed the pretty tulip switch plate to an upstairs location after finding this one in a local shop. I think it's perfect for the dining room so decided it was a small, new item I should buy.


This beautiful metal candlestick, complete with crystals, was a recent find at SuzAnna's Antiques.It looks quite French and, after a good clean, really sparkles, AND it was half the price of the switch plate!


That same day I spied the reeded soup tureen (right in photo) which has joined the tall French shaped one on top of the dresser. I certainly have a penchant for white/cream tureens and my collection now totals eight. Some day a supper soup party will be planned.........or perhaps running a soup kitchen might be good idea in these tough economic times!

Sometimes all it takes to finish off a room are a few inexpensive items found at a local antiques or thrift shop. I believe one needs to develop 'an eye' when shopping in such places because it can look like an overwhelming array of what my DH calls, 'other peoples' junk'. Let's forgive him for that statement, obviously he's not a creative guy but does have many other stellar attributes......and he usually ends up liking the 'junk' I bring home.
While browsing, always remember to look UP. Above your head you may see things hanging........chairs, large framed artwork, garden tools, old stained glass windows, shutters, and of course fabulous chandeliers and other lighting fixtures.


The more often you are able to browse these types of shops, which are akin to the brocantes of France, the more you will be able to spy that perfect little treasure for your home. Much less money will be spent than buying new. Much more love and appreciation for the past will be felt after you shine it up and place it in a special place. I'm convinced that the fabulous people who get up early to shop the flea markets and yard sales, or stay late at the country auctions bidding on boxes of treasures to haul back to their shops, are the people who are recycling the past so that we will have a better future.