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Noted English clergyman Sydney Smith (1771-1845) is quoted as
saying, "Economy in the estimation of common minds means the absence
of all taste and comfort." But finding thrifty ways to decorate your
outdoor living space doesn't mean you have to sacrifice either of
those things. Here are some ideas to help you:
* Forget trying to find that perfectly matched 9-piece patio
set at the first garage sale you stop at. If a matched set is what
your heart truly desires then by all means seek until you find. But
you'll have far more success if you open your eyes to the possibility
of mismatched pieces.
* Consider all the sources of inexpensive pieces, not just
garage and yard sales. Browse flea markets, country auctions and
thrift shops. Keep your eyes open when you pass the bulletin board in
your neighbour store. Check the classifieds. Rove the aisles at
discount retailers or dollar stores. If you're serious about certain
pieces then be bold. Let your favorite restaurateur know that you
love his patio pieces and if any need replacing, you'll be glad to
take the old ones off his hands. Ask your friends and family if they
have spare pieces stored away. And don't overlook "curb picking"
before a major trash pick-up. Many great items are put out because
the owners simply can't be bothered with a minor repair or they just
don't have the space to keep them.
* Accept substitutions. Instead of one large dining table
consider several smaller ones. Instead of a loveseat, use that great
bench you found or several different side chairs. Just be sure
there's at least one GREAT comfortable seat.
* Imagine other uses for common items. For example, use a large
wooden toolbox as a magazine rack, a wooden door mounted on brackets
for a shelf or table, or an old mailbox as a planter. Vintage garden
tools make interesting wall art. Used wrought iron gates serve as a
great patio wall. Old porch balusters can be fashioned into
candleholders or table legs.
* Fabric covers a multitude of sins. Pick up large fabric
remnants at a salvage center or buy used sheets, bedspreads and
drapes at a yard sale. New chair covers, a table runner, and cushions
created from this yardage tie all your odd furniture pieces together.
Hang some extra yardage as an outdoor curtain and you'll wow your
visitors.
* Paint is also a unifier and will do amazing things to most
furniture. Spray paint a junk store chandelier and hang it filled
with candles. Here's a set of 94 citronella candles that will allow
you to fill and refill that great lighting fixture without breaking
your budget. If you think that your furniture odds and ends are just
too, well, odd then try mixing and matching paint color instead of
painting all pieces identically. For example, try one chair with a
green seat and white legs, one with a green back and white seat, and
one with green and white stripes. Celebrate diversity.
* You might also think about using a certain theme for your
outdoor decorating, such as French country or Caribbean. The design
interest will draw attention away from any mismatching in your
furnishings.
Economy in decorating your outdoor space does not have to result in
the absence of taste or comfort. You might have to work a little
harder but think how much satisfaction you will derive from a space
that you made work for next to nothing.
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