By: Nikki Phipps

Looking for some interesting ideas for decorating your home or garden? Want to save a little money at the same time? Go treasure hunting. There is potential to be found in even the most unlikely of objects. Everywhere you look, everywhere you go, there is an interesting treasure waiting to be discovered and transformed into something unique for placement in your home or garden. 

So where to you find these treasures? You can start by scouring flea markets. Stop by a yard sale or two on the way home or pay a visit to the thrift store. There is sure to be a treasure of some sort waiting to be found among the numerous items on display. And if you’re lucky enough, you may even come across a load of free stuff. Alternatively, you can go treasure hunting in an abandoned barn or other similar structure. I remember exploring the outbuildings on the property of our new home. Not only can this be exciting, but there are many treasures that can be found here. Then again, don’t overlook your attic (or a family member’s) for additional treasures. If you’re adventurous enough, a junkyard can also be a good source for unexpected treasures.

Now that you know where to find your treasure, how will it be used? This, of course, depends on what you want to decorate, what treasure you have found, and how much creativity you are willing to put into it. Nearly anything can be used to add interest to your home and garden. Don’t overlook little items or the impact they can create. Small touches can add big appeal. An old planter can be fixed up to house washcloths and soaps in the bathroom or for displaying beautiful plants in the garden. Even slightly damaged items can be used for something. Turn a chipped or cracked bowl into a lovely planter on the front porch or a pleasing, aromatic centerpiece filled with potpourri on a table. Slightly damaged clothing can be another great treasure and used as fabric, makes wonderful placemats, quilts, pillows, etc.

Dress up shelves with a collection of old bottles, commonly found at yard sales, thrift shops, and flea markets. I actually found many of mine in an old junk pike near my house. Likewise, you could fill some of these bottles with water and add cuttings of your favorite flowers. Use an old drawer, cabinet or wooden bottle carton to display interesting knick-knacks. These treasures can be attached to the wall with eyehooks and picture wire. To match your decor, throw on some paint or add attractive shelf paper. These treasures can also be turned into beautiful shadow boxes and filled with collectibles.

I love artwork, and there are many artwork treasures waiting to be found and used around the home, from old signs, books and magazine covers to board games, puzzles, and calendars. All of these can be used for creative displays that fit nearly any style. For example, thumb through a few old books until you find something that suits your decorating scheme. Place your treasure in an attractive frame and hang it on the wall or place it on a shelf. Don’t forget your children’s artwork. This can be a great treasure and something that will hold precious memories as well. After painting an old bookcase, I carefully placed laminated artwork from my children in various areas. Make one for each child to take with them after leaving the nest. This way they will have something from their childhood to share with their family.

There are numerous treasures that can be used to decorate your home or garden. For instance, plates and tableware can often turn a bland dining room into a lively, more comfortable setting simply by displaying them on shelves placed along the wall. If you collect something specific, use these as well. For example, don’t just place your treasured collectibles here and there. Let everyone enjoy them by placing them along shelves in a designated location of a commonly visited room, such as the den. This is a great way to display the items that mean the most to you while allowing others to delight in them as well. It can also be a cheaper alternative to decorating a child’s room. Simply use their favorite treasures. In the garden, try placing items of interest in repetition throughout the garden. Make sure, however, all of them complement one another as well as the garden.

Depending on your particular tastes, decorating your home or garden has never been easier or cheaper. Go treasure hunting and let the fun begin!