I think it’s fun to observe whether you might have a number of similar items you’ve collected over the years. If so, they can add a lot of punch to your decor when they’re displayed all together.

It’s also great fun to keep those things that were once very special and re-purpose them later. For instance, I have my boys’ baby saddle oxfords displayed on a bookshelf (all three boys wore this same pair of shoes)! They look adorable as “sculpture,” and they make me smile every time I see them. And just this week I cut up a vintage tablecloth that had grown too ragged to use as a tablecloth any longer. I framed a couple of pieces of it to make some custom wall art, and I think it’s beautiful. 🙂

Love your example that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to create a lovely space.

Thanks so much, Gwen! A healthy dose of color makes my heart happy.

What a great tip! And I have found having a fresh set of eyes to take inventory of items you own (a friend, family member, etc.) can help you see entirely new ways to utilize things.