5 Thrifty and Eco-Friendly Ways to Decorate

As you know, I'm a big supporter of recycling and upcycling items to use as home décor. I talk about it all the time. I share tips, tricks and projects. And I advise my clients to use what they have before purchasing new furnishings and décor items. So, in honor of Earth Day this month, I thought it was a good time to get deep on this subject.
There are so many ideas, but I'm going to share with you my five favorite no-cost/low-cost and eco-friendly ways to decorate your home.
1. Shop in your house - Chances are, you have décor and furnishings in the attic, the basement, and even in closets that you've forgotten about. Do a sweep of your house to look for pieces that could be used where you need a functional item. Think out of the box and forget how a piece was designed to function, but think about how it could function.
2. Thrift shops, yard sales, online sites - You can find some great items for short money from these sources. There are people who are just looking to clean out their homes and therefore price items very low. These are also the perfect places to find vintage furniture. Antiques are typically well-made and very sturdy. If a piece is  structurally sound, but isn't very pretty, look beyond the "ugly" and think about how a coat of paint or refinishing could freshen it up.
3. DIY décor - Get creative! Pinterest is my favorite place to find ideas. Do a search for an item that you have or that you need and see how many ideas pop up. It's amazing how much lovely décor can be made with what you have lying around the house. Artwork can be made very easily by framing beautiful calendar photos, maps or even a scrap of fabric. Glass pickle or mason jars can be spray painted and used as vases. Or an old cutting board can be painted with chalkboard paint and become a message board for the family. The possibilities are endless!
​4. Natural elements - Nature offers so many treasures. Pinecones, pebbles, shells and sea glass make great fillers for vases or candleholders. Glass pickle jars or mason jars can be spray painted and used for vases. A piece of driftwood is a nice piece of table décor. And, of course, if you have a garden, fresh flowers always bring beauty into a room.
5. Swap with friends - We all get tired of our own décor at some point. Before you take a trip to the second-hand shop to make a donation, call up some friends and see if they're ready to do the same. Have a girls' night and ask everyone to bring several pieces (or pictures, if the items are large) and swap your less-than-loved items. You can create a new look and help your friends do the same.