Wait, did I just say "recycled"?
Want to go GREEN the original way? RECYCLE! This is more than the newspaper/plastic/metal cans routine we do once a week. Look for recycled furniture! The easiest sources are estate sales, consignment shops, and antique stores.
Part of my business is selling "antiques" at local antique galleries, one of which is Stratford Antiques Center, located in Stratford, CT: http://www.stratfordantique.com/. With 200 dealers on 16,500 square feet, there is a lot of merchandise to look through. Be sure to keep a creative eye when looking, however, because you might want to think about how something can be, rather than how it currently looks. Here are some examples:

It's size is grand, but would be approachable with some modern touches.


Important Note: When buying lighting, always be sure it's in proper working order. When in doubt, have it re-wired!





The black framed chair to the right of the chest is one of a pair. Originally very "Lana Turner", they were bright yellow, with bright yellow crushed velvet upholstery! I had the faux bamboo frames painted black, then reupholstered in linen. They look great in any setting.
So there's a quick tour, and hopefully some incentive to visit your local antiques gallery the next time you need a set of dining chairs, or a new piece for the guest room, or something for the foyer...Remember to keep your creative eye open to the possibilities!
Julie Maher
Nestings provides high quality, value-added staging for occupied, vacant and model homes in Fairfield County and Connecticut.