Turn something old into your something new!

Have you ever walked into a pretty, girly boutique and wished you could decorate your home just like it?  The thought of having a home full of beautiful antique furniture sounds divine- and expensive!  But it needn’t be costly; a few carefully planned trips to antique markets and second hand shops should do the trick, along with a spot of internet research.

US interior stylist Monique Keegan shows us how to perfect this look with a sneak peak into her lovely home…

Monique has used old haberdashery drawers for storage.  The glass panes clearly show what is inside here, so keep your bits and bobs tidy and aim to have interesting textures, shapes and colours on display.

Look out for shops wanting to ‘get rid’ of old furniture, perhaps they are refurbishing or need more space etc.  That is your chance to grab a bargain!  Special pieces such as these tend to be costly in a second hand shop.

Obviously your furniture won’t be matching, which is all part of the charm.  Despite this, try to ensure each piece has as place and a purpose, so that the room will ‘come together’ as a whole.  Don’t be afraid to repaint furniture (shabby chic) or re-cover something in a fabric of your choice… make something old your ’something new’!!

Vintage finds can really ‘make’ a room.  In the bathroom Monique has used old vintage hanging mirrors, old-fashioned personal care accessories (think hand mirror with a long handle) and baskets for storage.  Gorgeous!!

You can almost feel the quality of the furniture in this picture.  Monique’s fabulous antique table and interesting nik-naks will have you sat at that desk long after you’ve finished your work!  Note the quality floorboards, too- don’t spoil the look by cutting corners where you shouldn’t!

posted by Emily