COUNTRY STYLING

Use clipboards to hang important papers.   This makes a lovely horizontal or vertical display in kitchens, hallways, or utility rooms.

Consider clothes pins to hang special photos.

Collect old pocket watches and place in a lovely crystal bowl.

Group clocks of varying sizes together on a wall.  Mix and match inexpensive with antique, creating a fabulous focal wall.

Layers mirrors on a buffet.  Begin with two large, matching frames and place side by side.  Place a third mirror with a different motif in front of the other two thus adding depth, dimension, and an element of surprise.

Display new and used eyeglass frames on a sppon rack of aged wall cupboard.

Needlepoint, needlepoint, needlepoint.

Game boards work well on walls, shelves, and soffits.  They may also be used to create a faux headboard in a guest room.

Old butter churns or depression glass (found at flea markets and antique shops) can showcase anything from buttons to gumballs.

Purchase an apothecary case.  This piece provid

es a variety of uses such as a sideboard in a dining room or an enexpected table in an entry hall.  It futher provides additional storage important to any homeowner.

Add real or faux tin to your ceiling.  Works best in smaller kitchens or secondary bathrooms.

Collect old sports memorablia.  Place rowing ores together in a corner for added height. 

Pull apart a wooden or iron screen and hang on the wall in a horizontal or vertical pattern.

Stenciled boxes make not only great storage areas but serve multiple purposes from end tables to needed height on a kitchen soffit.

Collections are often focal points of country design.  Some of the more popular ideas include teddy bears, quilts, flags, bowling pins, stars, lunchboxes, birdhouses, and signage.

Group together vintage straw or woman's hats over a bed in an arch fashion.  This creates a soft, feminine touch often popular in secondary bedrooms.

Hang chldren or small distressed painted chairs on a wall.  Not only functional but makes an unforgetable impression on visitors.

Consider painting your trimwork and molding a color which adds a dash of excitement.

Use a furntiure piece as an island.  Look for an older sideboard, farm table, or piece of butcher block.

BE A SAVVY SHOPPER

Set a budget.  Look at a variety of like itmes, compare prices, and be prepared to negotiate.

Be patient.  Be willing to pass on something you consider too expensive.

Use your imagination.  Think of different ways to use a piece you love.  If a piece is damaged, can you repurpose the item, recover the fabric, or change out the legs.

Become educated.  Read books, visit a museum, or go online.  Research before you make an investment to guarantee the authenticity of the item purchased.

Frequent flea markets, garage sales, and antique stores on a consistent basis as merchandise turns over frequently.  Also leave your contact name and number with the shop owner or dealer.

Ask questions.  Don't be intimidated to inquire about the history of an item or question its true value. 

Travel.  Go to areas that specialize in the types of merchandise you wish to buy.  Nothing is more fun than a road trip.  And don't forget to meet the locals, they often know the best deals and restaurants.

Move items around in your house before you shop.  Don't worry about perfection.  The best homes always reflect the owners personality and taste.  Make your dining room your living room or your great room an office.

Buy multi-functional furniture and display pieces.    A plate rack could hold pewter, sugar jars, teapots, bowls, or boxes. 

GROUPING OBJECTS

Picture frames add a sense of permanence to any home.  Black and white pictures should always be placed in like styled frames while colored photos can be mixed and matched, emphasizing their age, importance, or beauty.

The grouping of artwork in a country home should take on a similar theme, whether old school slates, birds, of natures beauty.

Farm tools make an interesting and unusual display but be careful to stay within the same area and confine your collection to one room or one wall.

Rolling pins look great in baskets, ceramic trays, or French pastry or bread basket bowls.  Keep kitchen related items in your kitchen.

Pewter tankards look terrific in an office with a masculine theme.  Vary the heights, sizes, and styles to create the biggest impact.

When stenciling or handpainting, confine to one or two areas of the home.  For example the kitchen, a connected dining and living room, or the treads on a hardwood stairway.

Keep theme related items together.  For example, combine a wooden horse, a hunt picture, a willow rocker with a Pendleton blanket, horsehoes, antique cowboy hats, and a Native Americna rug.

Hang baskets from a potrack, wooden beam, arched ceiling, or group on a kitchen soffit.

Old cutting boards looks wonderful hanging from opening cupboards, on walls, or even in metal baskets grouped by a hearth fireplace.