Give me a yard sale, flea market, or antique store and I'm in heaven. The thrill of the chase. Finding that great item I can show some love to... So exciting. I love giving used yet good quality things a new life. I can spot a key item such as an accessory or piece of furniture that has major potential a mile away. Something that is very well made, and maybe forgotten about, replaced, or just not desired anymore is always in my radar.

Another person's junk may just be my treasure!

Now, granted, some things need some serious love to be wanted again. But items I know once shined that could be a great piece again just by giving it a little attention, are definite deals for me. Some people throw the most valuable things away! They just can't envision the potential. Sad really.

I love revamping! As a hobby, and even if asked for by my paying clients.  I have some awesome things in my own house that I have admired, given a spray of new paint to, a new lamp shade on, new hardware in, etc. and now not only have a great new item but I'm giving back to mother earth too.

Obviously, I am not a big advocate of waste, especially in today's financial state. In the past I have had a few clients who have wanted to throw perfectly good furniture or appliances away. I always suggest Habitat For Humanity or a good local thrift store. You never know who you're gonna help by doing this. In my opinion it is the best form of recycling around.

Oh, and if you haven't heard, Esty is a great new site that you upload pictures of things handmade or vintage that you have found. A great way to save a piece and make some money. www.etsy.com . Check it out.

I challenge you to give a little love and care to something old. You may be surprised at just how much you like it!  Here are some finds to inspire.....

Wouldn't believe the steal I found for clients at a consignment shop. This set (Italian Art Deco Rosewood) is originally @$24K! Got the set for @$10K, recovered the seats in a black leather, and it is stunning!!!

A little paint goes a long way! Only spray real wood though. Particle board wood pieces aren't worth the salvage, in my opinion, not to mention acting like a wet sponge if sprayed.

This is clever. A bed turned into a bench!

Everyone remembers these things.. My grandparents had a set, only they were avocado green. Think spray paint is the trick! If only I had known then..

Lamps are so fun. Instant impact in a room from something you may have thought was hideous at one time!

Think outside the box. Turning an old TV armoire into a desk area is super easy and very useful!

Fabric... As useful as paint to show some kindness! And fabric can give it a million different looks.

I love these. The originals are probably from my high school. ha ha

Im a big proponent of modern antiques! I like taking an old classic and giving it not only a new life, but a new edge! From boring to bold.

This is soooo simple. Find an old drawer face, paint, attach hardware and voila...(Courtesy of My Back Yard Eden, one of the many blogs you can get some inspiration from.)

Please Recycle! Make something simple, saved and now super!

While starting a new residential project, I sometimes get my inspiration from hotels and restaurants. I have always had a fondness for hospitality design. I like the themes, the flow, and the connection they usually seem to poses. I have studied both first hand. They usually never fail to get me excited.

As a flight attendant, I stayed in many hotels. Sometimes longer than others. Sometimes just to close my eyes for a few and go right back to the airport. However long, I never failed to intensely study the people, the decor, the comfort, the smells, the textures, the lighting. It was somewhat of an adrenaline rush.

I also designed national restaurants while living in Philadelphia. There is nothing like a hidden theme to get this girl into an artistic frenzy. I am one determined girl when I get vision. The creative direction for restaurants is thrilling and allows me to get ideas of where the project will go.

With that said, while some of these inspirations I admire are over the top, I still see the simplicity in the details. Come on, lets face it. All you really need, aside from some creature necessities, is a comfy bed, a cozy chair, and maybe a little place to eat a bite. Given this, those elements should be the best, most comfortable and ergonomic, like the basics of a great wardrobe. The rest is the icing on the cake.

I believe it is this thinking of functionality that allows me to take the inspirations from the places I study and from the basics, transpire the rooms into elegant, yet comfortable places for my clients. Not boring, but inviting. Not dull, but reveling. From simplicity to sensuous. Here is some inspiration.

London

Sheraton In Toronto

The Peabody in Memphis

The Alluvian in Greenwood, MS

Washington DC

Butter, NY City

Not sure where this is, but I love the romantic appeal of it.

Maldives Undersea Restaurant. Must go.

Hotel in Hong Kong. I really like these colors and how they combine with the reflection of the light.

And The Alluvian again.