1. Don’t necessarily think of retro as “shabby chic.” That actually is a great style but unfortunately, other words for shabby can include “tattered,” “threadbare” and “dilapidated.” Let’s get out of that negative mindset, and try thinking “vintage” instead. This may bring to mind vintage wines or vintage automobiles, all treasured objects that get better with age.

2. Continuing on that theme, retro is not necessarily inexpensive. Some vintage posters, for example, may cost thousands of dollars. So if you wanted to purchase one and save money, consider purchasing a reproduction. Many of your guests who view your new art may not even be able to tell the difference!

3. Better than flea is free: of course you already know to scour local thrift shops, church rummage sales, garage sales and flea markets for fabulous secondhand finds. But some people are just giving them away! Two savvy resources are the free listings on Craigslist as well as The Freecycle Network ™.

Hopefully these tips will serve as a springboard for your imagination. Even a recession can’t hamper creativity, and the sky’s still the limit for trendy decorating options.

BIO:
Luna Mandrake is co-proprietor of Moon Mandrake, an online shop that features curious collectibles and vintage treasures of yesteryear. Learn more by visiting their blog at http://moonmandrake.com.

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1.       Have a friend with creative insights who is fairly strong be there to help with placement and moving items. 

a.       Items you may need

                                                               i.      Scissors

                                                             ii.      Trashcan

                                                            iii.      Tool box, with hammer, screwdrivers/flatheads, tape measure

                                                           iv.      Cleaning items, such as dust cloths, cleaning agents like windex, vacuume

                                                             v.      Paper towels for dirty items

                                                           vi.      A partner to help with moving items as well as decision making and suggestion sharing.

2.       Move all artsy and small items out of the  way.  Grab it all and take to an easily accessible room or place out of the way. Also, move plants out of the way unless they are really large.

3.       Once the little items are out of the way, then you look at the furniture and start with making decisions at one of the room and move to the other.

4.       Move furniture into weird positions, regardless of how dumb you think the idea is, and then try to move opposite pieces retrospectively. 

5.       If large pictures or items are on the  wall, either you decide to keep them where they are or move them.

6.       Try to make small vignettes in areas.  Keep items at a series of 3’s or 5’s since that’s most appealing to the eye (plus, it’s feng shui).

7.       Be hard on yourself, be willing to get rid of stuff that’s old or move it out of the way.

8.       Once the large items have landed in a pleasing area, start moving in the smaller, more decorative items. 

9.       That’s it in a nutshell!  Sure helped me, and my living room looks better than ever!

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