Interior Designers......?

Question

I am a stay @ home mom and my husband works for a non-profit organization. The house we are moving into is very small and old. I wanted to spruce it up and I don't have a lot of money to spend and what I do spend I won't get back because we do not own it. It belongs to the organization. It is already painted. I am going to do the work myself but as far as supplies I need advice on where I can find cheap or even free stuff. For instance I was going to do a mosaic backsplash in the kitchen, add some framing to the cubbards, and making my own decorative light fixture. So that means I will need tiles (in any condition), wood (different kinds). I don't have any furniture besides a bedroom set. I'll need a breakfast table, couch, etc. Where can I find these items for free or at least affordable?

Answer 1

Ah, the world of non-profits, reminds me of the good ole horrible days, lol. Try Habitat for Humanity Re-stores, Salvation Army, ask the city about condemned buildings and who is tearing them down, go to the and ask to buy materials there on the spot! Building regs department has filings for building permits, contact the owners for materials, you'd be surprised at what people throw out! Contact the Disposal Officer at government buioldings, they remodel too, military installations have housing units, hospitals have very nice storage cabinets, even the library gets rid of stuff. Gee, I think I found a part time job here, lol. Oh, ad farmers will let you pick all the rocks you want or can carry, many are on creeks, but don't take the rock in an area needed for errosion control. Go to any tile shop and ask for the trash bin, some people break up tiles and set the in pieces as an art project, but not my style.

Like most non profits money is tight, but can they flip for some stuff that improves the value of the house you are in and carry the new value on the books, increasing assets, thereby increasing thier abilty to borrow funds for other ventures...That would be a good deal for them...I was the ED/Chairman of a low/moderate income housing group, among other things, lol.

Hard to say where to shop because you haven't said what style you want, ya know like rustic/cabin, cottage, etc. so suggesting using clay pots for hangging lamps might not be appropriate. Good luck! B

Answer 2

Try your local Salvation Army , Open Door Mission, or a thrift store that sells furniture. I have done mosaics using broken dishes, glue and grout. As far as the light fixture goes, use your imagination. I've seen them made from many different things including a colunder ( strainer).

Answer 3

My daughter and I got some tiles from dumpster diving at tile companies.  They throw away old, discontinued, and damaged tiles.  Some we went in and asked if they had any discontinued tile they were getting rid of & they gave us 3 boxes of different size small tiles.  I have done mosaic on 2 table tops, a potters bench, and a storage bench.  All I had to buy was the mastic (glue) and grout.

As for the furniture, Salvation Army, Good Will, Community Thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets, estate sales, are all good options and the last 3 will bargan with you.