Goodwill Home Décor Expert - Merri Cvetan

The popularity of Duck Dynasty prompted me to create a fall display for hunting and TV fans.

Interior decorating isn’t complete until artwork is hung. Art and photos are the finishing touches, the bits of personality that represent your style and personality. It’s also the part of decorating that most people struggle with, but there are a few guidelines to consider before you put a hole in the wall.

School is almost here and you know what that means. Tons of papers and notes and permission slips and all sorts of things that you need to keep track of. Instead of getting buried under a mountain of notes, set up a system to stay organized.

It’s that time of year, kids going back to school and college students moving into the dorm. Goodwill is a great place to shop for items to furnish a dorm room. Most rooms are rather small, but that’s no reason they can’t represent the person who lives there. You just have to be creative and think outside the proverbial box!

Because we can find everything on the internet, globes have gone the way of the dinosaur. But, they still make interesting decorative items, especially vintage ones.

It’s mid-summer and hopefully, your garden is in full bloom. If you’re between plantings, but still want to work in the garden (besides weeding), try adding accessories. I particularly like to place old chairs among my flowers. They add interest and give height to potted plants.

Remember doilies? Maybe your grandmother crocheted these decorative circles for her coffee table with off-white cotton string. They became popular again when country was the big decorating style in the 1970s.

Flowers are a big part of a wedding. Bouquets add color, texture and contrast to a bridal gown and bridesmaid dresses. They’re also a very expensive part of the décor. One way to save a little money is to make the bouquets yourself. Although silk flowers have improved in recent years, they’re still fake. Why not make your own flowers from recycled clothes found at Goodwill.

When you’re entertaining this summer, don’t think you have to stick with traditional red, white and blue. Try a beach theme, even if you don’t live near water.

I love old mercury glass. But antique vases are really expensive and hard to find. Or if you prefer something a little more contemporary, try painting vases and jars in colors to match your interior décor. 

Wedding season is here! Congratulations to all brides and grooms! I know how expensive weddings can be, and I often get asked for clever ideas to make the reception personal but not cost an arm and a leg. 

I don’t know a Dad who doesn’t like a hand-made gift from his children. I have a couple of easy DIY projects kids can tackle (with a little help from Mom).