Ok, I admit it, I am a serial furniture recycler.  I collect people's old furniture like other women collect shoes and purses.  I can't explain the need to search every thrift store, garage sale, auction and, yes, even the ocassional curbside for some diamond in the rough.  I feel very strongly about the quality and history of older pieces.  If they can stand the test of time to make it into one of these venues, they deserve the attention it takes to transform them back into a stunning piece for the home.  Often when I require a piece for a staging or decorating project, I will scour the second hand shops first to see what might be a potential candidate and will put the time into refinishing or reupholstering  for a truly customized piece.   Now, don't get me wrong, I don't pick out any old thing.  Even I have my standards.   But when I find that perfect piece, take it home, clean it up, sand it, paint it and reupholster it, the feeling I get is like no other.  These pieces have history and are made with such craftsmanship that they should not be overlooked for new projects.  Not only can it save your client money, it can save the landfills from overflowing.  So while I try to find a way to curb my enthusiasm before there is no more room in my garage, I encourage everyone to think about 'green' solutions in your projects and give an old chair or table a second chance to be a beautiful piece of furniture.  

(I will post pics of my favourite projects very soon, some are still in the works!)