Page 4 Look around your home. Is it screaming out to be updated, modernized or simply given a splash of creativity after remaining stagnant for five, ten or twenty years? During an economic downturn it may seem impossible to think of redecorating your home, yet doing so is not only possible, it can be simple and fun. With the plethora of consignment, resale and antique stores filling the valley, a bit of household charm is merely a treasure hunt away. When seeking out new items for your home, there are a variety of choices within the resell market. Types of stores include: • Resale: This term is most commonly associated with stores that buy outright from an individual owner. Consignment and thrift stores can also be known as resale stores. • Consignment: Stores that work by consignment pay the owner of the merchandise a percentage of the sale, when and if the item sells. • Thrift: Thrift stores are run by a non-profit organization to raise money for a cause. Examples of such stores range from the large Salvation Army and Goodwill chains to individual school, church or hospital thrift shops. Items may be donated, on consignment or purchased from an individual seller. Once you’re ready to embark on your search for hidden treasures it helps to determine what you’re looking for. Maybe you need a standout piece to liven up a tired room or accents such as candleholders, artwork or other accessories. Bed frames, armoires, bookshelves and end tables are often in abundance at resale stores, either in tip-top shape or in need of a simple refinish or paint job. Tom, part owner of Switch Consignment in Scottsdale said, ”It’s important to keep an open mind.” “Repurposing an item is a great way to get what you want, in a way you would have never imagined. A wall panel can become a headboard, a dining table can become an amazing kids art table. The experience and knowledge of the owners and employees of resale stores can help to not only point buyers in the right direction but also open their eyes to an entirely new idea. “Something may have been X,” Tom said, “But now it can be Y. Ask questions, get advice, think outside the box.” Adding a punch of color or something unique can dramatically change a space without requiring a complete room overhaul. “One of my favorite things to do to freshen up a room and give it some personality is to change out the lamps or lampshades, change or recover the pillows to the season and reframe pictures in all the same color frames,” said Crystal Botto, an Arcadia area interior decorator. “Another great update is to use something discovered at a consignment store such as a console table or dresser and refinish it with black or white paint. It really makes a statement & freshens up the whole room,” said Crystal. While looking for the perfect item for your home, it’s important to remember these helpful used furniture tips. • Notice the quality of the product. The craftsmanship, style and value of the used items are important to consider. Are you purchasing something that needs a lot of TLC? Will it be worth it in the end? Is the item over- priced or an amazing deal? • What is the retail price? An item might seem overpriced at the resale shop unless you know what it would cost brand new. Although it’s impossible to know what every item would cost, it’s important to do some research. Using your smart phone for quick Internet searches while shopping will expedite the process. • Look around. Visiting multiple stores will give you a better idea of merchandise and standards. Before long you’ll realize who carries the types of items and quality you’re looking for. Some may specialize in new or like-new furniture, while others carry well- loved items with fabulous potential. • Check items carefully. Sit in the chair you can’t live without, relax on the couch you’ve had your eye on and open the drawers on the dresser you picture in your daughter’s room. Understand what you’re purchasing. No one likes being surprised when they get home and unload the truck. A few local places to hunt for hidden treasures: Switch Consignment 2728 N. 68th St. • Scottsdale 85257 480-874-5813 • switchconsignment.com Prepare yourself for a surprise. Walking in to Switch Consignment you will check and double check that you’re, in fact, inside a consignment store. The owners take great pride in their store and are prepared to help you find the perfect piece for your home. The merchandise is stunning, presented well and comes in a variety of prices. Ozzie’s Furnishings (St. Vincent de Paul) 3927 E. Indian School Rd. • Phoenix 85018 602-955-1460 • ozziesfurnishings.com Filled with the most beautiful items so kindly given away to St. Vincent de Paul from local residents, Ozzie’s Furnishings is overflowing with greatness. The kindness of the management, the top notch furniture and the fact that your money is going to a great cause, make this shop one of the best for a quick browse and maybe even a great purchase. Knick Knacks Antique Store 4234 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix 85018 • 602-955-4555 Step inside a cottage full of unique treasures. Knick Knacks will take a bit of digging but from the abundance of stuff comes vibrant chairs, hundred-year-old vases and hand carved chests. Turtle’s Treasures 2133 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix 85016 • 602-374-8317 turtles-treasures.com Walking through Turtle’s Treasures, I was sure I was going to discover an item that would become my Antique Roadshow million dollar find. Turtle’s is a large space, with multiple rooms and a variety of items. An antique school house desk and a stunning Southwestern chair caught my eye on first glance and without a doubt, you will find something worth taking home. Some need work, others are take home ready, all are great. Smarty Pants Consignment 3142 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix 85016 • 602-957-0989 smartypantsconsign.com Whether looking for clothes, toys, furniture or accessories, Smarty Pants is the place for you. With regular sales and constantly changing merchandise, this shop is a great place to spend a few hours just browsing and searching. The best part about Smarty Pants is that the space almost feels like a resale department store, with different areas of the store for each category of items. Well run and fun to explore, this store is a must for everyone. Featured Items Include: 1. Asian Display Unit from Ozzie’s - $175. 2. Red Wicker Chair from UFO- $250. 3. Yellow Polka Dot Chair from Knick Knacks - $50. 4. Tall Striped Chairs from Smarty Pants - $69 ea. 5. Blue Console w/ 4 drawers from Switch Consignment - $589.99 (accessories also from Switch) 6. Red Retro Chairs from Switch Consignment - $69.       redecorat ing on a budget by Elizabeth Henson TREASURE HUNTING:

WALT DANLEY RE ALT Y Representing Arcadia’s Finest Properties RE ALT Y Walt Danley Libby Cohen Two Fabulous 5 Bedroom Homes – Paradise Valley Address – Arcadia Adjacent New Bill Ray European Country Style Home For more information, please call or email Libby Cohen at 602.291.1446 or Libby@WaltDanley.com • MLS# 4707214 • 5 Bedrooms • 5.5 Bathrooms • 6,200 Square Feet • Reduced to $2,195,000 Calvis Wyant Elegance • Not in MLS • 5 Bedrooms • 6 Bathrooms • 6,332 Square Feet • $1,995,000 For more information, please call or email Libby Cohen at 602.291.1446 or Libby@WaltDanley.com