Visit to friend's cottage proves beauty doesn't have to cost a fortune

I had dinner at a friend's house recently and was struck by the beautiful details of her little cottage. The walls were light blue yet seemed to suggest nature's first green. The built-in bookcases created a sense of space despite the small footprint of the house itself. More impressive still were the lovely accents. This home did not so much scream country as it whispered relaxed living.

As I toured the house, I was impressed with the lovely accoutrements, including the surround-sound system neatly stacked on a pine shelf that seemed right out of Napa Valley. The furniture ranged from comfy overstuffed sofas to rattan chairs to metal barstools that worked perfectly together. Framed pictures hung on the wall in tidy groups suggesting symmetry and balance while speaking to our local lifestyle.

After the tour, I knew that I was in the presence of genius. The only other person that I have met with this type of natural decorating sense is a co-worker who deals in antiques, but she is a pro. I have even tried my own hand at home decor and must admit, were it not for my wife, our house would look like an Irish pub.

About halfway through dinner I shared how impressed I was with our host's home. They had done a marvelous job. I also suggested that it must have cost a fortune to decorate. Her husband smiled, she giggled, and then the two confessed the entire house was filled with garage-sale finds.

I was shocked. I know that you can score some real bargains at garage sales, thrift stores, and of course the white elephant, but to decorate an entire house? No way, but that is exactly what they had done.

When my wife wants something new, like a chair or set of pillows or even a desk, our first instinct is to make it. Creating our own furnishings saves a little money, but more important, it meets our need to participate in our environment. I take great pride in saying that I built the bookcase or my wife sewed the curtains, despite the fact that the bookcase may not be square and the seams on the curtains may run off-line a bit. Neither of us thinks to go "garage sale-ing" or "thrift shop-ing" but why not?

We live in a material world where consumption has reached catastrophic proportions. We spend our weekends at the mall and our evenings surfing the Net for more things to buy. Our landfills are full of items that still have life left in them. The reality is that most families sell their "old junk" not because it is broken, but because it has outlived its usefulness or is no longer in style. We live a luxurious life indeed; we discard, destroy and demolish when we should reduce, reuse and recycle.

The reality is that we can meet our need to shop while reducing the clutter around us. One person's trash truly is another's treasure. Check out my friend's house and you will see for yourself. But do not bother looking for me; I will be at the nearest garage sale.

Michael DeMattos is a faculty member of the University of Hawai'i School of Social Work. He lives in Kane'ohe with his wife, daughter and two dogs.