DECORATION is really about creating a quality of life, and a beautyin that life which nourishes the soul, that make life beautiful. That’s what all this is about, not just what’s in and what’s out.” - so explained American interior designer Albert Hadley.

This is whatyou need to think about when you purchase items from a car boots or an antique fairs.

Ifyou are moving outside what can be called your ‘comfortzone’,you need to think about whatyou are buying?, what it does? what is its’ function?

and how can you use it in your house?

Is it going be decorative? or will it be recycling it in terms of using for the purpose it was designed and made.

Many have a practical purpose like a flour jar or a old fashioned bread bin but manylike to use these same items purely as decorative.

It is always a good idea, while looking at an item to think clearly and concisely how you can re-purpose it, how it will fit into your home and importantly where will it go.

I would say don’t buythings just to hide away, give them life and they will give your home a new zing.

Examples of the things I have bought to use or place as decoration include:

- AN old fashioned telephone which has been re-wired so it can be used on a modern system.

The great thing about it is is an original phone and it is red.

Bridgwater Mercury:

- AN original bread bin from the 1950s. It is cream with red trim and came out of a house clearance and had probably been used right up to the dayit was taken away. I use it as a bin to store tea bags in boxes.

Bridgwater Mercury:

- A 1970s vintage Homepride Crown Devon self raising flour kitchen storage jar Fred. I keep it on the window sill bythe sink. Fits in lovely

A Vintage Horlicks Mixer Jug by Alfred Meakin with mixer. Again on the window sill.

Bridgwater Mercury:

- Wedgwood Florentine Arras Green/ Gold Round Covered Vegetable Bowl.

Bridgwater Mercury:

I use this every week to hold and keep pasta warm. It is brilliant and the top of the range for Wedgwood.

- Royal Worcester Regency Fine Bone China Teapot C+1960. A white body with a border of cerise next to the rim and on the lid. Gold gilding to the scalloped rim and spout and gold bands and lines highlight the contours of the teapot.

Bridgwater Mercury:

- 1937 Imperial good companion model 1. Bought at a car boot in lovely condition.

It would sit and look good on a side desk in an office or as a focal piece in a computer room in the house.

Bridgwater Mercury:

- Original 300 series Bakelite telephone from the 1950s. This could be converted to use as a modern telephone or it could be used as a talking point in a room like the living room or in a study.