You can see first-hand how a homeowner took original items and turned a house into a warm and inviting home at Belvidere in Bloom's Castles and Cottages House Tour.
Belvidere homeowner Kelly Schaeffler seems to have an uncanny knack for decorating her home with items very few would even consider useful, much less decorative.
The house style, described as primitive, is like a slice of small town Americana. Fencing fashioned by sticks surrounds the front, adorned by two American flag buntings offering visitors an instant feeling of friendliness.
The house she shares with her husband Steve has been in the family for over 70 years, something both are very proud of. It's on the small side, especially when you add children, now grown but still sometimes residents. But what it lacks in space it makes up for it with an abundance of warmth.
Schaeffler has made it a mission to preserve old things and reuse them in ways many would not even consider. A grouping of old lanterns become a window decoration; a chicken feeder serves as a flower planter; wooden crates and chicken wire house speakers and a portable stereo; an old wooden A-treat 12-bottle case serves as a wall shelf for her children's small treasures.
A teacher now, she started collecting when her kids were smaller as a way of saving money. Eventually, her style and knack for making good use of flea market and basement finds became clear to family and friends and she found herself on the receiving end of other people's finds.
An old church pew, a gift from a friend, serves as seating in her dining area; a Singer foot-pedal sewing machine as a living room table and quilts - many made by Steve's family members - add a touch of warmth to furniture and walls.
Her children have gotten in on it too. The archway to the front of the house was a mother's day gift. That spurred the fence, built by hand by her husband. One of her sons recently finished a room, complete with a weathered look wood ceiling.
It would be impossible to list all the interesting features but it is possible for the public to view Kelly's style on Saturday during the Castles and Cottages House Tours as part of the Woman's Club's Belvidere in Bloom celebration.
The event, which runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., features activities in the Garret D. Wall Park, in Belvidere, along with Secret Garden Tours, a historic tour, an architectural tour, artisans and antique vendors, food and entertainment.
Additional information about Belvidere in Bloom events is available on the Woman's Club of Belvidere's website or by calling 908-892-3874.
Do you know of any cool spaces that you'd like to share? Let us know by leaving a comment below or email me at kjfrantz@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow lehighvalleylive.com on Twitter at @lehighvalley. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.