Seller Story
Katie Brown, Brooklyn, NY
It’s been over a decade since she was introduced as “the next Martha Stewart" by Lifetime TV, but Katie Brown is in a class of her own. As a working mother of two – armed with little more than a contagious enthusiasm and a glue gun – her ability to turn a house into a home (and then turn that home into a party, workshop, or wonderland when applicable) is why she’s become a household name for so many aspiring DIYers who crave her approachable and authentic “dime-store domesticity.” Fans love her philosophy of embracing the mistakes and recognizing the beauty in the imperfect, which is integral in training the eye to see opportunities in thrifted and vintage items. Read Katie’s picks on what objects pack the most potential when it comes to giving them a second life, and shop her sale of wonderful treasures from her home and television show, “Katie Brown Workshop.” Soon you’ll be DIY-ing like a true design celeb.
1. Give an armchair a whimsical and modern update.
Pick a color and run with it. Find a high-gloss paint in that color and paint all the wood accents and trim. Next, pick a textured fabric in your color and reupholster. What once was a dated chair is now a bold monochromatic statement!
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Restoration Hardware "Graydon" Shagreen-Embossed Desk and "Klismos" Chair
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Pégase 45 Rolling Luggage in Monogram Canvas
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Oil Rubbed Bronze Articulated Desk Lamp
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Federal Eagle-Inlaid Cherry Bureau Desk, Early 19th Century and Adapted
2. You might see a trellis. I see a perfect headboard.
It doesn’t have to take a lot of manual labor and talent to reimagine one thing into something else. Sometimes repurposing just means thinking outside the box.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Member's Mark Hardside Carry-On Luggage
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Longaberger Pottery "Woven Traditions" Dinnerware and Other Accessories
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Artline Black and White Resin Tabletop Globe
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Table Linens and Pillow Cases Featuring Handwork, Mid-20th Century
3. Update a desk that is perfect for any teen’s bedroom.
Paint it their favorite color, then replace the hardware with stunning mod options, and get a mirror cut to the same size as the surface to place on top.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
14K 0.98 CTW Diamond Three Stone Ring with Trellis Setting
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
George III Style Mahogany Kneehole Desk with Leather, Mid-20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Ott-Lite Brushed Brass Adjustable Desk Lamp
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Onyx Stemware and Votive with Marble and Onyx Mushrooms, Quartz Napkin Rings
4. Reimagine old tools into new art.
An antique peg rake has such simple clean lines and would be a perfect objet d’art to hang on any wall. To use it in a super productive way, hang your onions, dried herbs and garlic from it in your kitchen.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Bakelite Drawer Pulls and Napkin Holder
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Fostoria "American" Glass Serve and Table Wares
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
10K Sapphire and Diamond Trellis Set Ring
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Seiko World Time Flying Airplane Gold Tone Desk Clock
5. Give old books a new chapter.
I like to take old books and cut off the front and back, and then secure white paper in-between the covers and use it as a diary or sketch pad. This can also make a great gift especially if you can find a title or cover art that celebrates the recipient.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
10K Amethyst and Diamond Ring with Trellis Setting
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Ikea "Barometer" Modernist Chrome Finish Desk Lamps
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Westinghouse, Diehl, and Eskimo Desk Fans, Early to Mid 20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Cat Studio Embroidered "New York" Cotton Napkins, 2006
6. Add a touch of whimsy to any house by repurposing big glass candy jars.
Scoop up collections to display on bookshelves, coffee table or other surfaces.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
10K Amethyst and Diamond Trellis Ring
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Elliott London Chinoiserie Bracket Clock with Globe Brass Cherub Desk Clock
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Wellington Hall Baroque Style Paint-Decorated Bombé Secretary Desk
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Ballou & Boss with Other Retractable Brooch Pencils, Luggage Tags and Keychain
7. Rusty old tools are great when given a second life!
Tools, wheels and gears can make a magical statement when placed on a side table, coffee table or entry table. These make the biggest impact when they are grouped together.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Grained Laminate Computer Desk on Casters
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Beehive Dog Ornament, Shell Box, Agate Finials, Desk Note Holders, Other Décor
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Machine Made Pictorial Area Rug, Needlepoint Rug, and Cross-Stitch Tablecloth
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
West African Hand-Carved Wood Napkin Rings With Gourd Bowl and Spoons
8. Yes, yes, I know, I know this is a fire extinguisher.
However, it is copper, it is a beautiful shape, it has weathered just perfectly. and if you take the top off it is a useful umbrella holder!
9. Tablecloths and napkins are not just for the table.
They can be framed to add a touch of texture and color to any room.
10. A gift within a gift!
Have a gift that is large or difficult to wrap? One fun and creative way to wrap it up is by using vintage luggage tied with a big bright bow. The bonus is that the luggage can be reused!
