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
Bose Small Desk Speakers

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Gucci Web Stripe Drawstring Backpack in Brown Leather

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Louis Vuitton Keepall 60 in Black Epi Leather

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Biggs Hepplewhite Style Inlaid Mahogany Writing Desk, Mid-20th Century

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
Adjustable Height Metal Standing Desk Conveter

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Pottery Barn "Bedford" Corner Desk with Swivel Chair

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Gemstone Globe Paperweight Desktop Décor

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Hermès AIBO Carry Case in Cotton Canvas with Leather Trim
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
Tiffany Style Slag Glass Desk Lamp on Patinated Metal Base, 21st Century

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Burberry Brown Leather Convertible Business Bag/Briefcase

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Navona Pochette Accessory in Monogram Canvas

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Gucci Parfums Web Stripe Cosmetics Bag in GG Supreme Canvas and Leather

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
Serta Grey Bonded Leather Manager's Office Chair with Memory Foam Cushioning

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Pottery Barn "Bedford" Wooden Desk with Rush Seat Chair

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Keepall 50 Duffel Bag in Monogram Canvas

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Fendi Duffle Bag in Zucchino Jacquard and Leather Trim
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 Columbus - Hilliard
Tablecloths, Napkins, Hand Towels, Baby Clothes and Other Vintage Linens

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Mackenzie Childs Courtly Check Train Case

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Keepall 50 in Monogram Canvas

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Keepall 55 Duffel Bag in Monogram Canvas

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
Prada Large Briefcase in Grey Textured Leather with Contrast Stitching

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Serta Grey Bonded Leather Manager's Office Chair with Memory Foam Cushioning

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Henredon Campaign Style Walnut Desk, Mid-20th Century

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Gibraltar Flip Top Desk, 21st Century
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
Serta Grey Bonded Leather Manager's Office Chair with Memory Foam Cushioning

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Keepall 45 Bag in Monogram Canvas

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Campaign Style Faux Leather and Metal Base Suitcase Style Side Table

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Celine Weekender Duffel Bag in Beige Macadam Coated Canvas and Tan Leather

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!

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Hard Shell Croc-Embossed Train Case with Leather Handle

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Victorian Lap Desk and Other Desk Accessories, Late 19th to Early 20th Century

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Tasa Matsumura Figural Lamp and Hand-Painted Artisan Boxes

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Houze Glass Art Deco New York's 1939 World's Fair Frosted Glass Saturn Desk Lamp
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.


EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Gorham Sterling Silver and Other Napkin Ring with Sterling Silver Tableware

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Celine Duffel Bag in Macadam Coated Canvas with Leather Trim

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Hand-Carved Folk Art Polychrome Wooden Figurine Table Lamp

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Figured Mahogany Kneehole Desk, Early 20th Century

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!

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Hammered Tray with Other Brass and Metal Tableware, Mid to Late 20th Century

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
John F. Kennedy Memorabilia Including Newspaper, Life Magazine, Album, and More

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuittons Vachetta Leather Luggage Tags and Poignets

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash