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
Herman Miller "Aeron" Adjustable Executive Desk Armchair
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Abalone, Granite, Mother of Pearl and Gemstone Tabletop Globe and Compass
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Arts and Crafts Quartersawn Oak Slant-Front Desk, Early 20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Rosewood Lap Desk with Floral Mother-of-Pearl Inlay, Late 19th 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
Excelsior Inlaid Mother of Pearl, Stone and Gemstone Desktop Globe and Clock
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Contemporary Pine Jeweler's Workbench
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Stickley Bros. Co. Colonial Style Maple Writing Table, Early 20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Red Barrel Studio Mint Green Wood Writing Desk with Hutch
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
Two Modernist Style Chrome and Acrylic Swivel Desk Chairs, Incl. LumiSource
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Early Victorian Walnut Secretary Desk, Mid-19th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Cross Stitch Tablecloth and Napkins with Other Table Linens, Mid to Late 20 C.
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Light Gray Writing Desk with Detachable Hutch
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
First Edition, First State "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm," 1903
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Wooden Executive Desk and Office Chair, Early to Mid 20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Chippendale Style Mahogany Secretary Desk, 1940s
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Two-Drawer Wooden Writing Desk in White
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
Mexican Sterling Silver Napkin Rings, Mid to Late 20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Art Deco Walnut and Parcel-Gilt Vanity Desk with Giltwood Chair, 1930s
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Flexispot Steel Electric Height-Adjustable Standing Desk
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Industrial Style Metal Desk Lamp, Mid-20th Century
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
Louis Vuitton Black Leather Small Luggage Tag
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
American Primitive Pine and Poplar Bench-Seat School Desk, Late 19th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Thomasville French Provincial Style Hardwood Bureau Cabinet, Late 20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Luggage Tag and Poignet in Red Epi Leather
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 Columbus - Hilliard
Brass Student Desk Lamp with Glass Shades, Candlesticks, and Wood Lined Box
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
American Primitive Cherrywood Slant-Lid Desk and Side Chair, 19th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Black-Finished Gaming Desk
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Metal and Engineered Wood Folding Desk
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 Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Mahogany and Brass Tambour Front Desktop Cabinet, Early to Mid 20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Red and White Damask Tablecloth and Napkins, Late 20th Century
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Sessions Metal and Stone Helm Shaped Desk Clock, Mid-20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Airway Leather Suitcase with Other Leather and Tweed Suitcases,Mid-20th Century
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 Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Modernist Style Glass Top Computer Desks with Keyboard Trays and Office Chair
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Lucite and Oak Computer Desk, Late 20th Century
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Oak Computer Desk, Late 20th Century
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Oak Computer Desk with Wood Office Chair, Late 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!
