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
Oil Painting of Pastoral Lake Landscape With Cows, Early 20th Century

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Marc A. Graison Landscape Oil Painting "New Mexico Sunset," 2023

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Landscape Oil Painting of Figures in Exterior Scene

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Maria Pfropper Folk Art "The Cat" Print with Other Decor

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
Vintage Platinum 1.01 CTW Diamond Ring

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Japanese Porcelain Imari Rectangular Dishes

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Joan Miró Abstract Lithograph, 1975

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Sarah Brown Giclée of Skyscape, 21st 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
Denix 18th Century Louis XIV Model Cannon, Mid-20th Century

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Jim Shore Heartwood Creek Angels, Holy Family and Christmas Story Figurines

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Three Modernist Style Acrylic and Metal Bar Stools

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Ameriwood Industries Ebonized Wood Three-Door Console Cabinet

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
Jean Dubuffet Color Lithograph Poster for Festival d'Automne à Paris, 1973

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Oak Storage Cupboard, Late 19th to Early 20th Century

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Jerry Kellems Acrylic Painting of Abstract Figures

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
14K Poodle Pendant
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
Death NYC Pop Art Offset Lithograph of Snoopy With Surfboard, 2023

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
David Andrews Oil Painting "Dog Portrait," 2019

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Peter Keil Abstract Portrait Ink Drawings

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Lenci Italian Felted Wool Dolls, 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.
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.


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!