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
Federal Eagle-Inlaid Cherry Bureau Desk, Early 19th Century and Adapted
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Federal Cherrywood Slant-Front Desk, Early 19th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
George III Mahogany and Oak Bureau Cabinet, Late 18th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
American Primitive Ebonized Pine Slant-Lid Tabletop Desk, 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
English Arts and Crafts Carved Elm Bureau Desk, Early 20th Century
EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Gunn Quartersawn Oak Raised Panel Roll-Top Desk, Late 19th/Early 20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Coated Canvas and Leather Luggage Suitcase Table with Glass Top
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Sirius 50 Soft-Sided Suitcase in Monogram 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
Federal Style Walnut Drop-Leaf Writing Table, Early 20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Fostoria "American Lady" Amethyst Glass Stemware, Mid-20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Bakelite Animal Napkin Rings with Other Games and Decor
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Jacobean-Revival Walnut Desk, Circa 1920s
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
Frontgate Glass and Brass Trays and Other Office Accessories
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Gemstone Inlaid Globe on Brass Stand
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
American Classical Flame Mahogany and Bird's-Eye Maple Butler's Desk, circa 1830
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Marshall Fields George III Style Painted Satinwood Firescreen Fall Front Desk
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
Wellington Hall Baroque Style Paint-Decorated Bombé Secretary Desk
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Towle "Serenade" Double Old Fashioned Glasses with Other Old Fashioned Glasses
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
10K Sapphire and Diamond Trellis Ring
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Wooden Three-Drawer Desk with Brass Drawer Pulls
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 Columbus - Hilliard
Broyhill Victorian Style Oak Roll-Top Desk, Late 20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Peter Hunt Folk-Painted Pennsylvania Dutch Style Desk and Chair
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Hand Embroidered and Crocheted Table Linens and Tea Towels with Pillow Cases
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Myrtle Desk George III Style Burl Wood and Mahogany Writing Table, 1980s
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
Brass Inlaid Burl Traveling Lap Desk with Document Organizer, Mid-19th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Malletier Poignet and Luggage Tag Set in Vachetta Leather
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Accents Beyond Burlwood Lift-Top Desk
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Fostoria "Holly Clear" Crystal Stemware, 1942-1980
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
Waterford Crystal Annual Christmas Plates with Other Glass Commemorative Plates
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Waterford Crystal "Westover" Desk Clock and Pen Holder
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Fostoria "Vernon Amber" Oval Centerpiece Bowl with Other Amber Depression Glass
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Waterford Crystal Dove Figurine with Marquis by Waterford Desk Clock
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
Fostoria "Classic Gold" Gilt Rimmed Crystal Stemware, 1958-1982
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Plymouth and Lux Mfg. Co. Glass Desk Clocks with Interchangeable Glass
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Quilted Vinyl Doll Suitcase, Embroidered Handkerchiefs, Leather Gloves and More
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Smathers & Branson Wallets, Luggage Tags, and Key Fob in Needlepoint and Leather
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!
