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
Louis Vuitton Porte-Documents Jour Bag in Damier Graphite

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Serviette Ambassadeur Briefcase in Black Epi and Smooth Leather

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Accessories Pochette In Monogram Canvas

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Keepall 60 Duffel Bag in Monogram Canvas and Vachetta Leather Trim

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
Louis Vuitton Keepall 45 in Monogram Canvas and Vachetta Leather

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Industrial Style Polished and Riveted Aluminum "Airplane Wing" Desk

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Cosmetic Pouch in Damier Ebene Coated Canvas

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Whitework Embroidered, Cutwork and Damask Table Linens
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 Columbus - Hilliard
Seth Thomas Clomatic Modern Brass Desk Clock, Late 20th Century

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Sabana Laptop Bag in Damier Ebene Canvas and Accessory Pouch

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Serviette Khazan Briefcase in Dark Green Taïga Leather

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Modified Louis Vuitton Keepall 55 in Toledo Blue Epi Leather and Smooth 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
Balenciaga Quilted Black Leather Bike Chain Belt Bag

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Trousse Toilette in Monogram Canvas

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Gucci Double Belt Bag in Black GG Canvas and Leather

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Keepall 45 Duffel Bag in Monogram Canvas and Vachetta 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 Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Burberry Compack Horseferry Backpack in Coated Canvas with Hand-Painted Trims

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Century Furniture Walnut and Oak Chinoiserie Pedestal Desk, Early 20th Century

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Imhof Modern Battery Operated Brass Desk Clock, Late 20th Century

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandouliere 50 in Monogram Canvas and Vachetta Leather

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
Replogle 12" World Classic Series Desktop Globe in Metal Stand

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Louis Vuitton Keepall 50 in Black Epi and Smooth Leather

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Gucci Trademark Zipper Accessory Pouch in Black Coated Canvas

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Adjustable Office Desk Chair
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
Louis Vuitton Besace Messenger Bag in Antigua Ecru Canvas

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Fendi Weekender Bag in Zucca Canvas and Black Leather

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Victorian Bourne & O'Neill Silver Plate Ebonized Wood Traveling Desk, 1880s

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Pochette Rabat 23 in Monogram Canvas

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
Louis Vuitton Keepall 55 in Monogram Canvas and Vachetta Leather

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Keepall 45 Travel Bag in Monogram Canvas and Vachetta Leather

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Gucci Three-Lock Train Case in GG Supreme Canvas with Leather Trim

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandouliere Strap in Vachetta Leather
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
Louis Vuitton Toiletry Bag in Monogram Canvas

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandouliere 45 in Monogram Canvas and Vachetta Leather

EBTH Columbus - Hilliard
Art Deco Waltham Brass Partner's Desk Clock, 1941

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
German Burled Maple Desk Top Weather Station with Clock, Late 20th-21st 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 Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Prada Black Tessuto Nylon Drawstring Backpack

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Louis Vuitton Poche Toilette 15 in Monogram Canvas and Vachetta Leather

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Orlik German Hand Painted Rose Porcelain Desk Set, Early to Mid 20th Century

EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash