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
Burberrys Check Carry-On Shoulder Bag
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Embossed Leather Convertible North South Weekender Bag
Worthington, OH
Tiffany & Co. Brass Desk Clock
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Maitland-Smith Giltwood and Mahogany Writing Desk, Late 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
Henredon Oak and Patinated Metal Writing Table, Late 20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
L.L. Bean Nylon Rolling Duffle Bags
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Towle Silver Plate Penguin Salt & Pepper Shakers and Other Penguin Collectibles
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Egginton American Brilliant "Trellis" Cut Glass Cream and Sugar Set
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
Provincial Style Pine Lift-Lid Desk, Mid to Late 20th Century
EBTH Columbus
Le Jacquard Français Cotton Blend Napkins and Tablecloth
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Antique Luggage Case, Early 20th Century
Columbus, OH
Kliya Wanblong Brown Leather Briefcase
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.
Columbus, OH
Stanley Furniture "Young America" Student Hutch Desk and Chair
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Rococo Style Cream-Painted and Parcel-Gilt Bureau Bookcase
Columbus, OH
PB Teen "Hi-Lite" Task Lamps in Green, Contemporary
Columbus, OH
Sonneman "Libra" Modernist Task Lamp, Contemporary
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
G.I.L.I. Got It Love It Metallic Silver Leather Convertible Backpack with Tassel
Worthington, OH
Waterford Crystal Clock, Heisey Jelly Dish with Cut Glass and Crystal Decor
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Coach Beekman Black Leather Briefcase
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Tumi Alpha 26114DH Laptop Briefcase Bag in Black Ballistic Nylon and 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
Warren Luggage Company Featherlite Train Case Travel Bag, Mid-20th Century
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Trivet, Tablecloths, Dish Towels Calendars with Other Household Linens
Columbus, OH
Prime Art Industrial Co. Acrylic and Chrome Desk with Corded Desk Chair
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Victorian Staffordshire Figural Desk Lamp with Marble Base
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
Painted Floral Tray, with Black and Gold Table Lamp and Faux Books Decor
Columbus, OH
Prime Art Industrial Co. Acrylic and Chrome Desk with Corded Desk Chair
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
1964/1965 New York World's Fair Memorabilia and Other World's Fair Items
EBTH Cincinnati - Blue Ash
Twelve Tribes of Israel Brass Napkin Holder with Turkish Sundial and Goat
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!
