Unique Home Décor: Putting Antiques to Good Use
08.21.07 By Val UbellMy husband and I have often been called ‘creative’ and I suppose, at times, thought to be a bit odd. But we love to recycle the antiques and collectibles that we find and put them to good use.
For example, we found this charming little item that was from an old ‘lift’ or elevator. It was sitting in a box at an estate sale, along with other hardware items such as door knobs, hinges and the like. It looked like it was SO out of place. But then I wondered, ‘what was its place?’ I bought the box lot and thought about it on the way home. My husband, who is so talented, took one look at it and said he could add a battery to it, making it light up once again! He made a wooden frame for it too, then mounted it in our hallway. When you push the buttons, it tells whether the ‘car’ is going ‘up’ or ‘down.’ Our youngest grandchildren really like it and stop us when we enter the hall and ask which way we are headed. A sweet little find!
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The grandkids all love this little guy (and our son-in-law has asked that it be left to him in our will!) Although this ‘butler’ was originally intended to hold calling cards of well-respected visitors, we ask him to offer candy to all who enter. And, boy, does he get the business!
Another item we’ve put to good use is this ashtray. Extremely ART DECO with the shiny chrome finish and geometric, almost skyscraper, shape. But no one in our family smokes and although I found it very attractive (and in exceptionally good condition) I was not sure if we could find a home for it. But then I lifted the lid and there was quite a ‘well’ in there, a lot of room. I thought to myself “how about using it for poutpourri?” And that is just what it does. We have a room with a lot of deco items and this just fits right in!
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At a recent auction, I found my paddle lifting up for this metal plant stand. While I am known as the ‘black thumb’ of the family, I thought it had a lot of character. I knew better than to put a plant inside! Instead, I found an old glass ceiling light shade, plopped it in and added a very large candle! It does look rather cool!
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I was shopping with my sister when we came across this old screen from a fireplace. It is metal and quite heavy. We think these were used to cover up the fireplace during the summer months and to prevent drafts. This lovely ‘lady on a swing’ now has a place of pride in our dining room!
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But my all-time favorite is this old ‘fisherman’s net’ display. You see, my dad and brother had quite a collection of old fishing lures. Some in great shape, others, not-so-much. I had been keeping them in a shoe box in the attic. When I came across them one day, I berated myself for not finding a way to enjoy them. So I went to an auction with some fishing items and came across this net! They now hang proudly on a wall in our sunroom. We’ve hung an old fishing creel at the top. We’ve added a few baits and bobbers from time to time, but most of them bring back memories of going fishing for crappies, blue gill or perch with my dad and brother. There is one lure that has a unique memory – not an especially fond piece of nostalgia, but a memory nonetheless. We were at a picnic and swimming in a lake one bright summer day. All of a sudden, I jumped up, screaming, thinking a fish had bit me! My brother rushed over to see (probably to give the fish an ‘atta-boy!) When I lifted my foot, we found a fishing lure! My brother begged me not to step down again, not because of the anticipated pain, but he recognized it as a ‘top quality’ lure and did not want it ruined. That’s a big brother for you. In any case, it now hangs on my wall and often brings a chuckle.
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I realize that not all antiques and collectibles can be used. They are in bad repair or too large, but whenever possible, it is best to ENJOY them and share them with friends and family. That breathes new life into them and makes your house a home.
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Article Tags: antiques, art deco, decor, fishing net================
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