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Pastimes: Trash vs. Treasure..Junking for the Perfect Storage Solution

By DeDee Birdsall

“To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.”

~Thomas Alva Edison

Move over Mike and Frank; just because you’re the stars of TV’s American Pickers doesn’t mean you’re the only treasure hunters in town. No matter what you call it – picking, junking or architectural salvage – it’s a far cry from traditional antiquing. When it comes to junking, you’re not seeking high end items but rather ordinary, discarded things or materials you can repurpose into upscale home décor. If you’re looking to reuse and refresh that dusty artifact or object hidden in the recesses of your grandma’s attic, then junking might just be the hobby for you.

Ready, Set, Go Junking

Whether for profit, pleasure or practical use, junking takes today’s disposable world to an all new level. Anybody with a keen eye and a bit of creativity can pick it up in no time. Some say junking is an intuitive experience that requires the ability to think or “junk” outside the box.    Considering how each item can be repurposed is half the fun, and it’s a cinch if you know how to be crafty. But before you run out to your nearest flea market, a little prep work is in order. When you think about storage projects, we’re not just talking Rubbermaid containers. With a quick attitude adjustment, unusual flea market finds can add a chic touch to any room of the house.

Creative storage solutions are something most of us could use, but a sudden trip to the flea market can sometimes leave us feeling lost. It’s easier and more fun to start your treasure hunt with a practical project in mind. Consider the areas in your home that need storage solutions. Do you have a spot in the entryway where the kids dump their bags, shoes and coats? Is there room at the foot of your bed where a little more storage could contain the clutter of books, CDs or extra linens? How about a place in the family room to store and conceal couch throws or other seasonal items? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, these projects will fit the bill.

Before you head out on your salvaging adventure, remember to do some research to gather more ideas, considering what you’d like to store and the room where you’ll use the project. Pick out local hotspots where you might find what you want, such as thrift stores, flea markets, antique stores and local auctions. If you consider yourself an expert haggler, remember to be respectful with your offers. Most vendors figure in a “haggle factor” and if you come across as interested and polite, you can likely negotiate the cost 20-25%. Anything above 25% can be considered offensive. With these thoughts in mind, you’re ready to go junking!

If you’re still trying to find something that fits your home and style, check out some of these quick and easy projects that you can make in a weekend without spending a fortune.

The Stow Away

Lidded baskets and trunks are ideal for storing blankets and throws, and this vintage pure cane sugar trunk is just the ticket. It’s a great conversation piece and oh so functional. Casters or legs can be added to the bottom to make it more portable, while adding glass to the top creates a side table and usable storage unit. Trunks are great finds and can be used to store a multitude of items, from duvets and pillows to sweaters and winter clothes, or even precious keepsakes such as photo albums. For more ideas on transforming vintage trunks, check out DIY project ideas at websites such as Better Homes & Gardens (www.bhg.com) or Pinterest (www.pinterest.com).

Original Cost:  $55.00
Attitude Adjustment:  None
Total Investment:  $55.00

Sit a Spell – End of the Bed or Entry Bench and Storage

An outdated, seemingly useless school or shaker bench gets a much needed facelift and becomes an entryway or foot-of-the-bed bench and storage solution. The makeover here included custom upholstered cushions, paint, vintage locker baskets and a little TLC. Thanks to an attitude adjustment, this old shaker bench now serves two purposes, offering both a place to sit and added vintage locker baskets for handy dandy storage. Search the Internet and you’ll find creative solutions for repurposing outdated, unused coffee tables and a myriad of other ideas for turning old benches into surprising, functional and eye catching elements of your household décor.

Original Cost:  $65.00
Attitude Adjustment:  $165.00
Total Investment:  $230.00

Hold It Right There – Office Caddy

Nothing gets left out or lost in the shuffle with this vintage 7-Up carton turned desk organizer. A well-worn sense of charm gives it the appearance of old leather and it’s a great inexpensive tool to keep office necessities organized and within arm’s reach. In this photo, we used three organizers purchased from a local office supply store, but adding containers to separate your supplies is as easy as digging out the mason jars you’re storing in the pantry, and it helps keep your cost to a minimum as well. Not much work for a one-of-a-kind piece that truly highlights the idea of one man’s junk turned into another’s treasure. For similar ideas, visit Home Made Simple (www.homemadesimple.com) and search for “desk organizers” or check out this video at Better Homes & Gardens: www.bhg.com/videos/m/34254832/desk-and-craft-area.htm.

Original Cost:  $13.00
Attitude Adjustment:  $12.00
Total Investment:  $25.00

Junking Resources

If you’d like to get a better understanding of junking and find new ways to communicate with fellow junkers, obtain ideas and brag about your latest project, there are plenty of books and online resources available. One such website is JUNKMARKET Style (www.junkmarketstyle.com), created by Sue Whitney. The website also offers a subscription to its JunkMail e-letter, which will help keep you abreast of the hottest finds, projects, and tips. It’s a great way to get started in the world of junking and will help open your mind to the endless creative possibilities that await you. Other websites on junking worth checking out include:

The following books help provide the latest ideas in decorating while recycling vintage items.  Learn how to incorporate repurposed junk into room by room makeovers. Whether you consider yourself a flea market junkie or a newbie, there’s something for every level.

  • Junk Beautiful by Sue Whitney & Ki Nassauer. The Taunton Press, 2008
  • Decorating JunkMarket Style by Sue Whitney & Ki Nassauer. JunkMarket Girls, 2005.
  • Recycled Home by Sally Bailey. Ryland Peters & Small, 2009.

You don’t need a thick wallet to create a stylish home. Some say junking is highly contagious, so get started and give into the urge. Before you know it, you’ll be snagging the best deals while enjoying the thrill of the hunt.  Remember, flea market finds can truly become one-of-a-kinds…

 

 

 

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