Don't Junk that Trunk



Decorating with trunks is a hot trend. Since the later part of the 18th century, trunks  have been popular. Remember grandma having one for storage at the foot of the bed? However, trunks are making a huge comeback and are reappearing in all rooms throughout the house, especially vintage trunks. They offer a touch of history, unique charm, and even promise the hope of travel.

Trunks serve as a nice way to bring a touch of history into a modern living room. Use an old trunk as a coffee table. Flipping a trunk on end transforms the trunk into a pedestal. When on its side, a lamp can be placed on the trunk to add reading light  behind a chair. It can also make a pedestal to hold for plants or a shelf for mail and keys by the front door.

 

(That junk inside your trunk.)

 

These pieces of furniture can be useful in almost any room: a family room to store board games; a kitchen to baking supplies; in the playroom  to hide the kids toys; or even the bathroom. Think of how many towels you could fit inside a trunk. Regardless of which room you decide to utilize a trunk, they serve as a wonderful storage unit.

If you are one of the lucky few to still have your great grandmothers hope chest collecting dust in the attic, make the rest of us jealous  and  bring it down from the attic. Clean it up and put it on display for the rest of the world to admire.

(Its Kismet how junk appears when you want it.) 

 

Many antique and vintage stores sell trunks. If there isn't one in stock, talk to the store manager know. There may be one in storage. Check Craigslist, Estate Sales and Auctions for vintage trunks.  Try a Facebook post to family and friends. Finding a trunk could be easier than imagined. 

Treasure Hunting





When someone says 'treasure hunter', I conjure up images of Johnny Depp dressed up as Captain Jack, looking sexy with his black eyeliner and long dreaded locks, and trying to decipher a tattered map in search of an old black leather chest filled with sparkling jewels.

 

(The leather chest would make a cool coffee table.)

 

There are, as a matter of fact, modern day treasure hunters. These brave individuals set forth on a journey to the unknown, following maps and battling for their treasures. 

Regular attendees know first hand how an auction can feel like a modern version of treasure hunting. It begins with a search for the sale. Reading sale bills, searching online and navigating the way to a destination... with the help of trusty copilots, Mapquest and AuctionZip.

 

Upon arriving, be prepared for battle. At times you'll be fighting off other treasure hunters searching and scouring the sale for the ultimate 'booty'. Once the real battle begins, draw your swords (or bidder numbers) and duel it out against others in hopes to win the treasure.

 

The stories of how treasures were acquired at auctions are often retold in an almost a mythical fashion. The battles to win an item, the opponents who out bid you, and the cost of victory. Auctions are the battlegrounds for the new generation of treasure hunters. 

 

(This is my life.) 

 



I am married to an auctioneer. My husband, Erik, is the third generation to work in the family business. He went to auction school, is licensed, and yes, he can talk really fast. (You'd be surprised how many people ask if he can talk fast "like an auctioneer." ... Um, yes? He is an auctioneer.)

Sometimes our children work the auctions, and often I help out too.  As we are working, we occasionally find ourselves drawn to the shiny objects, and end up bidding on items. My sons have bought many treasures including: belt buckles, baseball bats, army gear, basketball backboards, vintage books, and an unopened Michael Jordan Wheaties box. My husband has brought home a truck load of barn wood, a replica of the Brady Bunch sectional couch and my favorite, a bowling ball washing machine. (We don't even bowl.) And, I'm not even going to begin to list all the treasures I have found. Its nearly impossible to go to an auction and not get caught up in the bidding frenzy. It can be really exciting when you find a something rare and unique; a treasure that you never knew you needed.

Become a modern day treasure hunter. Its easy. The first mission: search out an auction this weekend, and buy something. Type your zip code into AuctionZip.com to search for a local auction. Good luck! Share your favorite auction treasure hunting stories here.

(This type of hunting does not require camouflage.)

 

WTF is Kismet Junk?

kismet [kiz-mit] 1. fate, destiny. 

junk [juhngk] 1. anything old or discarded, not needed.

 

Its Saturday afternoon. You are shopping at your favorite thrift store when you turn the corner and spot an amazing bowl. Its as if the spotlights have been perfectly aimed toward this bowl, making it stand out amongst all the others. You remember a recent conversation with your husband questioning the amount of bowls stored in the kitchen cabinets.

But this bowl is unlike any other you have ever seen. Its funky, beautiful, and in terrific condition. Its love at first sight. Its kismet. How is it possible everyone else in the store has managed to overlook this treasure, and, more importantly, how could anyone ever discard this perfect vintage artifact? You stand in the aisle debating if the bowl . Is it a good size? Will it will blend with your decorating scheme? What would you use it for? Is it worth the price on the tag? After pondering the decision and for some unknown reason you decide against the purchase, leaving the beautiful bowl sitting on the store shelf. Later in the day, one nagging thought continues to plague your mind. "I should've bought that bowl. I could've used it on the desk for mail. It would've looked perfect. Darn it!"

 

(Beware of the could've, would've, should've trap.)

 

You race back to the store to learn your bowl has been snatched up by some other smart shopper. Sad and disappointed you  begin a journey to find a similar item, yet you are never quite able to find an acceptable replacement. We have all done this. It sucks!

(There is no such thing as junk.)

Now, let's discuss junk. The old adage is: "one man's junk is another's treasure". Its so true.  If you have the creative vision to look at an object and see its potential possibilities, anything can literally be transformed

If an item is old or used doesn't mean it's life is over. Often all that is needed is a little soap and water or a fresh coat of paint. Repurposing an item is a budget friendly alternative to buying new, plus its better for the environment. Why buy new when you can rescue something from taking up landfill space? You will end up with a customized piece rather than something mass produced. Think outside the box. Transform a vintage bird cage into a lamp. Utilize a hope chest as a coffee table. The idea's are endless. Even if creativity doesn't come naturally to you, look online for inspiration.

 

(Who doesn't love Pinterest?)

Remember: if you like it, use it. There are no rules when decorating. Your home should be a direct reflection of your family. Surround yourself with things you love, mementos that make you smile, and treasures from the past. Your history has made you who you are today. You can't enjoy grandma's china if its collecting dust in the cabinet. Embrace the memories and use the china for dinner tonight!

Now you know WTF Kismet Junk means. Its all about searching for unique items, embracing the journey to reclaim the past, incorporating eclectic elements into your design, and, if needed, repurposing for practical every day use.

 

(Follow the Kismet Junk blog.)