Decorating With Everyday Artifacts (p.22)
Five Architectural Elements Transformed

By Kim Shoemaker

Older homes and buildings are quickly disappearing, but we can savor part of the past by using some of their salvage to help decorate and personalize our own homes.

1. OLD PORCH POTENTIAL. The possibilities are endless with various porch elements – corbels can be used as shelf brackets or bookends, while finials look fabulous when grouped together on a bookshelf. Columns double as great stands for plants and birdhouses, or can be cut down to serve as a unique table base. Sections of porch railing are striking when hanging above a bed or placed above a fireplace mantle or doorway, and spindles can make creative and beautiful candleholders.

2. DOORS. An old door can be given new life as a headboard or when used as the top to a desk. Smaller doors – maybe those off of an old stepback cupboard – can be paired together above a mantle … try layering this decorating alternative with a wreath, mirror, or other accessory. Hinge together two or more doors to construct an instant room divider; or focusing on its fabulous look, lean a door with wonderful patina against a wall.

3. MOLDING. Decorative molding from older homes often has incredible detail that is not found these days. However, hanging one of these wonderful pieces above an existing doorway or window will add instant dimension and character to any room. Molding with a couple of inches of depth can easily be used as a shelf, or try hanging several smaller pieces on a dining room wall to artistically display plates, platters, or family photos.

4. HARDWARE. Hardware found in old homes can have a plethora of new functions. Doorknobs and faucets can be cleverly mounted to a board for use as a coat or towel rack. A collection of doorknobs grouped together in a dough bowl makes a distinctive statement, while old heating grates make excellent trivets. You can also simply reuse the old hardware for its original purpose.

5. OLD BUILDING DETAILS. There are many architectural details from old offices or stores that offer unusual and unique shapes and add wonderful character to a home. Hang these items on a wall or display them on a shelf. Think outside of the box and if there is a way to hang an interesting detail (you might have to add hooks or hangers to the piece), try it on a wall. Often, these magnificent relics add immediate visual interest and give personality to any room. Down spouts typically made of zinc make great conversation pieces. Iron stars on the outside of buildings offer a quick decorative detail, and snow dogs can double as bookends or be hung upside down as candle sconces. Old ceiling tin, frequently found in large square segments, can be framed and used as a magnet board or help add instant intrigue to any bare wall.

Kim Shoemaker is the owner of Old Magnolia Trading Company, located at 213 S. White St. in Downtown Wake Forest. She can be reached at 919-562-8867 or visit www.oldmagnolia.com. You can also find Old Magnolia on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oldmagnolia.