REPURPOSED OBJECTS

I have always loved galvanized metal, even before jumping aboard the industrial decor bandwagon. I have had this galvanized gas can lamp for YEARS!  Don't you love the red and blue?

In the summertime, we re-purpose galvanized metal tubs as fountains and container herb gardens. Those same tubs come inside when it's cold, where they are pressed into service, corralling gloves and hats near the front door.
 

Galvanized Tub re-purposed for storage

Notice that I've also jumped aboard the shoving-containers-under-furniture bandwagon.  Don't you love the way my old suitcases and metal tub look underneath my antique postal sorter?  Inside the tub are my beloved copies of Cottage Living magazine, R.I.P.  I swear, that magazine changed my life!  Don't you wish someone would revive it?  But I digress.  

        

Kay, Alan and Chloe

I was given this odd mesh and metal thing by my generous friend, Alan (there we are, with Chloe the Dachshund!)  He specialized in industrial antiques in his late, great store, PATINA, in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago.  

I'm not sure what it is/was, but it said, "I'm a lantern!" to ME.  During the baseball season, I burn inexpensive citronella pillar candles inside it while we sit on our patio, enjoying White Sox, Cubs or Cardinals games on the radio.  Opening day is the best day of the year when you're me!    

And finally, I found this pierced metal something-or-other at Lola's, and it immediately insisted, "I'm a luminary!"  It was crazy affordable, and I consider it quite a treasure.  Don't the flames look great, dancing through its pierced tin?  Keep your eyes open for metal objects you can re-purpose and add a little trendy industrial vibe to your decor!       

- Kay Holsted, Guest Contributor 

Kay Holsted is the owner of RedBird Vintage Home. Her amazing pillows are available at Lola's. RedBird Vintage Home was recently selected to set-up a store in West Elm in Lincoln Park, IL. <read entire post>. You can also view Kay's entire line of Pillow's in her Etsy store.