I’ve been collecting “junk” as long as I can remember. Growing up, I lived in a small neighborhood in a very small town in Western Michigan. On occasion, my friend and I would ride our bikes to the neighborhood dump and search for treasures among the trash. I tell my kids that’s what I did for fun in the “olden days.” I recall bringing home bits and pieces of old dishes, and other small cast off items. One day, we were lucky enough to find an old Singer sewing machine and somehow hauled that thing home.
Rescuing and repurposing items from the past is still something I love to do today. I regularly visit thrift shops, but I also frequent a local salvage store here in Seattle called Ballard Reuse. This store is a treasure trove of architectural salvage of just about every type you can imagine.
This is the aisle with old cabinet doors, shutters and windows. They have stacks of architectural bits and pieces just waiting to be turned into something new.
I could seriously spend all day looking through this stuff. Not even kidding. I may have bought one of those stair spindles for something fun. . .
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On a recent visit, I found an old chippy white piece of door crown molding. I gave it a quick sanding to remove the loose bits of paint, cleaned it up, added two D-Ring Picture Hangers 
After adding the D rings, the ledge tipped slightly forward. To compensate for that, and to make the ledge level, I added a couple of Furniture Round Felt Pads (like the kind you stick to the bottom of furniture legs to prevent scratching the floor) to the back corners of the ledge. This worked perfectly to create a level surface.
On a side note, these old painted pieces can contain lead. If you are concerned, I suggest testing with a lead paint test kit like this one.
The round mirror was a HomeGoods find. I hung it a couple of months ago, and it looked a little lonely all by itself. The repurposed crown molding creates a narrow ledge that is the perfect size for displaying a few small items and flowers.
I like the authentic, naturally chippy and worn patina.
When my mom downsized into a smaller apartment, she sent me her collection of old milk bottles, among other things (gee, I wonder where I get my love of junk collecting?). I was so happy to get them. They are the perfect size to display a few flower stems. Ranuculus are a springtime favorite of mine. The stems naturally bend and lean to create a casual, loose arrangement.
I also collect old mason jars. This clear one with the metal cap is my most recent find. They make perfect vases, don’t they?
Happy Spring and happy treasure hunting to you all!
Linking with Home Stories A to Z, Craftberry Bush, Colors + Crafts, Worthing Court, Naptime Creations, Funky Junk Interiors
I LOVE the simplicity and all the white. You must not have small children or grandchildren! I’d love to create a room just like this some day. There’s a Habitat for Humanity store nearby and I go in there frequently but leave empty handed most days because my mind goes blank looking at all the options! Thanks for the inspiration.
Hi Janice – Guess what? I have kids and pets. I know! My kids are a bit older now, but even when they small, I had a lot of white in my home. The secret is washable slipcovers. I also have a hand held shark vacuum that is great for in between washings to pick up crumbs and pet hair. I probably would not have been able to put flowers on a display ledge over my couch when they were younger, though. They for sure would have knocked that down! So happy to hear that I have inspired you. Susan
What a great idea — this looks lovely! 🙂 I love that you kept the natural patina of the wood — so special. Thanks for sharing the DIY!
Thank you so much! Susan
Hi Susan,
I absolutely love your ideas. I remembering babysitting and loved the way yo decorated! Hope all is well.
Hi Roxie! We sure do miss you here in Seattle! You would not even believe how big the kids are these days – both in middle school already. I remember you were Sadie’s very first babysitter! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! Susan
Such a beautiful display ledge for some amazing looking flowers. Thanks for linking up to the create link inspire party. I featured it on my blog today.
Thank you so much, Rachel. I am thrilled that you are featuring it on your blog! Susan
Thank you, Susan, for the tip re making your shelf more level. My husband passed away three years ago and a few months before that, he made a display shelf for me. I eventually sold the house and moved into a condo and knew where I wanted the ledge hung but I find it slopes a little. Today, I’ll fasten two furniture pads to the back (at the lower edge) and see if that fixes the slight lean. I like your decorating style; it looks very welcoming and not too “staged” and sure wish I had your Drexel adjustable coffee table! It’s a real treasure!
Thank you so much, Elaine, for your nice comments. I am so sorry about the loss of your husband, but what a wonderful way to remember him with the display ledge he made for you. I do hope the little furniture pads help to level it for you. Warmly, Susan