It’s never too late to start a new chapter

Most of us wouldn’t dream of bringing home an extra toaster or coffeemaker or television just because we found one we liked. We replace those things when we need to. We’d feel a little foolish to have appliances stacked in the garage or tucked in to closets because we just couldn’t resist picking up another one.

But antiques and collectibles are another thing. We buy them when we see them, confident we’ll find a way to fit a piece into our homes, willing to hang onto something until that space opens.

For me, architectural elements – old windows, newel posts, gingerbread porch trim from a Victorian “painted lady” are almost impossible to resist. So I usually don’t.

I like the challenge of finding ways to incorporate these old pieces into my décor.

A large window frame, peeling paint and all, hangs on my living room wall. Two small landscapes – favorite pieces of art that move with me from place to place – are hung inside the old window frame. It catches my eye and offers a frame within a frame view of the little paintings.

In the corner a Native American basket, made by the Cherokee Indians of North Carolina, sits on an old porch post. To me, both pieces have stories to tell and I’ve found a way to bring them into the house.

But there are other pieces that are still waiting. I haven’t figured out where they belong.

For inspiration I turn to the stack of magazines I keep for just that purpose. When I get a quiet minute I like to pour a cup of tea and look for clever ideas.

For years now, architectural salvage has been popular with decorators and collectors. These pieces tend to have a lot of impact. They are tangible pieces of the history of homes and home towns cross the country. Most shelter magazines feature illustrations with re-purposed pieces in them.

I’ve got the magazines. I’ve always got tea. When I get a little free time I’m going to light a fire and start turning pages.