Desperate Times Call for Funky Measures
I’ve been back in my library this week, because just like so many other times, I finished one project which made me realize I needed to do another. Remember my new office chair I showed you last week?
We’ve been loving it. It’s the perfect combination of trendy and cozy. But, I’ve been haunted more than ever by the big empty wall behind it which I’ve lovingly named The Green Monster in honor of the Red Sox fans who live here.
If you’re a regular here, you know I’m saving up for built-in bookshelves, so I haven’t really done anything with that wall because I know it will eventually come down. But “eventually” could be a long time from now, so I decided something needed to be done.
Enter old rickety ladder from the garage…
If I had to guess, I would say at least 99 out of 100 Americans clean out their garages by hauling things off to the dump or Goodwill. Not me. I’m that 1 out of the 100 that cleans out the garage by bringing the stuff into the house. (Note Exhibit A)
We acquired this ladder 11 years ago when it was left at our previous house by the construction crew. (Yes, we’ve held onto it that long.) I had a feeling it may just work as a bookshelf behind the desk.
The white paint spatters were all original and perfect, but I wanted a hint of color, too, so I mixed up a little craft paint in peacock and shlocked it on a little here and there.
My husband cut some boards for me from a stack of leftover decking lumber we had (yes, we keep everything), and in less than an hour, it was in place.
I accessorized it with a few things from around the house, like some old books…
My Paris postcards…
And a wire basket with old documents (a.k.a. scrapbook paper rolled up and tied with twine)…
I never thought of myself as a Funky Junk type of girl, but I’m loving my new old bookshelf. And it didn’t cost me a dime. I’m loving that, too.
So which one do you like better? The former…
Or the ladder?
I’ll take the ladder. And here’s a little challenge for you… why not shop your garage or attic and see what funky junk you come up with.
And if you need more inspiration, visit Donna at Funky Junk Interiors. She knows funky.
Be sure to come back and tell me what you find!
I’m sharing my find with a few of these sites. Check them out for more inspiration!
August 9, 2011 @ 6:08 pm
Great creative idea! I like the ladder.
August 9, 2011 @ 6:12 pm
I LOVE this! What a great idea! Now I need to go find an old ladder!
August 9, 2011 @ 6:13 pm
I'm loving the ladder…er…latter…
August 9, 2011 @ 6:16 pm
Love it!
Blessings,
Lorilee
August 9, 2011 @ 7:22 pm
i love funkified junk..the ladder works well with your room, so my vote is the latter!
judi
August 9, 2011 @ 8:54 pm
the ladder looks very cool behind the desk , great job
August 9, 2011 @ 9:05 pm
That is amazingly awesome! 🙂
August 9, 2011 @ 9:27 pm
are you the most clever person ever? maybe so – you've got my vote. Looks like a great stand in until you get those custom bookcases. 🙂
August 9, 2011 @ 11:08 pm
Love the ladder-you get the "look" without all the expense and it will serve you well until "someday". xo Diana
August 10, 2011 @ 12:10 am
har dee har! you are clever! i like the "ladder". 😉 it adds some height to that space and i like it!
August 10, 2011 @ 12:18 am
great idea, your ladder shelf turned out really good, I like the touches of blue you added
August 10, 2011 @ 3:17 am
SO creative!! Looks so great.
August 10, 2011 @ 4:39 am
The ladder! I'm jealous. I want it.
August 10, 2011 @ 10:14 am
What a great and easy idea! Love love love the look!
August 10, 2011 @ 1:05 pm
Oh, how wonderful that ladder looks as shelving! It is perfect in your office area.
August 10, 2011 @ 4:02 pm
really cute…
August 10, 2011 @ 6:31 pm
I'd go shopping in our garage, but Mr. Wonderful has turned the 3rd garage into a "war zone". There should be a sign that says "ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!"
August 11, 2011 @ 8:58 pm
What an awesome idea! I have ladders and might just give this a try.
August 12, 2011 @ 12:43 am
What an awesome idea! I just love it! Thanx for sharing!
August 12, 2011 @ 2:14 am
this is awesome! i have a ladder I could do this with I think…just have to keep it out of sight of my toddler 😉
love you union jack pillow on the chair too!
August 12, 2011 @ 2:28 am
Very cool! I just picked up a old ladder for free the other day, I love your idea!
August 12, 2011 @ 8:02 am
LOVE this little makeover!
hi – *waves* – just over from miss mustard seed.
loving this ladder……off to search for bits around my house and yard!!
cheryl xox.
August 12, 2011 @ 2:18 pm
wow, so cool. i love it and all your accessories you've used to style it. great job!
August 12, 2011 @ 4:36 pm
What a FUNKY idea! 🙂 You aren't afraid to "go there" as the kids would say. Very nice…might have to borrow this idea for a ladder/bookcase sometime 🙂
Visiting from Miss Mustard Seed's Linky Party today.
~Suzanne in IL
August 13, 2011 @ 7:19 pm
Your Ladder Shelf just rocks 😉
August 13, 2011 @ 11:20 pm
i'd love to feature your ladder on my blog. let me know if this would be ok with you.
lauren
August 14, 2011 @ 3:18 am
Super cute- love your little ladder! I had to laugh at your comment about cleaning out the garage by bringing things into your house… yeah.. been there… do that. lol! Sharing this on FB~ thanks for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday!
August 14, 2011 @ 1:19 pm
Hey, this is my first time to your blog and I am totally loving what you did with that ladder! But I am also seeing a awesomely cool blue leather chair and a cool Union Jack pillow that I am going to peruse the rest of your blog to look for!! Love your office space!
XoXo,
Kristal
August 14, 2011 @ 6:56 pm
What a fun project, it's a good think you held on to all of your "junk" ;).
August 15, 2011 @ 6:41 am
What a great idea!! So clever and unique! I love it!
August 25, 2011 @ 3:20 pm
I just recently painted a very similar old ladder marigold. I'm definitely adding some shelves to it now. Great idea. LOVE it.
September 17, 2011 @ 3:46 pm
I like the ladder/latter, of course! Wonderful job and LOVE the blue paint highlights. I have a ladder on my patio for baskets and two more waiting in the wings for just…the…right…spot. BTW, love your whole office vibe. It's wonderful!
January 18, 2012 @ 3:28 am
Ummmm….ladder looks much better! Make me want to go out ladder hunting!
July 6, 2012 @ 12:46 pm
I LOVE it!! I have been wanting to get my hands on an old wood ladder for a long time. So cute.