Some gals will make impulse buys of shoes, purses, jewelry. Me? I come home with beautiful architectural salvage like THIS….
SCORE!! Am I right? You know it. Now, I have to ask, do you know what it is? Think old, big, and farm.
So, it’s a gable vent off of an antique barn. It’s huge, missing pieces, and full of awesome patina. Lemme just say that things like this aren’t found in a big box store. AND they tell a story all their own.
Usually when I make a purchase like this I try to find out as much of the background story as I can. Knowing the details adds to my own home story by creating a whole new chapter.
DETAILS
Did I know what I would do with this? Not so much. However, I knew I’d find a spot somewhere. I’ve had this blank spot on my bedroom wall that I’ve been looking for just the right piece. I’m kinda picky, and also in no rush. I wait and it always pays off.
Funny thing is, I wasn’t necessarily shopping for me when I ran across this. You can see how I’ve used other salvaged parts in my home in this video tour below. Or check these posts HERE and HERE.
CHANGING IT UP
First, since I bought the vent second-hand (not straight off the barn) it is already wired to be hung. All I needed to do was center it on my wall and add two screws for extra support.
Then, my next question was what to put in that big empty space it had. Certainly, I can leave it as-is. However, I feel it begs to be filled with a collection or another find.
You see, all good junkers have a stash. My stash is often filled with antique mirrors – mostly because I’m waiting for my dream home to pop up. I just so happens that I have this mirror that is the exact size of the opening. What are the chances right? It’s so pretty.
All I need to do is mount it to the wall my decor is complete.
SALVAGE DECOR
Here is my new setup in my bedroom. Notice I have architectural salvage showcased in just about every corner.
A perfect fit for my empty spot, and also added depth to my room. Mirrors reflect not only your image, but also add light and the appearance of a larger space. (hence my fascination with them) This set of mirrors above my bed is from an antique vanity I custom refinished for a client.
MORE
Most everything in my home is either found, made, or salvaged. You won’t find me shopping the imported goods in a box store. Nah. I’d rather make it my own.
Are you feeling inspired? This is fun for me to share how my quirky brain works when I see “trashure”. Don’t pass up those funky, misfit pieces because they will fit into your home story.
Pass along the fun with architectural salvage and inspire others. Also, pin and share.
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More decor using architectural salvage:
I love it ! Did you make the little sheep pillow on bed ?
Thanks! I didn’t but a reader made it on by request for me. You can find the pattern HERE.
Lori; I can bet my life on it that Larissa did make that darling sheep pillow. Looks. like she might had used an old bedspread. Wouldn’t you just want to curl up with that little guy? (sorry, got a bit side tracked about your lamb pillow)
Larissa; me having lived in the country and growing up on a farm many, many moons ago, I knew right off hand what that item was and I thought to myself; ‘where in the world did she come across something like that’. Nothing like that you would see in a thrift store.
The mirror is perfect fit for it and looks Great.
Well…you may not want to go that far. haha. I crochet mostly and can do the bobble stitch, but this patterns was a knit pattern. I asked a reader to make it for me because I didn’t have time. I just love it! And the barn vent is a sweet addition.
Love it!!
Yay! It sure made me happy to call it my own.
Oh it’s just perfect!!!
I’m doing a happy patina dance! 😀
I love it too, knew it was a barn vent also, I am a farm girl as well
Yes! It brings back so many memories for me.
Gosh girl, I really love that vent! But, I guess I wouldn’t want to keep that mirror next to all that naturally aged wood. I’d keep your eye out for a larger mirror. Have you ever tried Danish Oil to bring back and preserve old wood? I have seen it used and it is awesome. I am jealous of your vent!
I love it too and my pairing suits me just fine. 🙂 I don’t want to alter that patina in the mirror or the wood.
I want to know more about the walls and ceiling! I want to do a bedroom but don’t want to spend a fortune .
We have all the details in our bedroom remodel right HERE. Feel free to ask questions. Each post links to the next post in the process, so look for those near the end.
This is such a cool piece!! It looks fantastic in your bedroom! XO
Too good to pass up. Thanks so much, Christy.