The Whimsy Of Collected Found Objects For The Home

One of the ways of adding individualization and character to a home is to include a variety of found objects. These can be from a variety of eras, venues and locations. Over the years many people have incorporated antiques into their décor from a variety of eras. Many are armoires, desks, works of art, tables, fittings, chairs, and so on. But there are also found objects that might not be classified as antiques (100 years old or older) but can be interesting additions to the décor of the house. 

One of the most interesting uses of found objects I have ever seen was incorporated into a house in Nova Scotia. The homeowners, both architects and owners of a salvage company incorporated several items in their 1500 square foot home that became focal points to the decor. A carved wood sign adorns the front of the kitchen island and all the counter tops and the cabinets were salvaged from a convent in Halifax. The unique tub/shower surround is a reclaimed acrylic sign. All of this whimsy actually comes in a house that is seriously energy efficient, both Passive House and LEED for Homes certified. 

Another example of a whimsical object is a light once said to be used on the movie set of The Right Stuff. It also became an interesting focal point in this Cloverdale, California home.

Objects of interest can be transformed for other uses. For example, old earthenware jars, baskets or a variety of other objects can become lamps and cutting down the legs of old dinner tables, they can easily become coffee tables. Old doors can be remodeled to become barn doors. With a bit of creativity, a few tools and some know-how, many of these conversions can be done by do-it-yourselfers. 

Using such objects not only adds interest to the décor but it keeps interesting items from going into a landfall. With a bit of creativity these pieces can add an interesting aspect to the home. 

These types of objects can be fun to search out. Rescued objects can sometimes be found with antique dealers and consignment shops. There are also architectural salvage dealers in many locations.   Fun objects can also be picked up at garage sales, consignment shops, pawn shops, auctions and estate sales. Many objects can be found on the Internet through Cariagslist, Habitat for Hunanity’s ReStore, Ebay, and Recycler’s World. 

One of the fun and creative parts of purchasing these objects is finding a new use for them to enhance the home.