Have you ever thought about how to take advantage of those high-traffice areas, like hallways, that don't get used much other than getting from one room to another?
This is one of those spaces in our home. It is too narrow for a permanent piece of furniture, so it has just remained unused for the most part.
Well, here is an idea I decided to try out...based upon a flea market find from a while back. Actually, it is an occasional sale purchase.
See that galvanized metal box? I was told that it had something to do with dairy farms and receipts for the milk. It opens up like this...
...and you can store all kinds of things! Here are a few ideas:
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| note: postcards shown are from Amy at four corners design |
4 IDEAS FOR REPURPOSING
A VINTAGE DAIRY RECEIPT BOX
- STATIONERY STATION: Keep your stationery, greeting cards, postcards, pens, and postage in one area. Use it as a letter writing station.
- BILL CENTER: Need to keep those bills organized? Store bills, the checkbook, pens, and a calculator. Use it as a bill paying center.
- INSPIRATION BOARD: How about organizing all those magazine pages, room sketches, and other forms of inspiration in an uncluttered way? Sketch out your next inspired room or project.
- KID'S PORTABLE ART DESK: Keep paper, scissors, etc. all in one place. Kids can create while it's hanging on the wall. OR grab it off the wall and take it portable!
Add a piece of artwork above.
Move in a stool from around the corner and, voila!, a usable workspace!
When not in use, it simply folds up and becomes part of the decor.
Do you have any other ideas for how this junk find could be used?
Love this! Wish I could find one. Is it magnetic? If so, you could always stick inspiration pics or important notes on the front when it is closed.
ReplyDeleteWhat an creative idea! :) I love it. Megan
ReplyDeleteThat is a fantastic find and use for it!
ReplyDeleteI promised to share about mine also. I have two of these fabulous file boxes. I "recovered" them on my own farm and yes, they had paperwork pertaining to the cattle operation in them. The one I used (keep in mind this was about 10 years ago)I spray painted inside and out, then used for my machine quilting records, measurements and patterns. Like your post, I didn't have much room where my quilter was set up so I could conveniently fold it up when I needed it out of the way. Now, years later, I'm ready to go out and retrieve the other one that didn't get painted...love that natural metal look!!
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful idea...it is junky and sleek at the same time...now how exactly do you keep accomplishing THAT? :)
ReplyDeletewww.NorthernCottage.net
What a great piece and we love anything dairy related. I would use it for school related papers, like extra cheques, envelopes and pens for last minute trip forms/test signing/etc. as we rush out the door to school/work.
ReplyDeleteI have another idea too. My boys are very involved in 4-H clubs and we would keep their schedules, maps to farms and fairs, and animal registration/permission forms tucked away but accessible on the way out for meetings.
ReplyDeleteThat is very cool, it looks great opened or closed.
ReplyDeleteI love this post! What a cool find!
ReplyDeletexo Becca
Very clever - I like it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea and it looks fantastic in your hallway!
ReplyDeleteLove this piece.So many possibilities.Looks amazing in your home.
ReplyDeleteAnne
GREAT idea! I do remember seeing something like that in the barn when I was a kid. I think it was in our milkhouse though and it was used to keep records of the milk picked up. What a great old piece to have! xo Diana
ReplyDelete?So cool!!! Love the galvanized message holder!! And how you used it.
ReplyDeleteHugs
SueAnn
PS - I wanted to let you know that we are passing on the Versatile Blogger Award to you - Stop by Our Pinteresting Family to learn more about the award.
ReplyDeleteMegan
T This is really cool, never would have thought of this!
ReplyDeleteUmm... this is absolutely adorable!!! I want one :)
ReplyDeleteI think you are my hero! I love it... but then I love everything you do!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting my party!
Love this!
ReplyDeleteGood morning. Your blog is always an inspiration. I love containers... any size, any shape. So this one is right up my alley and I love the unique use of it. If you're interested take a look at my most recent post and another one titled, "Box it." Again, thank you so much for hosting the talent scouting party. It was a great honor to be one of the 17 finalists. You're great!
ReplyDeleteI saw this on Stacy embracing change and had to take a closer look. What a Fabulous find & GREAT idea! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDelete-Jacque @theDIYvillage.com
Oh that's so cute!! Lovely idea on the wall there!! :) :) Happy weekend to you!
ReplyDeletebet magnets could be added inside. useful. handy. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love this and want one!
ReplyDeleteohhh, how awesome! That's a great find. Love the functionality of it.
ReplyDeletethanks so much for linking up and linking back to catch as catch can!
gail
well, isn't this a cute idea! Love it!! I like the metal look, and what a find! You repurposed it beautifully! Excited to be your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen anything like that--so cool. What a great way to both make the hallway a more functional place and still keep it open. My only dairy-related find is an egg carton carrier that we turned into a firewood carrier. (You can see it here: http://www.thissortaoldlife.com/2012/01/27/too-much-stuff/) We found it on top of dumpster behind a restaurant in Portland. Free is the best price!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Love this and if you did not have much space, this would be such a great space-saving solution! You are so clever! Thanks for linking up and sharing at my party - please come back next week!
ReplyDeleteStacey of Embracing Change
What an incredible find. And a brilliant way to use it. Pinning it...
ReplyDeleteI went to a flea market yesterday and came back with a heap of possible treasures. Now to the thinking department.
http://altered-artworks.blogspot.com
I love it!! What a neat treasure and fantastic idea for your space~ it's perfect!! Sharing at the party tonight- Thanks for linking up at Feathered Nest Friday!!
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool! I'll be looking for one of those now!
ReplyDeleteI L O V E T H I S ! ! ! Wow, what a cool idea and I love that it's galvanized.
ReplyDeleteawesome!!!
I am new to your blog. Love your idea!
ReplyDeleteLOVE your painting too! Where did you get it?
Too cool. Reminds me of the very modern IKEA fold-down laptop station, yet I love the earthy vintage look of this one.
ReplyDelete