The Insider: A professional's guide to junk-hunting

 

Kate Burt
Sunday 27 January 2013 01:00 GMT
Comments
Reclamation projects: It helps to have a plan as to the sort of objects you're looking for before entering junk shops such as Aladdin's Cave in London
Reclamation projects: It helps to have a plan as to the sort of objects you're looking for before entering junk shops such as Aladdin's Cave in London (Alamy)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A new TV show for junk nerds started this month on Sky Arts 2 (Tuesdays, 8pm). Design Dealers follows Sarah Brunner and Paul Liengaard as they trawl flea markets to furnish some of the UK's swishest spaces. As frugal furnishing infiltrates the mainstream, I asked Brunner for her shopping list…

Gotta have it

"Recognise what fills you with 'object lust' – then think about how to get it into your home. For example, I love 1970s glitter drum kits: wall-mounted, they're shelves for rolled-up blankets; on the floor, a side-table. Approach junk-hunting by thinking: 'What do I want to look at?'"

Out and a spout

"Teapots have many lovely uses. I like them as outdoor planters hung at intervals with wire."

Leg up

"You can do loads with gorgeously old, paint-spattered ladders, such as wall-mounting one horizontally and using it as a book shelf."

Brass action

"Lots of things can be made into lights – even musical instruments. I illuminated a euphonium by threading a lamp holder through it. Brass is one of 2013's big trends, too."

Look and learn

"Find sources of inspiration before you go out: I love the repurposing at jamesplumb.co.uk: it bridges the gap between art and utility."

Slope off

Wooden skis are just beautiful. I like fixing them on walls – minus the foot holders – to hang fabric from. You can also make beautiful coat stands by using three of them lashed together upright." Sound daunting? If you aren't crafty – just source a good maker. You could also hire Sarah Brunner's skills via the Design Dealers Facebook page.

More images for some of these ideas – and others – can be seen in today's post at Kate's blog, yourhomeislovely.com

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in