Barn doors used as a headboard, shelves supported by 1800s corbels, an old mail sorter hung on the wall as a wine rack or a bench made from the tailgate of a ‘57 Chevy pick up; everywhere you look it is apparent that the “re-purposing” bug that first hit in 2012 is alive and thriving in 2015.
If the images on HGTV and the design pages of Facebook have you thinking you might try your hand at reinventing a piece of salvage, we have a wealth of great shops available right here in Indy. But be prepared, this is not your normal shopping experience! In the words of noted author and salvage expert Thomas O’Gorhman, “these places are a cross between a Hollywood prop room and an elephant burial ground.”
Ready for an adventure? Then let me share with you some of my favorite haunts, where junk is the order of the day and the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
Audrey’s Place, 3228 E. 10th Street in Indianapolis, has long been a favorite of Indy treasure hunters. Antique and MCM furniture, unique decor items, and a large selection of mantels, fretwork, corbels, columns, and iron pieces place this shop at the top of my “must see” list. If you are in the market for a nice piece stained glass, you needn’t look further. John Britain and his crew have assembled one of the best selection in Indiana. For store hours call (317) 266-1644 or visit them online at audreysplacefurniture.com
Doc Keys, owner of Doc’s Architectural Salvage & Reclamation Services at 1325 W. 30th Street in Indianapolis, is considered by many to be the area’s leading expert on home restoration and salvage. His Indianapolis location offers not only a large selection of architectural finds, but also provides services, including furniture refurnishing and restoration of antique light fixtures. For store hours call (317) 924-4000 or visit them online at docsarchitecturalsalvage.com Just 40 minutes south of Indianapolis, and well worth the drive, you will find a treasure-trove for repurposers called Small Town Salvage. Owners Jeff Gindling and Diane Schulz spend much of their time traveling the Midwest salvaging old barns and houses and hauling their finds to 291 E. Two Cent Road in Bargersville. NOTE: This is a pop-up shop so check out their Facebook page or give them a call at 765-914-0892 for information on future dates. Their next scheduled event for this year is Sunday, November 22nd.
Long time salvage guru Tim Harmon and his partner Julie Crow have assembled truly unique architectural and garden pieces, vintage clothing, textiles and an interesting selection of artwork for a shopping experience they call “Tim and Julie’s Another Fine Mess.” Go prepared to explore because, as the name denotes, this is a no-frill, just great junk, kind of place. You will find them on the near east side of Indianapolis at 2901 E. 10th Street. Appointments are recommended by calling. 317-239-2148 or LIKE their page on Facebook for current items in stock.
With thousand of building demolished in the U.S. each year and over 8,000,000 tons of furniture discarded annually, it would appear that the salvage yards will be well stocked for many years to come. So, if you have been considering trying your hand at repurposing, let me leave you with these words from Thomas Edison. When asked the key to his success, he replied “…all you need is a good imagination, and a pile of junk”. Until next time….Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com.
