See how some imagination, a bit of elbow grease, some home improvement store supplies and repurposed flea market finds lend style and function to a kitchen and pantry.

Pantry doors

Transform a plain pantry into a space reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century small-town market.

Bond Bread doors at Brimfield

These old shop doors advertising Bond Bread, found at the Brimfield flea market, came from a general store in Maine. They could date back to 1915, when General Baking Company first introduced the product. Hannah and I just couldn’t pass them up and knew we’d find a use for them.

Bond Bread door detail

Retrofitted with new hinges and pulls, these doors needed very little elbow grease to show off their original charm.

Pantry interior

A reach-in-size closet becomes an ample pantry with the addition of suspended shelving, organizers and clear, stackable containers.

Wood beverage crate

There was a time when soda companies delivered bottles of cold sarsaparilla and root beer right to customers’ doorsteps (think milkman, but fizzier).

Vintage crate with potatoes

Their sturdy wooden crates make great pantry storage.

Wheeled crate of potatoes

Affix wheels to the bottom to create a rolling bin for potatoes, onions and other goods that can be stored away under shelves.

Washtub kitchen island

Turn a galvanized washtub on its original stand into a rolling kitchen cart with a butcher block work top. (If you plan to use it as a cutting surface, be sure to lock the wheels.)

Vintage wash tub

What You’ll Need

  • Vintage galvanized washtub
  • Measuring tape, pencil
  • Butcher block cut to fit over washtub basin
  • 2 x 4–inch blocks of wood
  • Wood screws
  • Galvanized drawer pull

Measure the width and length of the washtub interior and transfer those measurements to draw a rectangle in the center on the back of the butcher block. Cut blocks of 2 x 4 studs about 6 to 10 inches long and, using wood screws, attach the blocks to the butcher block just inside the line of the interior measurements on all four sides. This will stabilize it.

Turn the butcher block over and place it on top of the washtub. Press in place to ensure a snug fit. Fasten drawer pull to side of washtub to act as a towel holder.

Crocheted chicken tassels on flour sack towel

Who could resist kitchen towels with crocheted chicken tassels? If you come across gems like these and want to refresh them, soak them in plain water for 10 to 15 minutes. Then hand-wash them in warm water with mild detergent made for delicate linens. Air-dry in the sun, if possible.

 

© Caruth Studio

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