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What should I do with this box?

12 years ago

We own a lakeside cottage, and my husband found this wooden box under the house. It's about 15 inches wide and 2.5 inches deep.

I'm not a knick-knacky sort of person, but I'd like to figure out a way to use this box somewhere in the house decor.

Any ideas?

{{!gwi}}

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Comments (14)

fully2
12 years ago
Use on dresser or table for keys, loose change, or in junk drawer for paper clips, rubber bands etc. Hang on wall with antique fishing lures, old keys, cabin artifacts
jakabedy
12 years ago
Maybe in the guest bath. Washcloths/guest towels rolled into the cubbies?
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I had that exact pink and brown tile in my last house. I must have tried 10 different decorating schemes in there; the pink is hard to coordinate with. I ended up replacing the vanity and used plain white 4x4 tile on it. That looked okay, and might look okay over your shower surround. A little awkward, but okay. I could also envision just using some sheet formica up there, well caulked; if you want to do something cool, get "boomerang" or some other 50s-inspired pattern and play up the kitsch factor. I discovered that it was going to be a big challenge to replace the bath/shower fixtures (mine were brass, very corroded - ick!). It sounded like I would have to rip out tile to get to the valve and plumbing inner workings, as you can't just pop on new handles and tub spouts very easily. But you can replace the shower head relatively easily. As far as figuring out whether it's structurally sound, I guess I'd go into the crawl space and try to inspect the floor under the tub and toilet. Poke at the wood with a screw driver and see what happens. If you replace your toilet, you'll have a chance to see if any horrors lie underneath - in mine, the subfloor was not in great shape (thanks to a previous owner who liked carpet in her bathrooms :) If you don't see rot, I would guess your bathroom will last a long time. I've read in the New York Times that tile from the 50s was made really strong. (I'm attaching a fun link you've probably already visited, but just in case...) Here is a link that might be useful: Pink Bathrooms
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Sorry, don't know what happened to the first pic i posted. It was from the internet, maybe someone recognized it and pulled it? I'll try to describe. It was like your set-up, but they framed out the edges from the highest part of the box down to the main part of the ceiling with layers of molding. Kind of like rectangular rings, so it actually reduced the size of the box a bit, as it stepped upward and inward. It was painted the same color as the ceiling, then there was a small chandelier hanging from the center of the box. If you need to cover some of the electrical box, you could use those embossed ceiling tiles and paint them to match it all. I'm off to search for another pic, because it really was a great look. edited to add: Found it! The pic is still on the internet, but I'll link to the blog instead... Here is a link that might be useful: Updated light box This post was edited by olychick on Wed, Apr 3, 13 at 12:57
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lindac
12 years ago
Put it on a table by the door that's used most often.....the use will become apparent.
Linda C
nancybee_2010
12 years ago
If you have a collection of small items, you could hang it up on a wall and put those in it.
meowzer
12 years ago
1. Plant herbs.

2. Paint white and/or 2-3 other color(s) that match your decor and hang on a wall -- square or diamond orientation.

3. Do #2 and nestle photos of your kids (grandkids?) into the squares (diamonds).

4. Enlarge a favorite photo (of your lake? or cottage? or whatever) to the full size of the box, then cut it into 12 pieces to fit into the squares. Hang on wall in current rustic state.

5. Fill sections with colorful marbles that match your decor (all blues in one; greens in another, etc.) and place on a table as decoration.
treasuretheday
12 years ago
I LOVE meowzer's idea #4, especially with a black & white photo... that would look SO cool! (I need to find myself a box like that...)
meowzer
12 years ago
Had another idea . . .

6. Place votive candles (in glass containers for safety) in each square and set flat on table. Wouldn't that be pretty with all lit?
mclarke
Original Author
12 years ago
OOOooooooooooh, these are all such great suggestions!

Now I have to think, and decide, and think...

I think I'll need to hang it up, since counter, drawer and table space is minimal here.

I do have some antique fishing bobs that might work.

Hang on...

I put some in, just to see how they'd look. What do you think? I like it. I'm a big fan of Joseph Cornell. I have to channel Mr. Cornell on a day he went fishing...

I'll have to get some more. I feel some ebay shopping coming on, LOL...
meowzer
12 years ago
It looks fabulous, mclarke! Have fun filling your unique box with treasures. :)
Sueb20
12 years ago
We have similar boxes hanging on the wall in our beach cottage. We filled the cubbies with everything from shells and rocks to Simpsons Pez dispensers... not sure how much you can see in this pic:
mclarke
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for posting that photo, sueb. Your boxes are wonderful. Where did they come from?

LOVE the sign... "No Malicious Cannonballing" -- HAHAHAHA!
Sueb20
12 years ago
They came from Pottery Barn.

Glad you like the sign. It was one of those things where we saw it in the store, laughed, but didn't buy it. DD, age 10, kept talking about it afterward, so finally we had to go back and get it!
mclarke
Original Author
12 years ago
Of COURSE you had to go back and get it. I understand perfectly.

Yes, Pottery Barn!

I saw them in the catalogue not long ago, and almost bought one. My son brought me to my senses when he said, "Mom, it's really nice but we don't have ROOM for it at the cottage."

I guess the decorating gods heard me and put a little box under the cottage for me to find.

I loved, LOVED the little numbers under each cubby on your boxes. I'll have to see if I can find little numbers for mine.

Love numbered cubbies. They make me feel organized, lol.
dalmadarling
12 years ago
Lakeside cottage? Why not keep shells / small treasures found on your adventures!
Thought of this photo when I saw the box- could be a fun display simlar to this with other eclectic finds.
https://www.houzz.com/photos/folk-art-in-the-family-room-beach-style-family-room-los-angeles-phvw-vp~189444-art-in-the-family-room-eclectic-family-room-los-angeles

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