Desperate Times Call for Funky Measures

I've been back in my library this week, because just like so many other times, I finished one project which made me realize I needed to do another. Remember my new office chair I showed you last week?

We've been loving it. It's the perfect combination of trendy & cozy. But, I've been haunted more than ever by the big empty wall behind it which I've lovingly named The Green Monster in honor of the Red Sox fans who live here.

If you're a regular here, you know I'm saving up for built-in bookshelves, so I haven't really done anything with that wall because I know it will eventually come down. But "eventually" could be a long time from now, so I decided something needed to be done.

Enter old rickety ladder from the garage...

If I had to guess, I would say at least 99 out of 100 Americans clean out their garages by hauling things off to the dump or Goodwill. Not me. I'm that 1 out of the 100 that cleans out the garage by bringing the stuff into the house. (Note Exhibit A)

We acquired this ladder 11 years ago when it was left at our previous house by the construction crew. (Yes, we've held onto it that long.) I had a feeling it may just work as a bookshelf behind the desk.

The white paint spatters were all original & perfect, but I wanted a hint of color, too, so I mixed up a little craft paint in peacock & shlocked it on a little here & there.

My husband cut some boards for me from a stack of leftover decking lumber we had (yes, we keep everything), & in less than an hour, it was in place.

I accessorized it with a few things from around the house, like some old books...

My Paris postcards...

And a wire basket with old documents (a.k.a. scrapbook paper rolled up & tied with twine)...

I never thought of myself as a Funky Junk type of girl, but I'm loving my new old bookshelf. And it didn't cost me a dime. I'm loving that, too.

So which one do you like better? The former...

Or the ladder?

I'll take the ladder. And here's a little challenge for you... why not shop your garage or attic & see what funky junk you come up with.

And if you need more inspiration, visit Donna at Funky Junk Interiors. She knows funky.

Be sure to come back & tell me what you find!

I'm sharing my find with a few of these sites. Check them out for more inspiration!