Decorating Trends: ABC's and 123's

I found an article on PrettySouthern.com called "Decorating with Vintage Letters".  This is one of my favorite trends in the vintage re-purposing and decorating world right now.  Using old letters, numbers, and symbols as wall art, to add whimsy, and even to enhance pieces and add utility is a relatively affordable (depending on size and age of items) way to transform a room. They are a wonderfully stylish and personal way to reuse materials and make something your own.  click on the PrettySouthern.com link to view the article, more images, and smart ideas!

house numbers, painters stencils, rustic old wood coffee table, Photo:BWA

I recently bought old house numbers in "1" and "2" and plan on using them on a  hanging cubby organizer design.  They are thick metal in a traditional style with a matte black finish which I think would really pop against a brightly painted rustic style wood.  The over all piece would be great for his and hers organization, order of importance mail organizing, or if you have kids who need help remebering to a)Put things away and b)keep their hands off of each others things.   In the image you see the numbers, an example of what I'm thinking for wood (currently my coffee table) and some old painters stencils I picked up at an antique fair.  Stencils are a cheaper and more rustic alternative to using actual letters or numbers.  I haven't decided if I want to use them as stencils or actually adhere them somewhere.  I love finding things that give you multiple creative options to work with, let those juices flow people!

Check out this similar organizer idea already for sale at the Etsy store,
 Deer Stop Vintage.

vintage re-purposed wall organizer, Photo:Deer Stop Vintage

 It's industrial, it's purposeful, and the numbers give it an extra layer of artistic organization.  Oh mylanta! don't even get me started on the hooks, so many uses so little time!  In a mudroom, next to a front door, this thing could stylishly hang coats and dog leashes, hold purses, and even rock a decorative bowl for keys.  If you haven't picked up on my love for attractive yet useful things yet, oh you will.  You could bet your first born child a hooks and wall hangers post will be coming soon.

Last, I found these vintage highway letters in different shapes and sizes and was able to spell out the word "Garden".  They add a fun, decorative element to our large, square backyard by better defining the space, literally.  The wood was already there so I just tacked the letters to it with nails and they instantly created an artistic fencing that pulled your eye away from the not so attractive parts of the garden.  Yes, it is a less then prize winning garden, but it is my garden and I want everyone to know it.

vintage highway letters "garden", Photo:BWA