Scouring for once cherished treasures along roadside yard sales has seemingly become a national pastime as of late thanks to shows like “I Brake for Yard Sales.” The bigger the yard sale the better, in my opinion, and don’t forget the obvious: yard sales are mostly a free activity that breed lots of inspiration for interior design, especially when it comes to repurposing found objects. Of course, costs incur if you purchase that wacky, but perfectly on-trend brass animal figurine or the where am I going to put it rusty gym locker set you couldn’t bear the next passerby to snatch up. Alas, the House + Soul recap of the Leiper’s Fork Yard Sale, held by Friends of the Fork, Inc. this October, is a timely one. See House + Soul’s favorite finds below.
1. A 1960s(?) Dr Pepper vending machine
*Not only does this machine work (the owner had just plugged it into a generator that morning to see if it would turn on, and surprisingly it did after collecting dust in his barn for 14 years), but the vintage “Distinctively Different” font and slogan still delight. The mint green sides also scream cool. Wouldn’t this add tons of character to a back porch or a barn wedding? I don’t believe it had sold by day’s end, so message House + Soul if you’d like the owner’s contact info.
2. Raggedy Ann and Andy chalkboard
*With Raggedy Ann and Andy in the National Toy Hall of Fame, probably anything showcasing the beloved sister and brother’s brand has monetary value. That aside, there’s just something sweetly nostalgic about this retro chalkboard, not to mention that chalkboards and chalkboard paint continue to reign big in home décor. Framed in a thick, chunky black frame or left frameless, this piece could complement a modern or more rustic chic setting. Oh, to be a fly on the wall of where this board originally hung!
3. Pair of Sphinx Statues
*Weathered by moss? Check. Estate pieces? Check. Hip factor? Double check. There’s a reason sphinx statues have always resonated with people: they are just plain showstoppers. Considering that the Great Sphinx is one of the world’s largest and oldest statues, dating back to somewhere between 2558-2532 B.C., you could say that the image of a sphinx has staying power. While the statues found at the yard sale have had a little bit of repair (concrete cracks!), the one on the left could easily receive some weathering treatment to catch up to the statue on the right. And though they hail from a Memphis estate, they would surely be happy again if found flanking the bottom of an outdoor terrace staircase or housed on a loggia.
4. Rattan Arm Chairs and Sofa
*Look past the outdated floral fabric, and see these chairs and sofa for their unique craftsmanship. Definitely exotic, this style of furniture is made from the rattan species of palms that are mostly sourced from tropical Asian jungles. Appropriate both indoors and out, rattan furniture can really pack a punch in the right setting. Check out famed designer Celerie Kemble’s use of it here and here.
5. Tennis Rackets Wreath
*Don’t get me wrong, I adore the David Bradley tractor hood cleverly fashioned into a metal console table, however the wood tennis rackets with leather grips overlapped behind a natural branch wreath appeal to me even more. I actually think the rackets and wreath belong to two separate vendors, but their placement somehow looks intentional. I searched the Internet far and wide for something similar, but didn’t come across anything quite like this. So, I’m going to go out on a limb and say this pairing is one of a kind and could be easily replicated at home in a game room or whimsical hallway.
What yard sale would be complete without collector’s cars for sale? These beauties were all parked along the fencerow just as you entered the yard sale and left many a shopper with hot rod envy. Oh, to drive one of these around on a weekend road trip!
*Images by House + Soul
Your House + Soul guru,
Leah
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*House + Soul founder and CEO Leah Fitzpatrick proudly holds REALTOR status and hangs her license with Keller Williams Realty in Franklin, Tennessee. A passionate communicator and editor for nearly nine years, thoroughness to detail and unrelenting research tactics are her fortes—both of which translate well when tracking down houses and writing contracts in the Nashville area’s booming real estate market. She’ll also happily engage in any conversation about winemaking or vineyards, hiking, travel, cocker spaniels, art and interior design. Leah welcomes you to reach out to grab coffee with her should you want to discuss any real estate needs.
