Shore files: Trunk Treat

So back to the shore for one final addition made this weekend. If you remember when I was asking for suggestions on how to make this room better, an anonymous commenter suggested getting an old trunk in here for character. Why didn't I think of that?

So I added 'vintage trunk' to my list of things I hope to find in my junking travels. Back home in Brooklyn I went to the Meeker Ave Flea to see if I could score one. They had a ton of them but they were all a couple of hundred bucks. So imagine my excitement when I saw this bad boy at one of my Red Bank, NJ haunts, Monmouth Antique Shoppes.

Trunk1

Not perfect - the handles are missing and it stinks like mothballs inside. But the size and price was right. Hello little mister - you are coming home with me!

Trunk4

Of course it needs to be styled a little bit better but it fits the space perfectly and will serve as some very handy storage space for extra beach things. I love its worn look.

BeachLivingRoomWindowsAfter3

Of course now that its there, I feel like the ladder style photo display thingy looks all wrong. Might have to move that elsewhere.

33 comments:

  1. You STOLE that trunk! Good find! I may have to visit the Monmouth place you mentioned. Especially if it has deals like this!!!

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  2. Anonymous9:50 AM

    Awesome find!!! It's perfect. And yes I agree the ladder thing should move, it feels a little heavy over there. You always find the best stuff!

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  3. LOVE the truck! I feel like that style is all you. I agree about the shelf. For some reason, if it was a darker color that went with the chest, it wouldn't bug me so much.

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  4. It's a never-ending process isn't it? The trunk will be perfect for board games/ pillows/ throws on those dreary beach days. It's a beautiful treasure (chest).

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  5. I. Love. That. Trunk. It fits perfectly, it has the feel of you, and the dark color adds an extra dark element to the room (meaning, it is across the room from the TV but now the dark TV grounds one end and the trunk grounds the other). I feel you on the ladder bookcase though. Maybe move it to the TV wall behind the slipper chair? Or even put it smack in the middle of the window for added privacy/funkiness when you take down the blinds. Wouldn't your beach finds look fabulous with a sunshine halo around them?

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  6. Wow, that find is awesome! And yes, I agree with the ladder shelf. Looks a bit busy where it is. Maybe just a bit of long artwork? Love what you've done with the house!

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  7. darlene9:59 AM

    Hi, I really like the trunk. Maybe if you put some darker accessories on the ladder shelf it would feel better. I really really like your style and enjoy your blog. If I can be so forward to say....I am not feeling the curtains. JMO. thanks

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  8. Are you planning on painting outside? I'm assuming not since it would ruin it's character. Rather than getting rid of the ladder shelf, why not paint it darker to balance out that side of the room. I think that's why it just looks out of place. And of course you can lighten & brighten it up with what you put on the shelf.

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  9. OR (me again..) you could say no to the shelf all together and put it in a guest room , or the bathroom for towels, I think that looks beachy! :)

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  10. Paint the ladder black.

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  11. Oh~ wow! It fits perfect in that little spot! Awesome find~ lucky you;)

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  12. Hi! Your room is getting so much more character now, what a good find. And some people here made a good suggestion for painting the ladder display dark, maybe a classic dark green-black would be a good 'old' colour. Loving your houses, filled with such good ideas!

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  13. Love it! I love old trunks!

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  14. Love the trunk and the price! I knew you would hunt one down.

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  15. Maybe you can tie the rich color of the trunk in with the room more if you painted those 4 picture frames a darker brown color, and added a brown throw pillow in the mix on the couch? I LOVE the trunk! Great buy!

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  16. Score!

    So, were you as disappointed as others with Nate-Gate?

    At least you got to meet and greet bunches of great bloggettes!

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  17. I agree about the ladder now looking a little off. I suggest maybe switching it with the four pictures on the adjacent wall and hanging the pictures in a vertical row on the wall by the door.

    The trunk is great.

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  18. GREAT trunk!
    Liz
    http://mylovelylittlelulu.blogspot.com/

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  19. When you get rid of the month ball smell, could you please let us know how to do it? I'd love to know.

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  20. I also agree with you about the shelves. It seems a bit too crowded with that amazing trunk tucked against the railing.

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  21. Love the trunk. If you still dislike the ladder shelf maybe try antiquing it a little so that it isn't such a stark contrast next to the trunk. Love your blog and the room is really coming along!

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  22. new follower. love that trunk! i'd probably paint that ladder a FUN color for a pop in your darling room. xo

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  23. What a great find! Don't you wonder about it's history - it looks like it has some wonderful stories.

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  24. Great addition to the room... I love your drapes also.

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  25. I love that you found such a great trunk for the space! I was the anonymous commenter (It was my first time leaving a comment on someone else's blog and I was nervous!), but I wanted to check in and let you know how much I enjoy your blog. Your brooklyn home and shore home are beautiful!

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  26. Anonymous10:45 AM

    Great trunk at a great price.
    I think I'd put it under the window, though.
    It wouldn't compete with the ladder that way.
    Also, I like the other poster's idea of painting the ladder black.
    -Debi

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  27. Hey! Looks like we had the same idea. Check out my post on all the luggage I used in my living room and my full living room reveal!

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  28. Great find! It can double up as a storage device, an extra coffee table or somwhere to sit.

    p.s. now your latest follower.
    Rambles with Reese

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  29. Anonymous2:31 PM

    Looks fantastic!!

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  30. Oh I love the trunk.

    Yes, I think the area next to the closet door wants to be a place where the eye can rest.

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  31. Only $30? I can't believe it! I'm officially jealous lol. I love the vintage look, and I am sure after some TLC it will look awesome.

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  32. Anonymous3:24 PM

    Moth ball smell. That's a tough one. If the trunk was 100% cedar wood, I'd say sand the inside and leave it outside on a sunny warm day. Repeat sanding/sunny, and then douse interior with cedar oil. But your trunk looks to be a mix of wood and other materials. You may have to shellac the inside to seal the smell away. Polyurathane may work as well.

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  33. Love the trunk and I agree with Darcy that maybe darkening up the bookshelf it might work a bit more?

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