Repurpose Reuse and Green Stuff: Whimsy that Functions

I go back and forth between peacefully enjoying the tranquility of minimalism and child-like frolicking with the discovery of interesting things.  I even admit to loving a bit of whimsy!  That said, I am a designer who fully appreciates function.

Whimsy that functions, how fun!

My prized whimsical piece is an iron "butler" who once held cigarettes, a lighter, and an ash tray.

This elegant gentleman has held canes or umbrellas close to my front door for years.  More recently he has been in my closet holding scarves.  But my current fascination with Downton Abbey has me thinking he should once again be more prominent in my life.




A little creativity can make whimsy function.



How can this butler become a
functioning part of our larger household?  After all, wars are long over and butlers long gone.



Since I am in the process of dreaming up a "butler's pantry" where my guests can help themselves to coffee, tea, drinks, and goodies I'll start here.













He can hold the spoons, cream and sugar above a tray with the cups, saucers and coffee pot.






We do a 'sometimes' annual Black Tie New Year's Party that would benefit from his services and get him out of the pantry to greet the guests.




He could help out in the kitchen.

He could wait patiently with a hand towel or hold a few kitchen items.





Or, he could really make himself useful and hold a lot of kitchen stuff.















He would be a whimsical surprise in the powder room.






Whimsy can be casual or have a more formal appeal.

Whimsical pieces can add interest and, of course, the unexpected.






Below are more functional whimsical items.  Perhaps they will inspire you to put some functional smiles in your home.








Kris Kricket will make anyone smile.  He has been with me since childhood.   And even though a little beat up and minus his front wheels, he kindly holds a stack of erasers.

I love this amber glass and brass deco cigarette holder.  It gives the business on these cards a sense of permanence and importance.

A vintage pressed glass compote casually offers napkins at the breakfast table.  The shape and and idea of using such a piece for a napkin holder shouts fun without being overly casual.

No need to drum your fingers while working at this desk.  The hand made wooden toy will do it for you.  The sticky note pad it keeps close by is hardly even noticed.

This unusual shaped Victorian basket keeps my business cards within easy reach.

An inexpensive chalk board was the perfect size for the side of a kitchen cabinet.  It can offer up the menu for dinner parties or keep a grocery list handy.  Hooks were added at the bottom for holding measuring cups, spoons and more.

This vintage stand with inlaid mother of pearl was so cute I had to have it.  It holds a plant here but could hold just about anything.  I have no idea of its original purpose.












Who could function without an old truck head light made into a trivet?

Or, a funky old vacuum to hold the umbrellas!