Amy Kleinwachter, the owner of Old World Antieks in La Grange, Texas, is a pro at finding heirloom-worthy treasures and unique architectural salvage. Her best find yet? A 14-foot-round grain silo just down the road from her home. After building a farmhouse from salvaged materials, she saw the silo as the perfect guesthouse for her 10-acre property.
Amy teamed up with local contractor Judy Kurtz to transform the silo using weathered beadboard, sheet metal, and window frames from Amy’s vast collection. “It took a lot of geometry to make everything work in a circle, but Judy nailed it!” says Amy. The result is a cozy 1,000-square-foot structure, complete with a front porch and a bed/bath extension, ideal for family, friends, and visiting pickers. “We joke that it’s given new meaning to ‘gather ’round,’” says Amy.
Living Area
In the living area, Amy turned an old Champagne crate into a footrest with a grain sack cushion. Mismatched leather chairs and a bleached oak table create a cozy and eclectic sitting area.
Office Area
Amy turned an old floral-stand sign into a floating desk, adding a touch of character to the space. She also hung more vintage signage throughout the room. When it comes to buying old signs, she advises, “Ask questions. A good dealer will know the backstory and materials. If they’re vague, it’s probably a fake.”
Bedroom
Amy used salvaged wood from a nearby historic Texas home to create a textured wall, sealing it with Varathane polyurethane to protect guests from lead paint. (She recommends checking with your health department or contractor for guidance on using this method.) The wall complements a wrought-iron queen-sized bed, dressed in fresh linens. Amy notes that finding a comfortable antique queen bed has been nearly impossible. The oil still life above the bed was discovered during a European antiquing trip.
Bathroom
Amy believes no picker can ever have too many planks in their collection. When placing them, she pays close attention to the weathered paint, ensuring it looks organic—”nothing too perfect, but nothing too random either,” she says.
Wall Decor
Amy traded with an Etsy vendor to acquire this unique liquidation sign, adding a special touch to her space.
Dental Panes
“The silo is essentially a tin can and naturally dark,” Amy says. To bring in more light, she dug through her stash for window options that were tall yet narrow enough to fit the circular design. She had once convinced a friend to buy an old set of dental office windows and was able to buy them back for use in the bedroom.
Metal Awnings
“Old windows are one of my favorite things to hunt for, but metal awnings come a close second,” Amy says. “I love how they add depth to a design with a rugged, yet charming, fussiness.”
Ornate Headers
“Intricately carved window and door headers are my go-to when I want to define a space or add embellishment without hanging artwork,” says Amy.
