Bus Signs

Photo: Jamie Mertz

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Bus Signs
Why it works: These original, printed, vinyl 1949 Detroit transit-bus scrolls can fill a two-story entryway. Pieces like these add a strong graphic impact to a large, open space; the owners especially like these scrolls because they reflect their Detroit roots.

Other options: Flags, kimonos

How to try it: One-of-a-kind items, like these scrolls, can often be found at salvage yards. But you can also find original street signs on eBay (maybe even from your hometown), or new versions of vintage New York subway signs at Restoration Hardware.

One last thing: We used brackets for the scrolls, but a wooden dowel would work just as well. Soft items can also be pressed between sheets of acrylic, and lightweight items can be secured with clear pushpins.