Thursday, April 15, 2010

Treasure Trove

Today was just your typical Thursday. I put my daughter on the school bus, dropped my son off at preschool, then headed out to run some errands when a glorious thought popped into my head . . . I don't have anything that has to get done today. Most my big items had been checked off my to-do list yesterday. I only had one appointment at 1 p.m.


So, what did I do with my free time? What I always do when I have a couple of hours to myself - I shopped, but specifically I went poking around a thrift store, consignment shop and antique mall. Oh yes, it was heaven for me.


My first stop: The Habitat for Humanity store.
This greeted me when I walked in the door. I wasn't sure if I liked it or not at first, but it grew on me as I walked around. Yes, it's blue and it's laminate. But, it's also really cool. It was marked down to about $95. The color is actually darker than the peacock blue it appears to be in the photo.


This sofa may not look that spectacular but the nubby creamy upholstery was attractive and in good condition. The pillows even felt like down. And I love the clean lines. The best part . . . it was $55 (unless it was a misprint, which I don't think it was)! If I had a place to put this I would have taken it home. Throw some fun pillows on it and you're done.

This was a nice side table made by Drexel Heritage. Too big for me or any of my needs, but a nice-looking piece. Would look great painted or as is. And for $37, it was a very good deal.

And a couple of simple side/accent tables that would look great with or without a coat of paint.

I love the shape of this china cabinet from Drexel Heritage. The finish wasn't that appealing, but I think this would look fabulous painted black to make the brass hardware really pop. Then I would paint the inside of the shelves a contrasting color. My favorite part was the shape of the metal grate on the glass doors:
Once again, I don't have the room for this, and at $700+ it was a little pricey for me.

Next stop: Estelle's Consignment Shop.
Loved this Jenny Lind bed. One day, my daughter would like to have a double bed (as opposed to her current twin beds). So, I'm always on the lookout. Painted white or a fun color, I think this bed's shape would really shine, but the natural wood was beautiful as well.

I've been seeing a lot of rattan lately, and this was a really good-looking set. I could totally picture it on my screened-in porch. I would paint it navy or possibly a peacock blue, change the smoky glass to clear and the cushions to something crisp maybe a stripe. Although, it has brass casters. Can you put this on a screened porch where it could be exposed to the elements? However, for the price, I would give it a try - it's $249 for the table and chairs. Great deal!

And this table is $150. I love the finish and the shape. More food for thought.

Final stop: the Downtown Antique Mall - which I had never stepped foot in before today. Didn't even know it existed. Glad I found it. All kinds of cool stuff . . . 
Looks inviting, right? I walked in, and it was totally deserted. At first, I was a little creeped out. I couldn't even find anybody working there, but the doors were wide open. I could have robbed them blind, but I'm an honest person most of the time. I forged on and here are some of my finds . . . 

Very unique glass bamboo lamp - no price.

These French posters have been around a while but I've never seen one with a peacock. Love the colors. The clowns to the right frightened me.

A pair of yellow wrought iron chairs for $85. Very cute. These could go on my porch too.

Gotta love a bentwood chair. 

About this time, my camera battery died so the rest of these photos are with my iPhone, so the quality is not great. Sorry.
Industrial cart. Don't know why, just liked it.

Spied a bunch of cool lamps . . .


Okay, so this is peach, but according to Jenny from My Favorite and My Best, peach is the "it" color now.  I'm digging the brass Greek key detail at the bottom, and the delicate flowers are so pretty.

It's hard to tell from this photo, but the colors in this artwork are really striking. And the scale is impressive.

Lots of brass accents. I'm starting to feel like Kelly Wearstler. Well, not exactly.
 I like this little fella. Not sure if he's a peacock or what. But he's got style. And according to the neon sticky note, he's only $35.

Nautilus shells. Just because.

A brass garden seat. Very cool.

But the one that went home with me . . .
was this little table/umbrella stand (you can flip it over). I'm pretty sure I'm just going to use it as a table and not an umbrella stand. The hardware, shape and nailheads sold me. And for $20, I was all over it. Although I need to find out how to clean up rusty nailheads. Any ideas? Or maybe I should just leave em rusty?

So, what do you think? Any treasures in the bunch?

15 comments:

bluehydrangea said...

Loved seeing all your finds. That last store was amazing!!! Your table is my fav!!! But I am also loving the black and metal chair, the bamboo lamp, that print next to the scary clowns (yes, they totally creep me out!!) it's all good!!!

style chronicle said...

Fun finds! The Habitat store always has great stuff. I love the woven parsons end table.

Unknown said...

Love that Peacock poster, the chairs, the stool! So many great finds to be had!

Anonymous said...

Hi! I found your blog through The Blue Hydrangea. I live in Nashville and am so excited to be reading the blog of "a local". I must say, the Downtown Antique Mall has been one of my favorite "junk shops" for about 6 years. Just a few of my finds include an antique iron chandelier, Hollywood Regency faux bamboo mirror, a couple of vintage glass chandeliers - I could go on and on.....Great place! May be I will see you there sometime! Laurie

Unknown said...

there really is so much potential with thrift store finds. with just a bit of imagination they make the best purchases!!
xox alison

My Interior Life said...

I will definitely be going back to possibly purchase some more. Laurie, I think I've driven past the Downtown Antique Mall a million times. I just finally stopped in. Wish I'd done it years ago. Let me know if you ever want to go antiquing - it's honestly one of my favorite things to do.

Thanks everyone!

Marija said...

Holy cow! LOTS of treasures! I love the rattan table that's part of the set - very Platner. I adore the campaign looking nightstand by Drexel Heritage as well. Easily my two favorites! Marija

Karen said...

Hi, stopping in for the first time. The peacock would have gone home with me! What a unique piece. I love the little table/umbrella stand too. Is it sturdy enough that you could put a piece of glass on top or will you leave it as is?

Unknown said...

Oh, great finds! That laminate table is crazy, but I could see it fitting in somewhere, definitely! Very offbeat! Lovely blog you've got here, I'm a new follower! Cheers!

Haven and Home said...

Looks like a good trip and how nice to have a morning of shopping!

kayce hughes said...

So fun. Can you do that once a week so I can stay home?

My Interior Life said...

Thanks for stopping by Marija, Karen and Shari! Karen, I think I might keep it the way it is because the spot I think I'm putting it in is rather small so it wouldn't accommodate a glass top - but that's a great idea. The brass (or brass plate, as my FIL informed me) isn't in great shape, but he said to use Brasso (?) to clean it up. The scratches just add to the character, right? He also suggested just replacing the rusty nail heads as they come out fairly easily. That might be my next project.

It was a nice morning of shopping, Marianne. And, Kayce, I wish I could do it once a week! I just got lucky this past week.

Kim@Chattafabulous said...

I was in Nashville a few weeks ago. Wish I had known that gorgeous oval dining table was there. It would have come back to Chattanooga with me!!

Stephanie Sabbe said...

Are you in Nashville!? Where did you see that sofa!? I want it. I am coming home in two weeks. Seriously, I want like 10 things in your post. Nashville has the best consignment/antique stores! Boston...not so much.

Unknown said...

Very nice finds! Thank you for sharing! I can use this idea for my new home! -Patrick Tan