One of the great things about my Spaces gig, is that I get paid for something I was doing anyway. Under “hobbies” I should be listing “Haunting antique shops and not buying anything.” A really great spot for this is River Market Antique Mall. These three floors of warehouse space in a neighborhood with legendary “alleged” mafia ties (now a super spot filled with lofts and restaurants) are chocked full of stuff. Some great, some junky, always reasonable. Like the four Heyward Wakefield chairs, above, for $375.
Or these vintage sea creature prints for $20 a piece.
Really, really great, huh?
Russell Wright pitcher for $35.
Adorable, no?
Look, the work is already done for you – $35 a piece.
The place is full of character. I don’t think you need to be worried that the floors are patched with odd pieces of metal. I don’t think you do. I don’t.
There are some booths I just like the look of every time I’m there.
I keep going back to one dealer who had this great “Eames era” planter which was basically a metal cone that set in a tripod base. Which would have made the most amazing outdoor cooler for wine. Ok, here’s the punch line. It was $85 and I just thought it was a smidge too high. I know, sometimes you make a bad call. I even went back again and it was there. Didn’t buy it. A week later when I couldn’t stop thinking about it I went back. Gone.
So now I go back to the same booth every time. Do I really think it’s possible that he’ll have another one? No. But he might.
There is a lot of stuff to weed through and it’s best not to go in a hurry.
But treasures abound if you are patient.
Like me. This last trip I found a copy of Billy Baldwin Remembers for $12. It almost takes the sting out of missing the planter. Almost.
I can’t believe you found the BB book! Good eye!
I wish I was there for the $35. chairs, they are adorable.
Hoping you are all safe in the dreamhouse with the terrible weather your state has.
Oh, I want to come to that place, it looks fabulous. I wish we had something like that around here.
Ah, the Baldwin book is one of my favorites! Congratulations!
I just love places like this, where you have to hunt for a find! It’s my favorite sport!!
~Kate
WANT that Doctor’s cabinet for towels and medicine jars full of cotton balls & q-tips, and of course want to paint a red cross on the glass.
Kate – you would surely find fabulous stuff – it’s even better with a friend.
Halcyon – I looked and looked and looked for a price on that cabinet and did not see one. I don’t have a spot, so hated to track someone down and then say, “Huh, cool.” This booth is one of the best.
Mrs. Blandings —
Aren’t you one of the nicest people! I can’t believe you inquired for me. I am disappointed it’s not for sale — but not surprised. I wouldn’t sell it either. I’ve found two recently but not quite the style I want. I first saw these in Martha Stewart’s Organizing Book but I would have wanted it for a bathroom even if I hadn’t.
And thank Denese for emailing me to tell me so. I dropped her a note. You’re the greatest!
–Kevin (halcyon)
Kevin – It was all Denese! I was merely standing by. Sorry this one did not work out – surely one will come your way.
somehow, someway, I will make my way to this heaven of an antique store – so many great finds!!