DESIGN FOR MEN

A couple weekends ago, I checked out Chartreuse & Co in Frederick, MD.  There is a reason why this place made the Great Day Trips in the Washingtonian.  A collection of different vendors in a barn filled with oddities and unfurnished or finds.  Additionally, on the property, there was another barn filled with discards or works in progress as well as a shed filled with architectural finds. My favorite shop and my reason for the trip was Madison and Mabel (the image and below are of the shop). Great industrial and modern finds.

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Of course I had to make a few purchases…but I controlled myself.

Purchased: Crates from the discards barn ($15 for 3, similar to above)

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Purchased: Industrial Pendant  and Eames DCM Dining Chair (let’s just say they were a steel)

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Tempting: Vintage Steel Magazine Rack and Glass Pendant Lamp

So definitely check out Chartreuse & Co for a day trip or you can even just pop in a couple hours…they mentioned cocktails at their Holiday Tag Sale happening this weekend!

IMAGE CREDITS: Photo of DCM Chair by Gararge; Photo of Crates by MyDeco

The U Street Corridor area is quickly becoming one of my favorite sources for furnishings.  The Hunted House is located on U Street near some of my favorites including, Room & Board, RCKDNY. Located on the second floor of a row house on 14th street, the shop feels more like a home than vintage furniture shop.  A hand-selected mix of eclectic and mid-century furnishings are displayed in vignettes, showroom style.

Pair of Ceramic Lamps – already envisioning these with a great modern drum shade

Danish Modern 2-Seater with Teak Frame

Danish Modern Desk

Glass Top Cocktail Table hmmm…I saw the matching end table in Rehoboth

Walnut Side Table

Check out the Hunted House site by clicking here.

While in Rehoboth on a mini vacation, I discovered a gem of an antiques shop. I was in the store shopping for about an hour. I knew I had something was up when the owner ended up putting me to work. I helped him move some chairs. Ultimately, it was time well spent as I found some great things. The above was my favorite – this African serving tray. While I didn’t buy one this time, I just love it! Check out the following other great finds:

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FOR THE BAR…

Incorporate vintage pitchers, shakers, decanters to add sophistication for the bar. Had to buy this great wood/chrome ice bucket with matching tongs.

Mid-Century Chrome Side Table

Hat Box and Shoe Form

Hat boxes take me back…my grandfather had the best hats and the boxes were always really amazing. I couldn’t resist the shoe form which makes a great paper weight.

Creepy Old Portrait

Not sure why but I was drawn to this piece.

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Vases, bowls, oh my!

I always love to check out vintage accessories – if you choose carefully – you can enhance the decor of your place. I had to have the small black glass vase and the large grey ceramic vase. Both are the sort you might find at West Elm or Crate and Barrel, at a fraction of the price.

Mid-Century Magazine Rack

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WITH A LITTLE BIT OF WORK

This marble slab lamp only needed a new shade. And the oval back chair, reupholstered would make a great desk chair. The set of four splat back chairs were so charming and would be stunning with an upholstery update as well.

1960s Desk

ODDITIES

I absolutely had to have the Speedaway sled. Despite growing up in New Orleans where there are no hills and it rarely snows. And I like the irony. The vintage (working) projector was also tempting but the sled blew it out of the water.

MORE BARGAINS AND MORE ADVICE

When you are prepared to buy several things, you have leverage…so, try to get the price down! Also be on the lookout for backrooms where items are discounted. The vintage frames above were $2 a pop. It just so happened that they were running a sale on vintage books, $5 all you can fit in a shopping bag. I filled 3 bags…thanks mom for teaching me how to pack…I got a lot of bang for my $15.

My plan was to use the CB2 Wire 9 Cube Wall Shelf (l) to create a bar in my place.  And then, I happened upon the very similar Vintage Metal Wall-Mount Cubby system (r) at Pottery Barn.  I immediately had to compare and contrast to determine which to buy.

THE FUNCTIONALITY

Both units have  9 cubbies and are comparable in  width and height.  So, scale isn’t an issue.  However, the Pottery Barn unit is narrower, sized more for DVDs, CDs, and such so it is 6″ deep as opposed to the 8″ for the CB2.  Hmm…how many glasses and bottles can I fit on a 6″ shelf  I thought.

THE CONSTRUCTION

The Pottery Barn unit appears far more substantial than the CB2 version because of the solid sides and shelves.  Both units inclde blackened iron wire.

THE PRICE

Comparable, PB – $100, CB2 – $90

THE DECISION

Pottery Barn,  despite being narrower, the unit is far more substantial in appearance and construction.  And there will be plenty of space for my glasses and such.  Not to worry, if you prefer the CB2 version, the customer reviews are favorable.

THE ALTERNATIVE:

I also love the staggered installation of the above Pottery Barn Wooden Modular Crates as I was also considering something a little less structured.

IMAGE CREDITS: CB2 and Pottery Barn

I am really enjoying the new direction of West Elm in their Fall 2010 catalog.  The design team has integrated some of the vintage elements while preserving the West Elm look.  The result feels more like what a home should be, a mix! I always love to see a product catalog that is inspiring from a design standpoint.  And it helps people envision a space that doesn’t feel like it came straight from a catalog.  I stopped cold when I saw the above image.  I love the gallery of frames and the wallpaper.  After doing some digging, I located the wallpaper which is “elizabeth on shimmer” from the eco-friendly madisonandgow.  Here are more new West Elm items that I love.

Woven veneer pendant

Jigsaw Spin Bookcase (L) Wood & Resin Boxes (R)

Tripod Table

NICE JOB WEST ELM!!

Images from West Elm

Factory 20 is a design collective located in Sterling, VA focuses on providing an eclectic mix of art, furniture, lighting, and beyond.   I love the attention to detail in their styling and the consistency and sophistication of their photography.  The following are some of my favorites items in their current inventory.  Above, the 1950s Scolari Vintage Brass Chandelier is stunning! No wonder it is sold!

Custom Early Century Shop Desk

USA, 1920s, Custom Early Century Shopkeepers Writing Desk and Storage. Custom made for a bookseller’s shop in Boston. This piece was created to display rare books and for bookkeeping. Solid old growth oak. Open-backed for wall placement. One of a kind.

Victorian Eastlake Pier Mirror Cabinet

USA, c.1880s. Impressive High Victorian Pier Mirror Foyer Cabinet, Solid Walnut Construction. Designed in the fashionable Eastlake style.

Paul Laszlo Brown Saltman Desk

USA, c.1940. Paul Laszlo (attr.) for Brown-Saltman. Bleached Mahogany Students Desk. Very Good Condition. Early Modernist Form.

Artist Atelier Modular Steel Drawer Unit

USA, c.1940. Artist Modular Storage Wall Units. Atelier Organization, Infinite Drawers. Two Units Pictured, Two Units Available.

Vintage Spun Aluminum Beehive Lamps

USA, 1940s, Vintage Beehive Spun Aluminum Tripod Floor Lamps. Fully Adjustable. All Aluminum Construction. Newly rewired with vintage braided cloth wire.

Images and Product Descriptions by Factory 20

I had to pop in to the Hell’s Kitchen flea market while I was in New York this weekend. While I must say that the selection of furnishings and accessories was not as great as the Brooklyn Flea Market, I still found some great pieces.  Here are some of my favorite finds.  Above, this vintage desk with hutch was stunning and in great condition

1960s Steel Trunks with wood slats – there were 3 sizes at great prices – very tempting.

Industrial Fans in assorted sizes

1960s Leather Suitcase

Assorted Drawings and Vintage Reproduction Photographs – I purchased these 3 for $8

I am a sucker for the vintage and the industrial, so I was in heaven when I found Get Back Inc.  Located in Oakville, CT, this store started in 2000 by cabinet and furniture makers.  At Get Back, industrial finds are transformed into functional furniture.  Additionally, salvaged pieces are restored and vintage furnishings are also sold.  I was practically drooling when I saw pictures of their showroom.  So, next time I am in the area I must stop in…the only problem is that I may never want to leave.

The following are some pieces that caught my eye.  I love the attention to detail and how new pieces blend perfectly with the old.

Industrial Garment Hanging Rack and Shelving Cart

Bent Plywood Rosewood Stack Chair

Industrial Stools

Industrial Cast Iron Two Tier Bar Carts

Vintage Laundry Bins
IMAGE CREDITS: Images from Get Back, Inc.

Modlife, located in Chicago, IL, specializes in mid century modern furniture, lighting, and accessories. Proprietor, Robert Zizzo, travels the country for unique finds. The collection includes items by renowned designers of the 20th Century including Eames, Ed Wormley, Paul McCobb, Milo Baughman, Hans Olsen, Paul Evans, Eero Saarinen and Tommi Parzinger. Here is just a sampling of items that caught my eye.  Above, Eames Aluminum Group chairs – Love the color combo here

Vintage Overman Sofa reupholstered in white leather

Danish Modern Walnut Credenza

Cubed Chrome platform chair in chocolate stamped leather & velvet

Orbit Chandelier

Danish Modern Sette Bench
Images from Modlife

While perusing old magazines, I stumbled upon this spread in Elle Decor. Architect, Adam Rolston designed this weekend home for himself and his partner.Building this home from scratch, he had to work on a budget which meant incorporating many ready-made components in the design. What I love about this home is the eclectic assembly of vintage elements. I am pining for my very own set of Toledo stools like the ones in the kitchen. The bedroom is relaxing in gray and the thoughtful display of found objects mixed with artwork and accessories makes the space cozy. All I can say is that I can certainly picture myself weekending here.

Images from Elle Decor