Treasures Right in Front of Us
Many of our design clients have shared with us that the reason they chose to work with us was because they were drawn to our use of repurposed items. Working with existing pieces gives our projects a lived in charm and patina that can’t be had by pointing and clicking.
Shopping on-line has its place. When you are looking for beautiful objects, however, it is best to see them live. The ability to touch it, sit on and most importantly be inspired by objects only happens on purpose in person. Even better, if these objects (tables, chairs, knickknacks) are edited and selected by a visionary shop owner.
Obviously it is a massive environmental win to reuse. For myself, as a designer, it changes the rules of the game when you discipline yourself to work with existing resources. After working with many of our clients on average from one - two years,before their building renovations are complete and they are ready to start looking for all the finishing touches, we know each other very well and have become close in a very particular way.
This intimate bond is formed because we have pained through many, many decisions together, overcome hardships and had many fits of laughter. We know folks very well by the time we startt to shop for them. Add in the element of chance, of what treasures will be found at that time and it is a recipe for design bliss. We have come to love and trust key local spots that we are thrilled to share.
We have recently had the pleasure of working with Heidi Duffey the owner of the Mid-Century Warehouse in Port Richmond. Heidi is a blond superstar. We connected through a love and appreciation of the designer Axel Vervroot. Needless to say, her taste is extraordinary, (I also know this from designing her house and studio…)
If you are interested in impeccably restored, reasonably priced Mid-century pieces , then look no further. This place is highly curated, with the best of the best from this iconic period.In addition to selling Mid-Century originals, Mid-Century Warehouse also sells the clean line pieces from the furniture brand, Article, at nicely discounted prices. They are only open weekends till 2:00, so don’t dawdle.
Located on Mermaid Lane in Wyndmoor, Discount MCM is in Chestnut Hill’s backyard . From they’re funky playlist (we have a playlist too), to their excellent social media and Mondrian front door, this is a well run, fun furniture resale spot with a great vibe. It is by appointment. They are very friendly and responsive.
StickBall
Does anyone remember the iconic Philadelphia head shop in Old City called “Goodsense”? Their iconic sign was a nose with a handlebar mustache… Well the folks at StickBall on Arch Street have salvaged this sign and have it for sale along with many other wonderfully selected pieces of clothing and decor. Sign up for their Newsletter to stay abreast of great finds and keep them in your radar.
Happy Hunting!
Val Nehez is the owner and principal designer at Studio IQL in East Falls. You can find her at studioiql.com and on Instagram at @studio_iql or @quickandlovely_design for smaller projects. Enjoy her playlist which can be found on her website.
