library nerd

Often I’m asked, “Where did you find that?” in regards to my latest vintage score.  Serious pickers rarely give up their sources.  Just know that we’re always on the hunt.  However, today is your lucky day because I am going to reveal where I found these vintage library chairs.  You’ll never believe it.  Ready for my big source for these truly fabulous mid-century vintage library chairs?

library chairs + table-059

The library.

You never know when inspiration will strike.  Or when the coolest find will present itself.  You could be minding your own business and returning a library book when out of the corner of your eye, you see the ‘for sale sign’ and your chairs in a dim corner next to a box of $.50 books.  Suddenly you’re short of breath.  Palms are sweating.  You’re tearing down the ‘for sale’ sign and scrambling for cash while nearly shouting to the elderly librarian, “I’ll take them!” as if you’re at an estate sale and everyone is aware of the treasure around you and not just minding their business reading their periodical.

Or something like that.

After forking over the money and sprinting home for the truck with fear that the librarian would somehow resell the chairs out from under me because I outed their fabulousness, I tucked them into storage for safekeeping.  Very safekeeping.  I’ve been hoarding them ever since allowing only a few cameos.

I imagined that the set of four would make the perfect kitschy kitchen chairs.  And they do.  I just don’t have a place for them nor can I keep them all.  Its time to reintroduce them to the world and find them a home.

library chairs + table-072

I’ve paired the birch & vinyl chairs with a wood dining table from a similar era.  The table, which is sold separately, was updated with milk paint.  First, stained dark with curio and then dry brushed with grainsack and marzipan.

But those chairs…aren’t they fantastic?  They are now up for grabs at The West End Garage.

library chairs + table-060

 

the chair bench evolution

Once upon a time we took 3 cast off yard sale chairs and upcycled them into a custom bench that is a perfect fit in our dining nook.  Bench Seat

You can review the bench tutorial here.upcycled chairs turned custom bench (4 of 38)

As the space evolved it was inevitable for the bench to evolve too.  When we updated the kitchen, the colors took on an earthy, neutral palette with lots of texture.  The kitchen continues to be the room that changes the most frequently around here…

flea market style kitchen

When the floors were redone this winter, I updated the bench by giving each chair a coat of MMSMP Grainsack over the bold colored chalk paint.  The milk paint resisted the chalk paint in a few places giving just a subtle distressed look.

Also, I came across 3 neutral toile printed pillows that were perfectly sized for each chair.  They were only a buck for each pillow cover.  I found some inserts and boom!  upcycled upholstered chair bench

It’s like a new bench for little cost (again)!  What have you upcycled lately?

dining nook upholstered chairs

 

 

 

favorite finds for the home

I’ve never properly shared my newest vintage obsession in my home.  That bright orange industrial school locker nestled between vintage French country toile curtains and an amateur ship captain oil painting.  None of it makes any sense but it doesn’t have to, does it?vintage locker, mohair chair, woodstove #vintage

And would you believe my number 1 picker and brother found that flaming orange locker on a curb?  No shame in his game.  Or mine since I paid him for his haul.  Destined for a landfill no more, my friends.  It now houses all of the wood stove accoutrements.

woodstove + orange locker

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room, shall we?  The wood stove is a brand new addition this winter.  It is serving us well as our primary source of heat.  Ryan installed the slate tile hearth and I must say that he did a bang up job bringing the rustic vibe I was seeking.  We picked up the iron log holder on our last trip to Brimfield.  I love this cozy corner in our home which is an eclectic mash up of so many vintage styles.  It has set the tone for the direction of the rest of our house.

woodstove, slate hearth

And do I need to mention the vintage walnut & mohair chairs again?  Because I will.  American furniture designer Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates circa 1970.  They go for about three grand on 1st dibs.  Unbelievable.  Let’s just say I paid less than 1% of that and didn’t have an idea of their value until I researched the label.  Neither did the seller obviously.  My most prized find to date!  It certainly pays to buy (or trash pick) what catches your eye.  Always trust your gut when shopping for vintage.

reclaimed wood plant stand, ward bennett mohair chairs, kilim rug