When we moved into our tiny top-floor apartment in Brooklyn last month the open-plan space was eye-wateringly empty. What we needed was some beautiful pre-loved furniture to coax it back to its former glory. And so the hunt began to find some covetable - but not crazily spendy - vintage treasures.
After much sleuthing on the Internet, poking around NYC stores and perusing of markets, here is my top three got to places (so far). But I'll keep adding to it. Let me know of any under-the-radar fabulous haunts that should be on the list!
1) HOT HOUSE MARKET...Style mavens Doug and Carrie Rosen are the brains behind this genius traveling vintage boutique. They take to the road from their Indiana home to set up shop in markets around the country and dispense their colorful, weather-worn finds.
Tatty but irresistible armchairs jostle for position beside chipped-up painted cabinets laden with kitsch 1950's kitchenware, framed paint-by-numbers and flock enameled tins. And the prices, well, they're ridiculously affordable.
PS Carrie also does a nice line in handmade aprons, cushions and other textiles. To find out where they'll be stopping by this summer check out their
blog. Or just buy from home by visiting their
online shopTOP FINDS
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| Paint-by-numbers in frame, $65 |
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| Vintage Botanical print Armchair, $75 |
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| Pink Farm Table $150 |
2) THREE POTATO FOUR...This emporium of vintage and modern goodies - curated from an old textile mill in Philadelphia by husband and wife team Janet Morales & Stu Eli - is irresistible: i actually want to crawl inside their website and live there amongst all the lovely things.
Its the pricier end of the scale but there's a magnificently well-edited selection: industrial factory stools, hulking hundred-year-old tailors cabinets, charming elementary school prints, vintage beer hoardings, lemon-yellow typewriters...you'll want it all.
PS we're planning a special Philly road trip to stop by one of their legendary barn sales. They're held the last weekend of every month from 10am - 5pm. The next one is April 30th - May the 1st.
www.threepotatofourshop.comTOP FINDS
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Athens Baking Bin $150.00 |
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| Vintage Bakery Window Advertisements, $22.00 |
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| 1920's-1940's Beacon and Esmond Mills Blankets, $395 |
3) FURNISH GREEN...Founder Nathan subscribes to the idea that vintage furniture should be priced according to function rather than history. Which is why his fast expanding showroom (run by a passionate team of antiques scavengers and design students) is packed with remarkably affordable pieces.
You'll find it wedged in beside a dance studio on the 5th floor of an unassuming midtown block - but trust me: its a treasure trove!
PS They bring in around a dozen new pieces from their warehouse a day, so check the new arrivals section of their in the morning. Delivery is free if you spend over $500 and around $50 if not.
www.furnishgreen.comTOP FINDS
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| Shabby White Accent Chair, $54 |
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| Child's Chalkboard Easel, $84 |
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| Wooden Trunk with Painted Roses, $118 |
I found this idea at Pottery Barn. I said to myself, I have a Christmas tree and I have a birdcage. Why not? Only thing I bought at Pottery Barn that day were the birds at $5.00 each. I thought they gave me the idea, so I could spend a little money with them.
This is a vintage ornament I've had for years. She get the royal treatment when she gets packed away.
A couple of years ago I painted some dollhouse furniture white and just stuck them in the tree. Everyone thinks what a fun idea. The little silver chair is actually a place card holder. I put a hook on it instant ornament.
A sort of full view of the tree. All white and silver, my two favorite colors.
Take away gifts for the party guest and on hand for visitors who stop by. 
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