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Antiquing

June 8, 2008 By Rhoda 50 Comments

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I’m always looking for new friends to go shopping with. You would think that would be pretty easy, but I’m still trying to make friends in my new city with girls who like to do the same things I do….not shopping at the mall, but the antiques or thriftstores or junk places. I wish you all lived near me! One friend from church, my floral design friend, Angie, does like to antique and look at junk, so she and I went out this week to a fun antique mall that I had never been to before. Lots to look at, they really had some good looking things in there.
I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, but have had in my mind for awhile that I’d like to find an antique chest of drawers to go in our master bedroom. I showed you the black yardsale piece that we’ve been using for 3 years now which is way too small and not very nice, but I knew I’d find something eventually and for a decent price. I spotted this French piece and it’s gorgeous, but at over $1000, way more than I wanted to spend or could afford to spend.
Right next to it was this beauty. A traditional mahogany chest on chest in great condition AND the price was decent AND it was 20% off AND they offer 60 day layaway. I think I can do that. It has an English look to it and looks to be Chippendale to me. It stands 52″ tall and is quite a large piece, with dove-tailed drawers. So, I went back the next day with Judy (see below) and put it on layaway. Two more payments and I’ll bring this baby home. I know you want to know the price and since I usually blurt those things out anyway, I’ll tell you…with the 20% discount, it came to $390. Now how’s that for a deal? I think it’s great myself. I’m mixing it with a late-1800’s French armoire that we already have in the room and I’ll be sure to do a post when it’s in place.
It’s a beauty and I think we are really going to enjoy it. If you have never shopped for antiques, I’d highly recommend that you try it. I used to think only rich people could afford antiques, but I found out that this little myth is simply not true. Anyone can afford antiques (even if they are 100 years old and true antiques) and you can afford many vintage pieces a lot easier than buying new pieces. And, personally I would much rather have an old piece than a new piece anyday. They just don’t make furniture like this anymore. Classic, traditional style never goes out of fashion. This chest is probably from the 40’s or 50’s. We’ll get back to this discussion in a minute. So, moving on around the store….

This is a huge French buffet.
Pretty blue and white dishes.
I thought these needlepoint chairs were really pretty.
And how about this aqua tole platter and aqua bowl….yummy colors! So that was one fun day from last week. The next day, my new friend Judy from Gracious Southern Living came up for the day and we had such a great time! We’ve been chatting online for almost a year now and again, it was like meeting up with an old friend. Judy likes to talk decorating as much as I do and we did not shut up for about 6 straight hours. Here we are at lunch at O’Carr’s with their famous chicken salad and fruit plate. We went to Cahaba Heights for a little antiquing. Judy is a very fun person and I’m so glad I got to meet her finally. I know we will meet up again. She’s very warm, friendly, and Southern all wrapped up in one.
We had a great time strolling around…just looking at all the fun stuff out there. Judy picked up a pretty iron candelabra for outside and carted it home in her VW bug.
We both loved this green wicker in the shop, Treasures in Cahaba Heights.
More blue and white.
Loved this pretty bunny and bird vignette.

It’s always fun to meet up with another blogger, so if you get a chance to meet bloggers in your area, do it! Judy, so glad you came up. We will definitely do it again!
Now, back to that antique discussion. What do y’all think about buying older things? I know many of you like me enjoy buying antiques over new. I have been buying older pieces for about 20 years now and here’s what I’ve learned over the years. I love to mix old and new pieces for a well-traveled look. When I go into a house with all brand spankin-new stuff, it just looks like everything was bought in one day from the local furniture store. I think it’s so much more interesting to collect those older pieces and add them to your home as you find them. I do actually love some of the new trends out there, like Pottery Barn and some of the other catalog companies, but I would not want a whole house of Pottery Barn or anywhere else. Love to browse their catalogs for ideas and inspiration, but I always go back to my Traditional style when it comes to furniture.

And I’d rather have older pieces instead of going down to any new furniture and paying much more for much less quality in a new piece. I doubt I could get much of anything for $390 at a new furniture store, so for me, I’ll stick to the old stuff. Most of this new stuff is particle board & stapled together. What about you….how do you shop for furniture? Old or new or a mix? I do love a mix myself. I usually buy new when it comes to upholstered pieces. If there’s one thing I would recommend for you younger girls who are just starting out and furnishing your home, shop the antiques stores and see what you can find. You’ll be amazed at what you can get used for probably much less than what you’d pay brand new and you can bet the quality will be SO much better in the older pieces. Antiques malls are full of great looking vintage pieces and with the economy like it is now, it really makes sense to buy older.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one, so feel free to share ideas and opinions!

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Filed Under: Travel 50 Comments

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Comments

  1. Susie Harris says

    June 8, 2008 at 7:25 pm

    My sister and I did the same thing. We went antiquing and junkin’. She did bring her camera but we are trying to figure out who gets to blog about it =)… I hope I get a few of the pictures and get to share with all of you. If I only lived closer to you! Susie H

    Reply
  2. kjquilts says

    June 8, 2008 at 7:38 pm

    I have always looked for antiques to add to my home. I especially like turn of the century golden oak. I do like to buy new upholstered pieces and I have bought some kitchen chairs and barstools from Pottery Barn.

    My husband was a career Air Force officer. We moved every three to four years. I can honestly say that the antiques moved so well, there was barely a scratch on them when they came off the moving truck. Not so lucky with the newer furniture.

    I don’t have room for anymore large pieces of furniture but I still like to go antiqueing to buy “littles”.

    I love your blog. You really have a talent for interior design. I’ve gotten lots of good ideas from your blog!

    Reply
  3. Kari & Kijsa says

    June 8, 2008 at 10:38 pm

    Love your new chest! Great finds, fun and friends!!! We definitely love and furnish with lots of old pieces…some great quality, some super-rehabs!!! The quality is always better, andthe details are unbeatable…and we do always love a challenge!!

    blessings,
    kari & kijsa

    Reply
  4. daisy cottage says

    June 9, 2008 at 6:55 am

    *waving to Sheila above*

    Judy you are adorable AND Rhoda, you know I love you!
    AND I love, love, love your new treasure – it is perfect, just perfect. You did great! Can’t wait to see it in your home.

    Big ((((((((hugs)))))))))
    Kim

    Reply
  5. dec0r8or says

    June 9, 2008 at 8:13 am

    I haven’t been by here in ages, Rho, but it looks like I stopped in at a good time. I love your new dresser! It looks like Hepplewhite to me. I love the wood grain and the carving on it. Lovely! How cool that you got to meet a fellow blogger, too! I’ll chime in and say, too, that I am also a second-hand shopper. I’m trying to remember the last thing I bought that was actually “new.” Hey, we can chalk it up to being environmentally conscious, too, right? Why buy new when there is plenty of old stuff to love?! 🙂

    Reply
  6. pammiejo says

    June 9, 2008 at 8:19 am

    I have to agree with you! I much prefer a mix of pieces selected for the “personality”/charm they show than a houseful of new furniture with the store look to them. I have quite a few antiques and I would fight to ever give them up – my store-bought pieces, the highest bidder can have them. I also have pieces my husband has made and they’ll never go anywhere either.

    Reply
  7. shaybert says

    June 9, 2008 at 9:35 am

    G’morning Rhoda!

    I have been buying antiques since Sweet Hubby and I we were married over 30 years ago. We couldn’t afford new! They don’t have to be Antiques Roadshow noteable. None of our pieces are of much value, certainly not Chippendale, but have withstood raising 3 kids! I still use the oak kitchen drawleaf table that we took home 25 years ago and immediately chopped off the legs to make a coffee table (the refinisher we had just purchased it from never knew, he woulda flipped). It is sturdy enough to stand on for 6’6″ hubby to change a light bulb in the ceiling or as a stage for a munchkin to sing a solo and big enough for tea parties for 6 little girless if needed. Can’t say that of most of the furniture produced today. I have bought dressers at the Salvation Army or Good Will for as little as $30 and just painted them to match my little girl’s room or? Found a little greenish-aqua colored side table at the swap meet for $7 years ago and still use it, never repainted it. Who’da thunk it would eventually be in style? HA!

    Antique stores and flea markets were regular Sunday afternoon entertainment when our kids were younger. We thought it was a perfect venue to teach the kids the value of the past and also how to look and not touch. Many had free popcorn or vintage candy for sale so the kids thought it was great! (thanks for the memories!)

    Wish you were closer, I’d join you for a shopping excursion!

    Blessings, Shay

    Reply
  8. Hooked on Houses says

    June 9, 2008 at 9:47 am

    What a fun post! Gorgeous antique finds there. I have a chest like the one you showed that I’ve used since I was a little girl. I used to have to tug really hard to get the drawers open with my skinny little arms. All these years later we still use it and love it (and now I’m big enough to open the heavy drawers!). -Julia 🙂

    Reply
  9. Melissa Lewis - Off The Wall says

    June 9, 2008 at 11:12 am

    Those are some beautiful pieces. I would love to have one of those chest’s too! And, don’t kill me, I would love to paint and distress it! So pretty!

    Reply
  10. Francie of The Scented Cottage says

    June 9, 2008 at 12:48 pm

    The only things I like to buy new:
    mattresses
    sofas
    and recliners…so the big soft goods items.
    But that said I do have an antique sofa too and two antique chairs but they will be completely reupholstered.
    and it is a quality issue…you are so right you just can’t find that craftmanship any more.

    Reply
  11. Julie says

    June 9, 2008 at 1:05 pm

    Okay – I am going to tell you a secret. When I was growing up, one house in our neighborhood was completely decorated with antiques and I loved it. My Mother leaned toward a simplistic modern style in the 60-70’s and it had it’s charm…but totally lacked the elegance of those intricate antique pieces in our neighbors house! Shhhh – My Mother was an Interior Designer too!

    Reply
  12. Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says

    June 9, 2008 at 1:26 pm

    I have had so much fun reading all your comments about your love affair with antiques too! I know there are a lot of us out there who love the mix of old and new. I too, only buy new upholstery for the most part since some of those old sofas aren’t very comfortable, but oh those older wood pieces just have the prettiest patina to them that cannot be duplicated in a new piece. No way, no how!

    Sheila, Kim told me about meeting you, so thank you for leaving me a note! Very nice to meet you. I don’t think we’ll be back in FL anytime soon though.

    Let’s keep up that antiquing!

    Rhoda

    Reply
  13. proudgrits11 says

    June 9, 2008 at 2:06 pm

    I’m with ya, 100%!!! I like the P.B. “look” and enjoy model homes that are all perfectly coordinated–but couldn’t stand an entire house of it. It looks NICE, but lacks personality. I enjoy a much more collected look, which takes MUCH MORE time and creativity–and relfects the owner better!! My home is far from perfect, but I’m taking my time and buying things I LOVE…slowly. And my home is very “me,” which makes ME happy!!

    Reply
  14. Reynie says

    June 9, 2008 at 3:36 pm

    I love all your pictures. That chest is beautiful. I’ve gotten a few great pieces passed down from family but don’t have as many as i would like to have. i often get items at a yard sales and end up painting them. i would rather have the older stuff but i think i have a mix of old and new and it works for me.

    Reply
  15. Suzanne says

    June 9, 2008 at 3:55 pm

    Hey Rhoda!
    I love your new chest!! For $390 I think that is a STEAL! They don’t make furniture like they used to. I love to mix old and new. My husband and I hope to build one day so I am always keeping my eyes peeled looking at furniture and different looks. I also am thinking about painting a table of mine black with the “distressed” look. Thanks for your tips!!
    Oh, is the Cahaba Heights in Birmingham? I wouldn’t mind checking that place out when I come in July. Just let me know where it is. Thanks for all your great advice!
    Suzanne
    [email protected]

    Reply
  16. Mary Isabella says

    June 9, 2008 at 6:12 pm

    That is a very stunning chest….Mary

    Reply
  17. Rosemary says

    June 9, 2008 at 6:18 pm

    Hi Rhoda,
    Love the chest of drawers.
    I wished we lived closer. I would love to shop and chat with you.
    Great photos!!
    Glad you two had such fun.
    Rosemary

    Reply
  18. JeanMac says

    June 9, 2008 at 7:04 pm

    That chest is a steal at that price- good for you! We love old furniture also. Over the years, have collected a few pieces but now I’m kind of in the “down size mode” so if i buy, something has to go – but what!? Love your blog.

    Reply
  19. Donna says

    June 9, 2008 at 8:42 pm

    Hi Rhoda,
    What a great chest you found! Love it. I also love the French hutch and the outside iron garden things.
    I prefer old instead of new. Antiques fill our little house and I’m always ready to go antiquing and flea market shopping ~ no better way to spend the day!
    Hugs,
    Donna

    Reply
  20. Robyn says

    June 9, 2008 at 9:07 pm

    How are you?! I have missed your blog. Came by to say hello and loved your post. Come by and say hello and check out a blog I have found. Fantastic man!
    Hugs,
    Robyn

    Reply
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Thanks for stopping by! I’m Rhoda, from Atlanta, GA and I love decorating and DIY projects. Decorating a home doesn’t have to cost a fortune and I’ve spent years thrifting at antiques markets and yard sales, finding those treasures that make a home unique. I’m here to inspire and encourage other women to find their own inner creativity. Won’t you join me?

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