This summer I spent a fair amount of time at estate sales and tag/garage sales searching for inventory for my vintage Etsy shop and also just because I enjoy browsing for unique decor for my own home. My tastes lean towards eclectic with a mix of vintage and modern. For example, my living room contains a modern looking white leather sectional and glass and chrome shelving mixed with early-to-mid century pieces, including a 1920s reupholstered armchair, an antique clock, and midcentury marble-topped side table (one of my summer finds).
I love finding interesting pieces that become focal points and conversation pieces in a room. And I relish the search. It’s so much fun to browse when you never know what you might find.
Here are a few of my favorite recent finds. Some link to current listings while others are things I kept for my own home or have already sold.
Midcentury Madness
I spotted this canister set at the Brimfield Antique Show in Brimfield, MA, just before summer started. I especially love the pink color and the retro font used on the labels. They now sit on my kitchen counter where we use them everyday.Another treasure from the Brimfield show that is now prominently featured in my living room. I absolutely loved the rounded, midcentury cupboard and removable marble top on this side table.
So Kitsch!
Love these wicker hen baskets that I found at an estate sale. Perfect for a farmhouse kitchen!I couldn’t resist these 1970s McDonald’s “Good Morning” coffee mugs. Can you believe that the fast food giant used to serve its java in FireKing/ Anchor Hocking milk glass mugs? Times have changed.Another retro kitchen find made by Japan’s Inarco in the 1960s. The bright daisy pattern on this coffee pot is so pretty against the glazed olive brown backdrop. So many nice details, including a handle textured to resemble a stem and a pumpkin on the tip of the cover.
1950s Fashion Statements
I love this 1950s Style-Art clutch by Holzman that I picked up at an estate sale. Cherry-red suede with black leather piping and wrist strap and a fabulous rhinestone snap closure. I was so pleased when I opened it and found a compact mirror, comb, and change purse tucked inside! (still listed in my shop).
I used to pass by the jewelry cases at estate sales but lately I can’t resist. There are so many pretty brooches, earrings, and necklaces from the 1950s-era. This one was special with sparkling red rhinestones on antique gold. It sold soon after the listing went up.
Retro Rustic Decor
I’m loving rustic decor lately so my eye was immediately drawn to these textured marble stone coasters that were on display at an estate sale. Vintage Set of Studio Vertu marble coasters with weathered metal stand. I later found out they were hand made by Studio Vertu in the 1990s in Cincinnati, Ohio. (click photo to see listing)
I have an obsession with owls and I seriously considered keeping this wall plaque for myself. But I am trying to restrain myself from accumulating (hoarding?) too much stuff so it is now listed in my shop. This piece also has an interesting history as it was made with clay mixed with volcanic ash from Mt. St. Helen’s in Washington State, and signed by the artist Stan Langtwait.
