Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Additions to my apartment or estate sale treasures

Summertime is always slow for blogging; lower readership, less to read, and so much going on that there just isn't time in the day. However it's a great time for fun little posts sharing whats going on in one's life!
 I was thrilled last weekend to find an interesting antique cabinet at a Georgetown estate sale for only $60.  Yes, you read that correctly.  The previous owners had taken an antique sideboard (mid 19th century) and gutted it to hold their stereo and record player. It was looking a little worn but the lines were great as was the price.
The cabinet measures in at a hefty 6' long, 2' deep and 36" high. Originally I thought it would make a great vanity for a project I'm working on.  As it had already been altered I didn't mind further mutilating it but it proved to be 6" too long for that task.  However it fits nicely in this corner of my living room and holds all sorts of entertainment glassware, board games, etc, with room to spare!
As you can see it was a little rough when I got it home (the top still hinges up but no more record player inside!). Some wood glue to re-affix the broken veneer (seen in the center), a light cleaning and then a heavy polishing was all it took to shine! You never know what you'll find at an estate sale. Have you found any treasures lately?

28 comments:

Pigtown*Design said...

no treasures my way. not at all. bwahahahah!

home before dark said...

I think this is a great addition. Will look forward to hearing what kind of "heavy polishing" you will use! And please humor me on this hot day in Kansas, just how did you get this baby home?

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Oh I know all about YOUR treasures, Meg - JEALOUS!

ArchitectDesign™ said...

HBD, it was a bit of a hassle as it was last minute and I had to have it out of the house within 3 hours on a Sunday! So no chance getting a mover. Luckily I was able to get ahold of my beloved friend Darrin who has a large SUV and it just BARELY fit if we tied down the back hatch -haha. It was an interesting 2 miles back to my apartment in Cleveland Park!

Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...

That is fabulous! How come I never find that stuff? Oh, I guess you have to go to the estate sale to find something...

David said...

It's beautiful, isn't it amazing what a clean and polish can do?

My only score lately is a Tag Heuer watch. I got it for 70 at an auction and wasn't at all sure it was real. The jewelry store opened it up and verified that it is indeed authentic, 8 years old and originally retailed for 3500.

A Perfect Gray said...

you are killing me. awesome find. I am looking for something with almost the same dimensions and its hard to find! great score. donna

ArchitectDesign™ said...

David, lucky dog!!! Find me a Cartier next, haha.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Donna, I guess I beat you to it! Keep your eye out, something will turn up in an unexpected place (like mine did!).

PattyM said...

Oh please take me with you on your next treasure hunt (I live in the neighborhood)! It is a beautiful piece. On a serious note, where do you find out about the estate sales. I've tried a couple when I've seen signs stapled to telephone posts or more professional looking signs by the side of the road but they rarely have anything worthwhile. Or maybe they have been picked over by the time I see the sign. I promise not to tell anyone if you share your secret.

Deana Sidney said...

There is nothing like the thrill of a good deal. Marvelous piece and the price makes it perfect!
I should bring you along on shopping excursions... you have the lucky touch.

Windlost said...

A wicked find and price. Looks great...!!

xo T.

DAM said...

Job Well Done, sir.

Always like to see your projects and learn what products you used to clean and polish it up - this time no exception. Do you mind sharing the process and and tips/tricks?

ArchitectDesign™ said...

PattyM - use estatesales.net!

ArchitectDesign™ said...

All, I used a VERY diluted solution of murphys wood soap just to take some of the accumulated grime off. Barely any soap at all in a tub of warm water and a barely damp cloth. Don't use too much soap or it washes off the finish! Then I use Guardian furniture polish (my preferred brand). I love the old fashioned smell and the sheen it gives.

Mark D. Ruffner said...

Your new piece looks like a million bucks with that mirror. Is the lamp shade a brown, or a purple? I can't tell.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Mark, the lamp is another estate sale find: vintage fornasetti. Black silk shade.

Karena said...

Great find Stefan! It is perfect for your space and the blue velvet of you fab chair really stands out!

No I haven't...I will have to be smarter at the estates, moving sales, and auctions! I DO think you will like my Giveaway!

xoxo
Karena
2013 Designers Series & Giveaway

Lord Cowell said...

I really like the barley twist columns above the feet, I'm a fan of those, and the lovely way you have 'tablescaped' it. David.

Rebecca Corvese said...

Oh My Gosh! I love this piece. What a great find! I hope you post a picture of it after you polish it up!

Paisley Curtain said...

Love the buffet, and for $60/= you can't get one even from Ikea. This one comes with a lot of character and quality. Hope you will enjoy it for a long time.
Best wishes

Karena said...

Stefan I had to come back and look again, of course I adore the buffet; I have been thinking of mirrors a lot lately and yours above the fab new find is gorgeous! Any source?

xoxo
Karena
2013 Designer Series

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Karen, the mirror I got about 6 months ago from my favorite vintage /junk shop here in town (Ms Pixies here in DC). It's 1970s probably. There has been one exactly like it for sale now under vintage wall coverings on OneKingsLane.

Woodside Park said...

$60??? Seriously??? I need to go shopping w/ you. What a great sideboard.

Renée Finberg said...

wow
what a deal!!!
amazing....
aren't you glad you got up that morning and made the estate sale???

you might have missed that gorgeous cabinet.

oxo

pve design said...

The treasure found you. I think it's so suited to you.
Looks wonderful.
pve

Brandi said...

Wow, what a gorgeous find. I can't believe the price. That's pretty amazing. Look at all that storage space you gained.

Randall said...

Awesome!