Last call for New England Delivery -Do I have any New England fans in the house?

I will be delivering a set to New Hampshire next week.  If you are in the Nashua or Rye area or Rhode Island, I might be able to connect you with something.  This is a rare opportunity to have something delivered to your area without having to hire a shipper.  If I can fit the item you want in my car with the set I will bring to you.  Message me now to discuss!!!!  That said, I also will be unavailable most of next week for shipping/inquiries.  I will respond to you, but I will be away from my inventory most of the week.  Any purchases made will probably not go out until the following week.  Please place any orders you need shipped fast by Tuesday before I leave.  My kids are involved in sports and music events right now so my nights are jammed packed.  I will continue to pack and ship asap, and you will be notified with a plan if I need more time to pack (large items mainly). 

I have two shipments out on Greyhound right now and although I am pretty disgusted with their lack of insurance coverage, I would still consider a shipment if it is A)NOT restored and B)NOT fragile.  We all will have to take the risk of it being damaged and I will not refund for damages.  I pack well so I can guarantee that every effort will be made to protect your item, but as Greyhound says.....if it ends up with an engine and that slams into your chair....well......that could happen.  I have a pretty broad delivery region.  I have gone as far as Washington DC burbs to deliver if it is a large and expensive piece.  I may have to add additional for delivery on a distance like that if I do not have a buffer factored into my price for that, but it would still be cheaper than hiring a shipper.  My past clients can attest, I help move your piece in with you too.  :)  So I don't leave you hanging out to dry with 'curbside' delivery.  I want my babies to be safe until they are in their new forever spot so you can count on me to assist in that.

Lots of great items have been moving out!  Spring has sprung and everyone has decorating on their minds.  The pair of X benches are at the upholsterer and I may have them back this week.  Stay tuned to my social media for the big announcement pics! 

I am currently trying to get through some back stock and add some smalls to my etsy for sure. Keep your eyes peeled for some great glass items and maybe some china.  I have some Russel Wright I was hanging on to but honestly, I have a McCobb set for keeps and it would not make sense to hoard it.  :)  I will post a few pics of my recent adds.  Lots of stuff in carts on etsy.....if you are one of the cart people and need to talk to me please reach out!  I know buying furniture or other expensive items remotely is difficult and I am here, we can talk via phone or message!  I talked to two clients last week on the same day on the phone!  I love connecting with you guys in real life!    I am sure some of your hesitations could be resolved if we had a convo. 

LOCAL PEEPS.....what do you want to see?  Message me or post on my FB!  I am itching to swap out the booth space and really want your help!  I have so many cool things and only can fit a fraction into the space.  If you are frustrated with the 'cheap' used goods that aren't fixed, have scratches, bad upholstery, not clean, etc.....TRY ME!  I guarantee you will LOVE my service! I take pride in providing goods that are clean, repaired, restored.  All details are taken care of!  Stop by Fleetwood Antique Mall at 14129 Kutztown Rd, Fleetwood (ROUTE 222 just south of Kutztown) and find me on the 2nd floor, rear of barn.  I am currently featuring some great restored items and they are priced lower than my online markets for cash/carry.  The great staff at the mall will help you load your items and don't worry if it is full of my smalls for sale, they will get it all cleaned off for you.  If you will be in the area and want to see something specific, kindly give me a few days heads up and I will try to get it out there for you to see/purchase! 

Thanks for sticking with me!  Also, once again announcing that I do suspect foul play with MailChimp.  If you get my emails and never visited my web page and signed up (2 step process!....you have to confirm after you submit your email), please let me know! I see people coming and they get their first email and they drop the list.  I was able to connect with one gentlemen who said he never was on my web page?!  I have no clue how he got on my list and suspect mail chimp is pulling something shady.  I apologize if you are a victim to this!  I never add people to my list and it grows organically.  If you are new, thanks for reading and I hope you consider sticking around!  xo  Malissa

This great shot glass and mini carafe set by Finnish designer Tappio Wirkkala, ‘Ultima Thule’ is amazing! Like drinking out of icicles. Purchase this set with the large carafe and save $25. 

1979 Miller Lite bubble sign. Great for you man cave, bar or rec room! 

This pink gooseberry Pyrex set is available to reserve for pick up at the May Mid Atlantic Pyrex Swap! If I get no takers there it will be listed in my markets.  Message me for pricing and to reserve! 

Large 9-1/2” dia Cathrineholm Lotus enamel bowl.  

Spring refresh, back to school and other thoughts on business.

The Etsy shop sale is winding down.  Please check out by midnight Saturday to save.  I will hold price onlarge items with a deposit.  Message me to secure your favorite piece! 

Thanks for al the love I the last two weeks! I have been packing, shipping and delivering some great items! Spring is such a great time to spruce up your home. We just repainted our bathroom and I picked up an incredible shower curtain by Sin in Linen so set off the warm grey we chose.  More painting to come and hopefully some new flooring before I get to work on my couch restoration.  Here’s a peek at the bathroom.  Our home was built in 2004 with 70s era blueprints so we have new home luxuries with smaller rooms like an older home.  I do miss not having cool things like tiles and hardwood but as things are aging we can refresh with the details we love. 

We formerly had a light green tint wall, which over the years showed a lot of dirt and wear.  I choose the flooring with green so needed to work some green into the space and this shower curtain really brought it all together! 💕. Cannot wait for the next transformation!

I have been taking a Small Business class with a division of Kutztown University and am about half way through the session.  Learning how to take my business to the next level and our final project is presenting a Pitch to lenders.  I am not looking for a loan, but will be a good experience.  I am focusing my efforts into reaching a more regional audience of interior designers and Home stagers for other services besides just sales.  I am about 5 years into selling and although my numbers are fantastic, it really leaves little in my pocket and the goal was to replace a full time income which I am still very far from.  I do not feel it wise to go into debt at this point.  I have a great inventory I built up with little personal investment so I feel slow and steady wins the race.  I also feel  like my own area is not my market and I do hope that after spending time working that market and alternative revenue streams, I am pleasantly surprised by my findings. This business is very volatile.  Not only do trends change quickly, you are at the whim of big box knock offs and worse, the crappy economy.  Last year has given me PTSD as overall I did well but there were many successive months that I scraped by. The only pay I get is that this business pays my car payment and I had to reach into my pocket to do that last summer.  My pocket can not afford that payment.  😂. So this year, I am going to start going lean and keeping a stash in case that happens again. I will be picky about my buys from this point forward just because it is easy to just keep buying but when things stop selling it is a very stressful place to be.  Summer generally is the slow time.  Anyway, I plan to offer more custom services so reach out if I can assist in coordinating a restoration for you.  I have a few stunners ready for new upholstery now! There is something special about saving a piece and making it your own! The pride you will get of showing off the piece and talking about how you helped create it, that is priceless! 

Enjoy your week!!!! Malissa

Weekend hustle. Pics of the new couch.

I had a great weekend starting off with picking up the pink velvet couch.  Wow is it stunning!  Wanted to share pics of it cleaned up and it is AVAILABLE.   Listing is up on ETSY and coming soon to Chairish.

I so love the feather cushion!  This piece was restored in the not so distant past.  Everything is in amazing shape including the feather insert.  

I won these French made pillows that I thought would be a perfect match! They also have down inserts.

After a cleaning and refreshing of the wood, these carvings really shine! This foot design is known as a lion paw or hairy paw. The shell motif was less common in American reproductions in the early part of the 20th Century.  I found no clues on it’s maker and most pieces from this era are not as elaborate as this piece.  The upholstery redo is fantastic work.

The left side eagle has been repaired and failed so I will be tending to that. Otherwise, only issues are some light stains on the fabric which are pretty minor.

Pieces this great really do not turn up that often and I will say after extensively searching for another, there are some damn boring Chippendale reproductions out there!!!! The carvings not only make this piece, the shape does.  As you can see the camel hump is less pronounced and the flared ends really create a nice almost exotic look.  Not every Chippendale is the same and this one has everything going for it.  The pink velvet makes it very pertinent to today’s hot colors and textures and it will be timeless while adding class and elegance to your space.  Whether you have a Victorian home or a craftsman style bungalow, this piece will fit in with your eclectic look.  

Please note if you are local to me, reach out for a cash price if you buy direct!!!

Next up, source to order fun.  

I always am hunting for pieces for clients and sometimes it takes longer than others.  I found one long dresser last year and placed it with the first person on my list.  I also had another waiting and this weekend I found a beauty!  

Beautiful walnut veneer 9 drawer chest reminiscent of the Broyhill Sculptra line but unmarked and still unidentified.  Recessed pulls on center drawers and beautiful gold and black filigree pulls on the ends.   

I brought it home and cleaned it up while reporting to my client details on condition and concerns.  There was only one area with some veneer chipping so we discussed that and made a plan.  I did some work blending in the area and it really helped. Delivered 24 hours later! If you are searching for a special piece, reach out with details and I will try to help you find it! 

Adding some stain to darken the area and then adding a clear coat to protect and seal helped this area blend in.  

After the touch up and not so much attention is drawn to the area.   

I was thrilled to visit my friends and clients who had me restore a pair of Heywood Wakefield dining chairs for them a few years ago.  It’s always great to visit my babies!  Plus I got to meet their adorable pups, Elvis and Audrey! So happy I could hook them up with this dreamy piece! 

The orange convertible couch is getting picked up tonight and heading to Delaware.  Things are on the move!  My etsy store will remain 10% off through the end of the month and they will be advertising sales etsywide.  

A reminder that I am heading to New England next month.  If you are searching for a larger item and can meet me in Nashua area with a side trip to Rye on the coast or Rhode Island....message me now! I am delivering a 2 pc set so as long as I can fit your item in my car, I can save you shipping!   

Thanks for reading!!!!  Have a great week! 

XO Malissa  

The Couch of Dreams

Last week I accompanied a friend to pick up some auction winnings and fell in love with a little couch there.  I know I focus on Mid Century Modern, but I shop with an estate company that pulls from NYC metro and they offer many high end furnishings and décor that are not in my normal sourcing realm.  This said, if you are looking for anything more traditional or ornate, please know I may be able to help you out with this.  So back to the couch of dreams....what stole the show is that it's blush velvet upholstery was in relatively decent shape, only in need of a cleaning.  The cushion has a down insert in it!  So posh!  The style is classic Chippendale but features a very elaborately carved eagle with his talon in his mouth at each arm and of course, the paw feet.  I have found no other couches like this online and it is most definitely the best of it's kind.  They told me it was from the 1920's but I will be picking it up tomorrow so cannot wait to see if there are any more clues.  If you follow my facebook, you may have seen when I posted the picture last Friday with a 'does anyone love this as much as me???' post?  Well, in fact someone does and reached out.  At this point, she is first in line to claim this beauty.  In case she turns it down, it will get listed in my markets.  I will be picking it up tomorrow along with some auction winnings I picked up.  If you want me to have a look at anything while I am on the road, shoot me a message!  I would be more than happy to shoot you pics of items that are for sale and keep an eye open at auction.  The preview for the next week's auction is usually available which is always good to get a look at.  The smalls I am bringing home will probably get listed over the weekend.

Amazing 1920s Camelback Chippendale style couch.  Beautifully carved arms and legs featuring eagles.  This color is so hot right now in decorating trends.  Paired with navy or neutrals, it is sure to look fabulous in an eclectic or traditional space! I am hoping to reveal more clues as to the dating of this piece when I get it home. This is new territory for me so I have a lot to learn and look forward to delving into another era and style!

The eagle is so dreamy! Rolled arms are a common element to a Chippendale style couch.  The elaborate carvings in the arms do not seem to be common, according to my searches! Most later reproductions (the original English Chippendales date to the 1700s) seem to lack the arm carved details to this extent.  

This foot is known as a lion's paw foot. Another popular foot style on Chippendale furniture is the Ball and Claw, which is literally an eagle claw holding a ball.   A note on the shell referring to early 1900s Chippendale reproductions:  Shell motifs carrying over from the Queen Anne period may be present, but are not as prevalent in this style as they were earlier in the 1700s.

So couches may be the thing for me!  The orange couch just sold.  So I will be couchless if the pink beauty gets claimed right away.  One thing I do still have is the beautifully restored day bed.  I would love to find this thing a home.  It is amazing.  I do realize it is more of a specialty piece which makes it a little harder to place.  My home would not be able to accommodate it until I kick a kid out.  :)  If you have any interest in it let me know.  All brand new cushions with just the right detailing.  Super neutral navy fabric from Joybird's pet and kid friendly line.  Make great seating and can accommodate overnight guests.  I would love to see it go to new parents as it would be a great addition to a nursery where you can catch some Zs and lounge comfortably with a baby.  Wish I had something as nice when my kids were babies.....I slept on the floor more than once!  ;)  Of course, great for a den, spare room and more.  All the details have been taken care of!  Delivery in my region no extra charge.  Get an instant shipping quote on my chairish.com listing. 

For my birthday, I found a great little Eames fiberglass side chair featuring an H base.  It was painted so I spent a lot of time stripping it down.  It is so cute and dated 1959.  I believe it to be an early Zenith production and the black finish on the base is original.  Super cute and worth the work to add it to my collection!  Here is a look at the project.  Stripping it took some physical work, but the product did not ruin the original shine at all!  I even got the labels free of paint!  I worked quickly in sections and was careful not to let the stripper sit too long as there were disclaimers on the product not to use on fiberglass.  It had no ill effect! 

There were 4 layers of paint on this chair!  It took some elbow grease and was not the most pleasant job.  I have a full day into it.

NEW ENGLAND SHOPPERS!  I have a delivery scheduled in April to Rye, NH.  I will be staying in Nashua for 2 days and then making a stop in Rhode Island on the way back.  If you are looking at something larger and I can fit it in the car with the set I am delivering, I would gladly bring along for you to pick up or I can meet you.  I am tag teaming the trip with a friend.  Please reach out!  I can hold your item with a deposit until the delivery.  This is a rare opportunity to save some shipping! 

ETSY SHOP IS 10% OFF until the end of the month.  MOST ITEMS included but there are a few I left off.  Please stop by and grab some awesome items while they are on sale!  Leaving you with a few new items to check out!  Have a great weekend!  xo Malissa

JUST LISTED: beautiful 21" diameter faceted mirror.  Great for a hall, foyer or smaller wall.  Mirrored glass is mounted on a heavy wood piece and features black painted wood with gold painting trim. 

Picking these auction winnings up Friday as well!  Not sure which items I will be keeping but will be evaluating this weekend and getting them listed.  I love having access to some very eclectic pieces and I welcome you to request weird stuff!  The fun of shopping out of my area is finding higher end pieces!  Reach out if you see something you love as I will let you have first shot! 

Wanted: Customizers!

I have waited a long time to pick up these fabulous Adrian Pearsall pieces and they are finally here!  I am so happy the gentleman I am purchasing them from is working with me and allowing me to collect them as I raise the funds.  That said, all of my recent sales have helped me attain this goal and my future sales will help me save them. Now is your chance to work with me to make these your own!  I will be taking them next week for the upholstery quote so I will have a better idea of the final price to restore.  I am pricing them as is, but If you would like me to handle the restoration work, you get my services no extra charge.  The only thing you will pay is the upholstery work and fabric, which I can help you get at wholesale or trade rates.  I will help you with fabric selection and purchase, plus any wood issues will be tended to.  There is some clean up needed but I should not have to strip them.  I might need to order the rubber strapping if the upholsterer does not have it available.  I found a supplier for it.  After I talk to him this week I will have a better idea of where the final cost will end up. Here’s a look at how they are now.  Serious degradation and brittle foam, hardened straps....just as I expected.  They still hold me but def not usable as is unless you like to vacuum foam powder hourly.  They were in a barn for a while too so the rebuild will include new foam and Dacron as needed, new strapping and new fabric of your choice- I will get yardage requirements at my quote. The good news is the legs unscrew on all of the pieces so I think there is a chance I can box and ship fed ex.  This will help save the white glove costs.  Will have to check dimensions to be sure. Delivery or meets in my region are no extra charge.  

Try to look past their condition.  I can see them looking fabulous in a tweed or textured weave but maybe a velvet?  That would really class them up!   

They are very low profile.  Super sexy and not a common style to find especially in a pair!  No, I will not split them up.  The mother, who is now residing in a nursing home, had them only about 5 years until she decided to redecorate and had them all reupholstered to match her new look!  So this is not the original fabrics.   

Just as cute from behind!  

This chair is called the Havana Chair by collectors.  You see them pop up without he ottoman which I believe was an option, but OMG....do not be tempted to skip the ottoman to save a few hundred bucks!  This set is an alternative to a chaise!  It is so wide that 2 can sit on it.  It will take up some space but this will steal the show in your room, sorry to say.  So be flamboyant with the color.....maybe even a big bold print cause if you got this set, you need to flaunt it and enjoy the heck out of it! If you are in new construction and have a huge master bedroom......this would be amazing in a corner.  

That little bit of walnut arm trim is so handsome!  And the tufting.....love the tufting. 

My listings are up on etsy.  The Havana chair is currently not visible because the etsy police need to verify it was not smuggled in from Cuba. 🙄🔫  I am sure once they review my response the ban will be lifted.  I thought about telling a story or how a refugee floated to Miami on it... but then figured that everyone is taking jokes too seriously these days and I don’t need a hassle.  So the Havana chair that has nothing to do with the actual Havana in Cuba but everything to do with kick ass Adrian Pearsall design will be available to peruse shortly.  😜

A word about customizing these pieces.  You will pay for the item in full up front as priced in my etsy shop, I will get to work on your restoration.  This process will take a few weeks.  If you plan on looking at Joybird fabrics, order your swatches right away! I get 30% off listed prices plus the shipping charge.  There is a 5 yard min but these pieces will both use more, I suspect.  If you would like to shop at fschumacher.com, I can have samples sent to you.  Send me a list of what you’d like to see.  Schumacher is leaps and bounds better quality and finer fabrics than Joybird, but they are not priced for average America.  You can expect to pay $45+ per yard and they have some choices at $200/yard.  I can look up what you like and give you the info before you get your heart set on it.  Upholstery charges and fabrics if I purchase for you will be payable prior to shipping or at delivery. You will get photos and updates as I move along.  I am just as excited to be doing your restoration as you are to be buying it! ❤️

NEW HERMAN MILLER YARDAGE!  

I just bought some great old stock yardage by Herman Miller that has huge quantities.  I have listed on etsy by the yard.  If you would like to select any of these for your makeover, I will give you a better deal than the $10/yard I have it priced at.  I have lots and lots!!!! Here is a preview.   

They are all listed on etsy.  Message me if you want more than one yard and I will make a custom listing and combine the shipping.  Etsy adds shipping to each qty.  I will only charge you what it actually costs to ship.  

How can you use these that they won’t scream 1990??? If you are trend savvy you will know without this pic. 😂  looks great with the pinks and purples now trending.  This is top of the line commercial grade fabric.  The decorator I got them from used to recover furnishings in her beach house and said she was very pleased how they held up over the years of heavy use.  I will be cutting to order and to length off my bolts.  More info in the listings.  This is also a great choice for you business owners that may have seating needing refreshed in your offices and waiting rooms!

Also new and listing shortly is a great pair of early Knoll Don Petitt bentwood arm chairs.  How sexy are these oak beauties?  Petitt worked to develop the laminating process used in these chairs before he designed them.  These are 70s or earlier.  They are no longer in the Knoll lineup and are not in my 90s catalog so probably retired by the 80s.  They are so sturdy and great for use in a commercial setting.  Need seating in your office? Knoll quality that won’t set you back $1000 a chair and sturdy for folks that have a hard time getting in or out of a chair.  I think about these things because I have had past clients buy items from me for those very reasons!  They also make great dining chairs or interesting accent chairs.  Your eyes will keep following those smooth bends. 💕

Original fabric is under the blue tweed.  I have no idea condition.  There are a few light stains but no eyesores.  They can be recovered to suit your space.  

Use these as captains chairs at your table! Mixed dining chair sets are very attractive and eclectic.

Thanks for reading! Reach out if I can assist you with something! I am busy taking a class right now trying to make my business better! I may try testing out what I learn in the weeks ahead.  I will definitely be looking to connect to interior design pros in my region. If you know someone I need to talk to, send me a note! ✌️ Malissa