Yugo I Go. Getting intimate with lounge chairs from Yugoslavia.

Little chair needs new cushions and big chair needs a makeover.  

We have all seen them.  They look danish, but not.  Straighter arms, less sculptured but still that same great look we all love.  I passed up a pair a few weeks ago because the strapping needed to be replaced and I wasn't feeling that project.  So then I find this pair.  Ok.  Seat supports are good.  A bit wobbly.  The gal at the shop was like, aren't these great??? The seats come up almost like they fold but not really!!! Skeptical me was thinking, honey, these need some serious gluing and clamping!

So fast forward a week.  I decide to start cleaning them up and getting the structure secure so I can start working on the cushions.  I need mom for that and honestly, I have no clue what color! I just picked up some upholstery scraps but not sure I have enough of any to do both chairs.  I have cream velvet.  I have brown with stripes knoll fabric, probably enough of the red Schumacher? It's so hard making color choices for a not yet found buyer.  If anyone sees these and must have, speak up and I can make custom cushions in your choice of fabrics!  

The finish is in good shape.  A little love evened out the issues without too much effort.  The wobble was a bit discerning so I wanted to find out more.  I can see some nail 'pins' and brass catches going on.  That is not gluable.  In fact, there are no exposed screws anywhere!   So I post a thread on my favorite restoration group- https://m.facebook.com/groups/671198139615447 and here is what I find out.

The screws catch into this hardware piece. 

the screws that catch.  Give them a turn or two to tighten up the structure. 

​Turns out these guys were made to flat pack! That kept shipping costs down drastically.  I further inspected and every piece has the screw and catch. The seat just lays in with pegs, plus evidence of 2 screws that's was told prevents the seat from popping up unwantedly. I was also told that tightening up those screws just a little will help it be less wobbly.  So I am working on that now.  This is important to keep in the back of your mind in case you run into one of these rickety babies!  It can be helped and it's only a matter or tightening a few screws.  These chairs are lightweight and really a pretty add to your space.  As far as shipping, they can be flat packed!  It's up to you as the buyer, but I would label everything so you can get it back together fast.  Now......what color to make those cushions!!!?!!!  

XO Malissa​

Not broke! Don't panic!  

wow! I tightened 3 screws about a full turn. Whacked the one side with a rubber mallet because it was not sliding and I am happy with it!  Very sturdy now!  These sit a little low for me...as do most mcm lounge chairs, but they will be great with new cushions! 

Debunking 'Attributed by', auctions and estate sale finds.

I had a crazy week! First thing's first.  I picked up some amazing items this week bidding on some online auctions.  It is exciting and fun.  I watched a great pair of Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates sculpted arm chairs go for $1000 and they needed foam work!  But lucky for me, my competition on MCM must have blew their load on the chairs so I was able to get a few very nice high end pieces for a good price!  First off, I won a fabulous Danish bookcase/hutch by Poul Hundevad. It is 2 pieces with a lower cabinet that features a sliding felt lined drawer and maple adjustable shelves.  The exterior is teak veneer and has adjustable open shelves.  It is tall and has a lot of storage.  Perfect for a pyrex display or other collectables or just housing your books.  I do not typically have access to a lot of Danish so this piece was very exciting for me!  It really is a great utility piece and useful in any room of the house.  It is very large though and the top only fits in my Vanagon so delivery will be limited to the local region.  I can help price freight companies and this will be listed on chairish by mid week most likely.  Their rates with Plycon are usually very competitive.  Here's a look!

Beautiful teak utility piece!  Available now!

The next amazing item has me stumped for now.  It is a smaller glass top dining table perhaps a game table.  Perfect for a smaller room or nook.  It has a 1/2" thick glass top which sits on 3 1" thick lucite supports and three brass cross bars or sorts.  It is beautiful and really high end.  Most dealers attribute this to Charles Hollis Jones, the king of Lucite.  CHJ was a pioneer in using lucite in his designs.  All the big dealers are attributing to him but I want to see it for myself. It turns out that MR CHJ is very much alive and has a web site.  I contacted him to see if I could solve this dilemma.  Mr CHJ is a total sweetheart!  I think he was pleased that I asked and he did confirm that this is NOT a CHJ design.  SO, sadly, it is still unknown.  Perhaps it belongs to Alessandro Albrizzi, who also was doing amazing things with Lucite in the 70s and does have some similar looking pieces.  I have yet to crack it.  I will say that this is a very high end piece.  Lucite gained popularity especially with the wealthiest folk as pieces were not blocking a view.  So when you had a home full of windows overlooking the ocean, you could, in effect, see right through the furniture and enjoy the outdoors.  Pretty cool concept and this little piece has opened my mind a little further.  It is a smaller table so seats no more than 4.  For the right spot, it will be a charmer!  Regional delivery is available, and it will be showing up in my chairish shop with shipping by Plycon later this week.  Do not forget that if you are in Deliveright.com service area (mid atlantic states, south eastern states) I may be able to quote them for you as well!  Here is a look at this beauty! 

So in my correspondence with Charles Hollis Jones, he told me that is he currently featured in an exhibit at the Museum of Art and History in Lancaster, CA entitled 50 YEARS 50 CHAIRS.  Pretty cool.  I am trying to purchase a copy of a book about him from the museum for my resources.  A very sweet man, it was very nice that he was cordial and I do think he was even pleased that I bothered to ask.  Can you imagine seeing your name all over a bunch of things you did not create?  Many of this era's iconic designers have already passed on and perhaps a family member is carrying on their legacy and offering insight to those who are still admiring their works.  It was amazing to be able to correspond directly with one of these persons.  This right here is one reason that I take time to research.  Maybe I cannot determine it's origin, but crossing someone off the list is also progress!

I spent all day Wednesday picking up my winnings.  2 trips to the auction house, one in my Honda van and one in our VW Vanagon!  It was a great day for a drive and I got to meet up with my friend, who had also won some things.  We planned to get together on Friday to pick up some other winnings in North Jersey and hit some estate sales.  It worked out great and not only did we have a great day, we probably were at 7 sales and I found a bunch of awesome items!  If kitsch is your thing, I have got some!  I am still listing things but got through a lot in the last few days.  I will add some pics here.  All are currently available in my etsy shop, chairish listings are processing.  It was a very exciting day!  

Adorable 3 pc cafe set with original vinyl sunflower upholstery!  Made in Bethlehem, PA by Crestline Industries.  Super cute for a covered porch or deck, sunroom!

UPDATE SOLD!  Very long framed print for Turner Wall Accessory.  Signed Mato.  This are not high end but are in demand.  This print is entitled NEW YORK HARBOR SCENE.  It is blue-green hues and the frame is stained blue.  A real nice piece.

A very pretty pair of Empire era accent chairs.  These date to the late 1800s and have such great lines, I can see them blending well in a mixed era home.  The red velvet is a recover and in ok shape but that can easily be changed out to match your decor.  Condition is shabby, some chips and age related wear.  One has a repair on the back.  This vintage is best left untouched.  They are charming!  I picked up the rug as well.  It will not be for sale at this time.  

I was recently involved in a discussion regarding Mid Century fake plastic plants.  They are not easy to find to when I saw this one, I grabbed it! Amazing bamboo cemented in 8-9" blow mold plastic pot. stands over 50" tall! It is amazing! 

This was the bulk of my large finds and I have some cool smalls that will be listed soon.  Reach out if you need more info about anything!  Have a great week!  

Xo Malissa

A couch saved and sold, new acquisitions.

What an amazing week and a half!  I have shipped many items and have been working hard!  I am happy to announce that in the last week I was able to complete the restoration on the beautiful sectional and it has been scheduled for pick up with the shipper.  My upholsterer had the cushions ready for me in 24 hours after I left them.  So great to see this couch with perky and soft seat cushions!   

No doubt about it, this is one sexy sectional! 

She is headed to South Carolina to be the star of am 1800's built home!  I know she will fill the role with grace! 

I have arranged shipping with a great company with limited delivery areas in the south (based in Atlanta) and also has service in the mid Atlantic (based in NJ).  They were able to save my buyer $200 off the chairish quote with plycon!   

My lights have been going out the door as fast as I can go over them!  The gorgeous 4 light pendant fixture is on the bus headed to Nebraska.  I will be working on the tension poles next.  I also picked this beauty up yesterday!  What a fun piece for a retro kitchen nook!  

Love those daisy accents!  

I also picked up a great bookcase!  It features sliding glass doors and a fixed shelf.  

I picked up a great little bookcase that features sliding glass doors and a fixed shelf.  It is in great condition.  I will be adding it to the etsy store and although I could bus ship, I'd prefer a local meet because of the glass,  I may work it into my booth as well.   

Size is 36" by 12" by 35-1/2" tall

i also scored a pair of chrome Bertoia chair knock offs in a great counter height. Front of seat is 23-1/2", top of back 40" from floor.  Knowing how most folks want the look without dropping up to $1000 a chair and honestly, the bar and counter height chairs are not as common to find in the secondary market, I picked these up.  They look new as there is tag residue on them.  Seem sturdy and will add some class to a kitchen counter or bar.  I will be pricing them at $150 for the pair and taking them to the mall space for cash/carry local peeps.  Only a Knoll aficionado will recognize that they are not the real deal so your secret is safe with me! 😂✌️

Chrome finish.  Super great pair! 

These will be great in a modern kitchen! 

Choice of 2 Herman Miller Eames Shells, better than ever!  Reimagined with reproduction rocker base from Modern Conscience. I will be holding on to one of them so when one sells, I will be pulling the other listing! 

I have both rockers in my possession and adore them both!  I will say the tan (Greige) shell is more of a collector piece since it is very early.  Dates 1951-1953 and is the first modification on the original Zenith production shells.  It's a harder, and in my opinion, more fragile fiberglass than the Summit Plastics black shell.  From my research, I would date that one as late 50's or early 60's. It has the S circle Summit logo and the double triangle logo plus the Herman Miller logo stamped into the fiberglass.  The upholstery is in good shape with only one puncture tear and some marks/discoloration on the vinyl.  Very minor issues.  Both of these chairs are iconic pieces of MCM design and recognizable by even the most novice of fans.  Such a cool piece to add to your home and definitely will not depreciate in value.  I have taken great care to restore them so they are in ready to use condition.  Perfect for parents to be!  The chairs really do not take up a large footprint either, so you can slide into a tighter space.  Locals can see them both in person to decide!  

Both listings are live in my etsy shop.  Stop by to check them out! 

Looking for restored items?  I still have a few super pieces looking for homes, fully restored with new fabric and all issues tended to.  Pop by and see if you can accommodate one! Bus shipping available!

Gorgeous daybed with all new cushions on metal hairpin frame.  Features Bentley Indigo fabric from Joybird. 

A gorgeous pair of Heywood Wakefield pull up chairs in Vibe Aquatic fabric from Joybird. (Buy one or both) 

Heywood Wakefield pull up chair in Vibe Sunkist by Joybird. 

Thank for popping in to hear about my adventures and thank you for supporting my small business! XO Malissa

The couch of dreams....restoring a classic.

I have been busy working through my items to get them ready for listing in between working with customers.  I apologize for those who are waiting for specific items!  I will get to them, I promise!  I also had a bit of a cold last week which kept me less than productive.   

I had a very interested party in the sectional and although there has been no formal commitment, I decided to forge ahead on the restoration.  I spent a lot of time cleaning the pieces and working on some light stains on the cushions. I managed to lighten them.  They are not obvious, but if the cushions are flipped and swapped, they are mint on the reverse sides so that is fabulous!  I took to my upholsterer to get a quote on the foam replacement.  It was in line with what I hedged for so that is also great!  After that, I came home and ditched the old foam and cleaned some more.  I also added an internal patch to reinforce a very small puncture that will also be on the underside with the cushions flipped.  I will have it ready to deliver in about a week and a half after someone commits.    It is a big investment for little old me to do without a buyer.  I have gotten loads of feedback in the last week and I am certain she will not be here long!  I cannot wait to see her with her properly stuffed seats!!!  

***I would totally take a deposit to hold any furnishing in my inventory and ship when paid in full.  Please keep that in mind!  This works out well for me so I have time to get it packed and then when paid, I can take it right to the bus, I never know how fast my stuff is going to sell and I have worked with folks for a week or 2 until the transaction is complete so definitely reach out if that helps you!  I know it is income tax time and if you see something you like and are still waiting for your refund, know I will work with you.

Shipping......so of course I have taken on this very large item that I could not possibly ship on the bus, which is my preferred way of keeping my clients happy with reasonable shipping.  I must tell you that I have done extensive quoting on this couch and chairish is THE BEST priced white glove shipping out there.  I cannot touch the rates they are getting on my own direct through Plycon.  Should you need to use white glove shipping, by all means go to my page and add the item to your cart for check your rate.  If you are not a current chairish client and sign up for an account you will get a coupon sent for $20 I think.  Also, I can forward one to you with your email so definitely take advantage of it.  Chairish is my highest fee market and it kills me to pay 20% commission on my items when I do most of the work but being able to offer the best shipping rates for those who need white glove shipping services makes it worth it to me to keep listing.  Click the badge below to visit my shop! Save me to your favorites!

I am still working my way through my lighting and want to check it over before I sell.  I did list the entry light fixture the other day.  It is such a unique piece!  It was in use until we look it down.  I will not be rewiring it unless anything looks sketchy.  Kenny will check it for shorts with his meter. Find this piece at https://www.etsy.com/listing/494074972/mid-century-modern-4-teardrop-pendant

Such a stunning piece!   Used on a pitched cathedral ceiling, but would work on a flat ceiling as well.

Used over a built in planter, I would guess this is one of the better fixtures you'd find for this purpose.   

Def American made as there is a union label.  Maker unknown.  Super shape! 

As you can see, it is a large fixture.  The wires are encased in a brass rod so lengths are only slightly adjustable.  The light on the left can come up higher to meet the bottom of the rod.  

I will be working on catching up with those of you who expressed interest in the pole lamp and the plastic plant, so I can get them sent out or delivered.  The plant has cement/plaster of Paris in the pot and it had been a super pain to break up!  I want to finish that up this weekend and get it shipped.  I also have 2 peeps interested in the pole light with the planter bullets that I'd like to go over next.  We are up to our ears in basketball season and have games or practice most weeknights and over the weekend.  Getting very weary of it and this should be over by the end of February, thank goodness!   

I am also picking up the black Herman Miller rocker this Tuesday and will be getting it listed right away.  Both rockers are available but I will be keeping the one that does not sell first so if you are considering adding one, now is the time to commit.  Unless I stumble across another shell, I will not be getting any more.  

The tension screen is at my booth space.  I left it as is, the bottom panel is damaged.  It can be removed or shortened, but figured I would let that up to the new owner.  Added some other goodies this week too.  Stop by WED-SUN 10-6 at Fleetwood Antique Mall 14129 Kutztown Rd, Fleetwood, PA. GRQ Used Furnishings is with us now so I can tell you there is lots to see!  Great prices and a huge selection of every era you could want. 

Please stop by all my shops for your Valentine's Day gifts!  I am stocked with some great items!  Thanks for your support! XO Malissa

Quick updates!

I have been totally slammed and thank you to all my wonderful customers!  I am so enjoying working with you in finding the perfect items for your home! 💗. I have a few items still in transit, but between large furniture items and lots of high end glassware and fragiles, I am happy to get your reports that things are arriving safe and you love them! 

This Saturday is Pyrex and Retro Fest in Havre De Grace, MD!  Been pricing and packing but it's going well and cannot wait!  If you are anywhere near and can come, I will assure you this event is going to be awesome!  The whole town is involved!  Please stop by and say hi!  I will have some give aways and coupons for my etsy shop good through thanksgiving.  I want you guys to think of my when you are decorating for the holidays and shopping for gifts!!!  

Please shop early!  I am still buying and trying to get new items listed to keep my shop filled with the best of MCM for the season.  I just came home with a car full of Herman Miller Eames Shells and will be reimagining them with new repro bases from Modern Conscience.  Stay tuned for some more pretties!  With that said, my Greige RAR is officially on the market.  Made between 1951-1953, this 2nd generation shell is great for any decor. If you are looking for an iconic piece that shows up in magazines and tv shows, this is it!  Find the listing in my etsy shop here : 

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/482906045/early-2nd-generation-zenith-eames-shell

Here is a look at my next projects!  

No worries dirty friends!  You will be beautiful again! 

The cobalt fiberglass (Ultramarine) with cobalt Naugahyde upholstery chairs is so stunning!  There is an IBM inventory label on one.  Their nickname is BIG BLUE, so my guess is this is possibly a custom order.  They have the scholastic mounts and stacking bases but I will be replacing with dowel bases.  I cannot wait to see them!  I will need to save up a bit to get to these but if you are interested in purchasing, I will get to it faster.  Set of 4 will be perfect at a dining table! 💗. I also got a single side chair in tan fiberglass.  Will probably do walnut dowels on this one.  Finally a black arm chair with black Naugahyde.  I could do any base on there.  Leaning toward rocker in chrome and maple, but maybe chrome Eiffle.  I would take requests and this one will go for less than the Greige as the shell is newer.  Ok maybe 70's!  😜✌🏻️

Here are the cobalt after I cleaned the dirt off.  I have more cleaning to do but boy are they lovely!!!!  

These are going to look great with maple or birch dowels on chrome wires! 

Alright, back to work for me!  Will pop up for air shortly!  Need to get the Brasilia chairs finished!  Hope to see some friends in Saturday!  Event link can be found pinned at the top of my FB PAGE: Facebook.com/madformodmalissa

xo Malissa