Archive for 2010

Thrifty!

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

I went thrifting in what feels like the first time since hell froze over and was feeling a bit rusty after an extended break from being out on the streets patrolling for vintage goods. I spent most of the day trying to find a groove but only found jack squat while wadding through packed thrift stores listlessly and a bit distracted. I hit all the usual spots and nothing – not even interesting smalls. It was like a wasteland of overpriced crap out there.

On the way to hit the last store on my route, I spotted a sign for a new thrift store that ended up being tucked away in an industrial storage facility in a total no-mans land of warehouses and despair. I can not explain how nice it is to find somewhere new, somewhere fresh, somewhere very well priced. Inside was great – just that perfect mix of jumbled furniture, racks of clothes and strange electronics, disgruntled employees and that very distinct thrift store smell.

Smells like victory.

There is nothing like 50% off day, and nothing is as good as a comfy vintage chair that swivels and rocks and only costs $10.

I’m calling it “The Captain’s Chair” and The Captain approves.

Tomado

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Maya, of Maya’s fabulous east coast home, sent me some images to show off her freshly procured vintage Tomado-Holland wall shelf that she’s been hunting for, for what seems like forever. These Dutch manufactured cuties are usually made with wood or enamel shelves and have thin edged metal supports. They remind lots of folks of a similar modular shelving unit called the String System created by Swedish designer Nils Strinning. I absolutely go bonkers for String units which are still manufactured today, but can get very pricey.

Delicious stringy storage.

I have to admit that I was never a huge fan of the little Tomado shelves and might have argued their merits with Maya at length. Honestly, I probably didn’t really give them a chance…and now they’ve kind of grown on me. So, Maya is right – they are awesome. Both useful and cute they add a great bit of floating storage to all sorts of spaces. String or Tomado? Both please.

I’ve seen these little shelves pop up all over, but if you desperately need some Tomado I know Amsterdam Modern carries a variety and they can almost always be found on Ebay. Sometimes they show up in vintage stores and on occasion at flea markets. Keep your eyes peeled!

Social!

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

You can now enjoy The Brick House via social networking. It’s what all the kids are doing, right?

Check out The Brick House on FACEBOOK, it’s a networked blog thing.

Or Twitter it up with @The_Brick_House

I’m still figuring out all the complicated @things and tweets with # and tiny URL’s and fancy internet lingo. Madness!