There comes a time in every designer’s life when you simply have too much stuff. Actually I used the other “s” word to describe my predicament. Between keeping a ready supply of goodies for client installs and styling shoots for clients, I found myself with a storage unit full of lamps, accessories and odds-and-ends that simply were not being used. I am as much a hoarder as the next person, but sitting on these beauties seemed foolish and honestly a tad selfish.
Being the giving person I am, I partnered up with a fab local company called Previously Owned By a Gay Man or as I like to call them POBAGM to sell my little treasures. While the company has a funny name, it has an awesome concept; work with local designers and taste makers to cull their closets/storage units and curate collections of gently used home decor and accessories to sell to the general public at fair prices. When the owners approached me for a sale, I initially shuttered at the idea of saying goodbye to any of my pieces. However, I had to remind myself that it does no good having a beautiful things in boxes on a shelf…..they are meant to be shared, appreciated and make friends jealous of your superior decorating skills (wink). So I am parting ways with all these great things and more …..
1) Vintage Leather Trunk: I am second-guessing selling this piece because it’s so beautiful. The leather is perfectly aged and would make a great coffee table or a piece at a foot of a bed….
2) Thai Sundial: I love things on a stand or pedestal – they instantly have presence. I have used this piece repeatedly in shoots to fill console tables or shelving. It’s the perfect object d’art …..
3) Tortoise Shell Floor Lamp: This sucker is heavy and crazy beautiful when lit. Tucked into a corner, it provides the perfect ambient glow for reading or pipe smoking….
4) Mirror w/ Nailhead Trim: Masculine and oh so cool, I loved this mirror and used it in a shoot in a gentleman’s bedroom. Hang by your front door to give yourself the once over before heading out……
5) Megaphone Pendants: I was so bummed the client opted not to use these in their kitchen. I loved their simplicity and geometric quality.
6) Octagon Mirror: It’s a big geometric beauty that I wish fit in my home. Faceted mirror on all sides and angles that reflect light beautifully. I am tempted to redesign our master bath just to keep this…
7) Persian Rug: It’s a slightly larger than 5×8 wool antique Persian rug for cheaper than what you can get a synthetic bath mat. I was smitten with the purples and red in the piece – dark, mood and dramatic….
8) Vintage Boy Portrait: I like portraits. Blame Emily Henderson…or thank her. Regardless, I used his brother as inspiration for Christmas but couldn’t find a home for him. So don’t let him be an orphan this holiday season.
9) Trio of Brass Cage Pendants: Sometimes you buy stuff and think about it later. Well it’s now later. I bought these on a whim thinking that the right client would emerge. They never did to my chagrin. Brass plated with red wire and brass ceiling mount, these would rock on a bathroom or as bedside lighting for the more adventurous. Can be purchased individually as well.
10) Pair of Silver Lamps: Art Deco in feel but with a jute/linen shade….it’s like the Beverly Hillbillies! These were used as desk & bedside table lamps and now they can serve you!
11) White Shield Mirror: I love this mirror – it a class shape and the white makes it so fresh. It wanted to use this in a bedroom but got nixed. Sadly it never found a home after that…..
12) Brass Urn Lamp: I call this lamp Earl. I don’t know why but when I found it at an estate auction, I was instantly smitten with its massive side and grandeur. This could look “hotel-y” in the wrong room, but i would center it on a console in a hallway and flanked with piles of books, everyone would call you the Earl of Cool….
13) Jonathan Adler Sconce: Funny story about this sconce….actually not that funny because I bought the wrong thing for a client. Somehow I bought the sconce when we needed the pendant. So my stupid mistake is your gain.
14) Tripod Floor Lamp: So this lived in my home for many years and eventually it found itself in the garage along with numerous other lamp casualties. It’s a great lamp with a telescoping base but as with all things in life, my style changed and the lamp needs a new home…
15) Seascape Painting: I initially bought this piece for the frame but the oil painting grew on me. This would be great as part of a larger gallery wall or simply hung by itself. The frame gives this piece such presence as I could see it as part of a simple but striking vignette with the brass urn lamp….
16) Silver Urn: This has been an umbrella stand, end table and planter in different photo shoots. Translation – this little guy is versatile!
I am adding more items as things sell, so check back to see what other goodies I weed out. I wonder if doing all this sharing can get me off Santa’s naughty list because y’all know I need all the help I can get! Now quit reading and start shopping!
[photo credit: michele hofherr]
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Courtney Out Loud 