I used to hear the words – that old thing—quite often and then I’d insert a cringe… I know right.. crazy.. because those “old things” stood the test of time and still lives on. That’s because of how the quality of a piece was crafted. It wasn’t until I was in my mid to late 20’s when I can truly say I began my quest for antiques. Finding, learning and studying about pieces, the eras, the styles and admiring their true beauty became a passion. Also, once finding them I had to find furniture restorers and upholsterers because I knew nothing about wood stripping, staining and repairing and upholstery. When my grandmother passed and we had to clear out her belongings, there was an item that was covered with a piece of cloth. After uncovering it, I saw it was a wood cabinet. It was painted a dark brown color but I intrigued by it and asked my father if I can have it. He said sure and I was thrilled. Removing it from the home wasn’t easy because this was a heavy piece of furniture. I contacted a restorer and he come to pick it up. About two weeks later he called me to ask if my piece was for sale. I told him no, it belonged to my grandmother and I wanted to keep it. He kept pressuring me to sell it but I firmly stated “NO” and to hurry up and bring me my piece. About a week later, he called to tell me it’s done and he’s bringing it to me. Needless to say once I saw it I was thrilled, it was like a brand new piece. He brought the mahogany wood back to life and to it’s shining new glory. I couldn’t believe it was the same piece. He was smiling at my joy and felt compelled to ask one more time – “Is it for sale” and I laughed and said “DEFINITELY NOT!!!” So, in this video I’m sharing my love of this piece and what made it the exceptional work of furniture art.
Also in this video I talk more about family heirlooms and why they matter. Of course thrifting is a great way to find treasure pieces, but they’re more treasured knowing they once belonged to a loved one. Just because an item is old doesn’t mean it’s outdated. Create a style for them in your home and enjoy the beauty of having them.
Until next time– Happy hunting while you thrift your house into a home!
CIAO!!!
Thanks for sharing this! My mom recently passed and it’s been a bit of journey processing the emotions. It’s crazy how much “stuff” can mean when the person associated with them is gone. That’s been the case for me with a rug my mom has always had. It’s been with her through multiple houses and is supposedly a kind of heirloom that was passed onto her. I decided to take it but I’m kind of debating bringing in an area rug cleaner to freshen it up a bit. Do you think that will take away from it all?
Hi Alicia, thank you for reading.. and I’m glad to hear you’ve kept something from your mom… (thank for your sharing it). In my opinion, I would definitely have it cleaned and freshened, I doubt if it would harm it – just avoid using harsh chemicals. It’s all in the maintaining of a beautiful and sentimental piece.
So glad you cherished this piece from our Mother Dear!
Yes sis.. glad Daddy said Yes, I could have it..
What a beautiful piece, and doubly special because it belonged to your grandmother. Love the detailing around the top. I never would have guessed that it’s a bar! Maybe it was designed and built that way on purpose during the Prohibition years? Maybe not…
Hey Ruth, thank you.. That’s a good thought.. Furniture was so uniquely crafted back then..Nowadays nothing really compares to it.. if so you’ll pay an arm, leg and a couple body organs for it,,lol – Hope all is well with you