Eye Candy for Interior Designers

Live Auctions versus Online Auctions

In the winter I enjoy going to an occasional auction. Live auctions are exciting, the people interesting and the finds outstanding. The only drawback is the time involved. Depending on the size and volume of items you can spend several hours at an auction waiting for an item you're interested in to come up for bidding but the prices are usually worth the wait. In the winter the crowds seem to be smaller and less competitive. I purchased this gorgeous salad bowl and condiment set last weekend at an auction. This item made the auction worth my time and effort. It appears to have never or rarely ever used.
Online auctions can also be exciting, the people interesting, and the finds outstanding. You can bid from the convenience of your home. The main draw back is that you're competing with a world audience and can drive prices up beyond your pocket book. I have found many great items on ebay but I have also made a price point that I do not go over when I purchase. I don't purchase items for resale but for personal use. The best auctions are from sellers who either don't know to put the manufacturer in their listing or have misspelled the manufacturer name in their description. So if you're looking for a specific item try a broader search.

The salad bowl set is available for sale HERE!

* If you're looking for a live auction close to you try AuctionZip!

Modernica: Pets on Furniture Contest

Ok we need to get these girls in our mid-century modern room to do a little photography. Who can resist a one eyed teeny weeny girl?

Pets on Furniture Contest 2011

Submit a photo of your pet on your favorite mid-century modern furniture for a chance to win an Isamu Noguchi coffee table valued at $695, a Noguchi dining table ($795), a Pierre Paulin easy chair ($1,170) and a George Nelson bubble lamp ($269).

Here are some contest tips:

Must be a photo of a pet on modern furniture

Pictures should be clear & the furniture must be recognizable (avoid close ups of your pet’s face)

Photos must be original no borrowing copy written photos without permission

A medium shot is better so we can see the furniture, pet & interior (we want to see your style)

Include your pet’s name and furniture designer/description (if applicable)

Glorious Orange Westclox & Friends

Orange, oh how I've missed you! It's great to have you back in my life again. Country blue had nothing on you. This cool orange Westclox alarm clock is ready to greet you in the morning! Tick tock, you can purchase this sweet clock HERE!















Now that you're awake you can head down stairs and enjoy a freshly squeezed glass of orange juice with this cute little orange juicer pitcher set. Available for purchase HERE!














Is it time for tea? Invite 12 of your closest friends for tea.Yes you heard that right, this is a tea service for 12! Available for purchase HERE!

America's Continental Can Company

Made in America!










SOLD

Every once in a while I come across these great old Americana pieces that remind me of the days when we were manufacturing giants in the world. This is an old enamel can cup made by Continental Can Co. for their annual picnic in 1935! According to the Harvard Business Library the Continental Can Company was founded by T.G. Cranwell in 1904, three years after the formation of its greatest rival, American Can Company.

The company bought the Standard Tin Plate Company in 1909 to ensure that they would have a steady supply of tin. Continental's original business consisted only of packers' cans for fruits and vegetables. Given the seasonal nature of this work, the company decided to expand to general canning in 1912. By 1913 the company had acquired all of the interests of a New Jersey corporation also called Continental Can Co., as well as the Export & Domestic Can Co. and the Standard Tin Plate Co. The same year, Continental was incorporated in the state of New York.

Christie's Great Estates and sellModern Take Me Away!

If money and location wasn't a problem where would you live? It's a restless winter afternoon so it's time to let the Internet take me away to a different place and a unique space. The Internet allows us to check out what the inside of that cool house, condo, mansion, brownstone or loft looks like and we don't have to leave our own home. This can be a great way to get some interior design ideas from some of the finest interiors in the country.

My favorite place to go to a virtual open house is sellModern. Not only do they feature some of the most unique homes in the country their site also features a Contemporary Design Magazine! The images and information offer inspiration for those of us who are fascinated with modern design and architecture. You may not find items here that are in a garage sale budget but it can give you the tools you need to make the right purchases for that look you're seeking on a budget.

Now if you really dream big, and I mean gargantuan, check out some of the most fabulous homes and estates around the world at Christie's Great Estates. I wonder if any of these people ever have garage sales??? If they do I am so there.

Mid-century Hard Rock Maple & Furniture Consignment Stores

If you don't want to deal directly with an owner there is always an option to visit area consignment and used furniture stores. This can take the pressure off both the owner and the buyer. I am sharing a few consignment and used furniture stores. First up is Fred's Unique Furniture and Antiques in Warren, Michigan were you can find this stunning 6 piece hard rock maple living room set. Perfect for that lake cottage or cabin and all for $695.00. I would love to design a room around this set!

In Fort Wayne, IN check out Finders Keepers at 2608 S. Calhoun St.

Never under estimate the resale of hotel furniture. Check out Hotel Furniture Liquidators in Holland MI.