After a year and a half in this little sideline business of mine, I’ve learned a lot. 

My new antiques booth prompted me to think about what mostly sells: functional furniture, lamps, etchings, vintage prints and paintings, lamps, and small decorative items.  And what doesn’t: couches, larger pieces of decorative iron, and some other smaller items.  I’m furthermore learning that these “lists” change, given the whims of the consumer and what each person is looking for at any given time. 

My rule of thumb: pick functional pieces that I can display in a new use (console as bar or console as desk, for example), reupholstered chairs, barware, unusual lamps, and designer items that provide “form and function” in the home.  I don’t pick expensive “collectibles”, but strive for an overall aesthetic to what I buy.  It’s working, but still lots to learn.  This week I moved my booth in Raleigh to a smaller, but more prominent new antiques booth in the store.  It rents for significantly less and I found that I got a lot more in this booth by simply going “up.” 

If you can’t go out, go up, my new motto.  Mr. F&F was key in this new approach, installing a piece of wood on cheap brackets from Lowe’s…

At the very back of booth, put up two shelf units to display “smalls”….this is more organized than my old booth…better to go up…

And some close-ups of goodies on these shelves…

Some other close ups in the new and improved booth…

Still looking for a larger building to house my “green” design business, but will keep this space to advertise once I do.  It was a great opportunity to downsize in this store in preparation for that.  And over the course of this past year, I have learned that folks are responding to the ultimate in recycling by purchasing antiques and upcycled items.  Come visit H&G, Raleigh peeps!