marble & iron tables

Recently, I discovered some amazing marble and cast iron cafe tables on Craigslist (searching by material - see this post). I have yet to contact the seller as I am not exactly sure where I would put them. But since I have been thinking about them for quite a few days and seeing as they are such classic pieces I think I might have to pursue purchasing. This type of table sometimes referred to as French bistro, cafe or pastry tables can be found in all shapes and sizes both old and new. Crate & Barrel as well as Williams-Sonoma Home sell several variations on this timeless design but if you can find vintage I would choose old over new any day. Marble and iron are both incredibly durable and long lasting materials which makes this type of table great for indoors or out, light or heavy use and transitional in style to work in all sorts of rooms. 

from top left - source unknown - design by Nam Dang Mitchell via House & Home - La Coupole Iron Bistro Table with Marble Top by Williams-Sonoma Home - design by Nate Berkus via The Kitchn - via Homestead Seattle - French Kitchen Bistro Table by Crate & Barrel - via Desire To Inspire - source unknown

searching craigslist by material

As I wrote about in this Antique Craigslist Finds post, my craigslist shopping has really amped up since we bought our house. Recently, my searches have gotten much more broad - bathtubs, outdoor lighting, furniture etc. - with one of my favorite ways of searching being by material. Sorting by material leads me to all sorts of interesting items that I wouldn't have otherwise stumbled upon. It also acts as a way to divide out pieces of nicer quality. My first go to material search term is brass. Of course, you get the bad polished, cheap 80s brass items but at least in St.Louis, you largely get antique brass - the good, heavy, un-lacquered kind of brass. Today's brass search yielded these items.

I have been looking for a quilt rack like the one above as it is a great piece to put in a guest room for extra blankets and towels. Plus this one is a steal at $35! Not a steal at $700 but a really cool piece, the above rolling card catalogue came out of a bank in Southern Missouri and is a great character item. Finally, I love the brass caps and shape of this pair of mid-century modern chairs. 

My second go to term is walnut. Walnut is generally very high quality and is that perfect shade of brown - not too red, orange or yellow. Today's walnut find, is this 3/4 antique bed for $225.

Another favorite search is chrome. This largely generates mid-century items with a cool, retro vibe such as this accent chair and outdoor dining set. 

Marble is another good term to try that usually gets a lot of mid-century hits. This floor lamp would be an awesome statement piece and this marble coffee table would make for a unique and durable outdoor table. 

Other material terms I frequently try are: bamboo, cane, lucite, bird's eye or tiger's eye maple and solid wood. If I am specifically looking for a wood piece, I will also try searching by construction methods such as dovetail. Happy searching!

earthquake 5.9

shards of marble from Budri's storage facility  via Archiportale

In May of 2012, the earthquake now known as Emilia rocked the storage facility of Budri - an Italian marble inlay atelier. Many of the company's precious stone and marble slabs shattered into pieces rendering the slabs seemingly unusable. That is until designer and architect Patricia Urquiola got a hold of the damaged material and created a line of goods and installations that is really beyond beautiful. I love her pieces and the incredible story beyond their creation. 

earthquake 5.9 work room via Archiportale

earthquake 5.9 vases via Budri

earthquake 5.9 tables via Budri

earthquake 5.9 origami tables via Budri

earthquake 5.9 fishbone wall inlay via Budri

earthquake 5.9 bookcases via Budri