X Bench Love and Custom Restoration Info.

First off, wanted to let you know I will be off the Grid in the Catskills next weekend for a camping trip and know I will have little to no service over the weekend. I will respond immediately when I get a signal but no shipments, quotes or measurements while I am away. Also we are spending the holiday weekend at a vintage camping event in Catawissa, PA called Kampers at Knoebels. It is a tradition and attracts many of us VW bus drivers but also other vintage camper types.  Search for the group on Facebook if you want to come camp! The highlight is a caravan to Knoebels Amusement Resort on Sat morning where we all park our vans in a row and hang out in the park. It's a fun old time amusement park where you can bring your own food (but park food is excellent) pay by the ride if you like and have a cheap fun day out.  The ride for us takes us through CENTRAILIA, PA, home of the famous underground mine fires that vacated the whole town. Empty eerie streets of where homes used to be! Have a great holiday everyone!

i am almost ready to work on the sewing part of my X Bench restoration. I have the first Bench in the final steps of disassembly. It really is a beautifully constructed piece and I suspect either custom made for a client or made by someone taking an upholstery class.  That said, there are a billion staples and tacks in it so very slow going.  I am thrilled to get the horrible plaid flannel off and get some cream velvet on!  

Although I am not in love with their fabric choice, they did a great job matching up the plaid! 

it's going to look awesome in cream velvet!  And I have a pair! Perfect choice for the foot of a bed.  

CUSTOM SOURCING AND RESTORATION.  

As you may have read a few posts back, I will do custom sourcing for clients.  This is tricky for me as I do not always have the budget for buying things so if you would like me to shop for you reach out.  Typically, I will be on the hunt for a piece in you interest based on some loose criteria like piece (dresser, chair, credenza), wood or finish type, brand...maybe if I am lucky I can hone in on a specific brand, but if budget is concern this may be a difficult task! I look and when I find stuff that may work I will shoot you pics. In most cases, things disappear fast so it is important to consider as fast as possible. I will provide my opinion on condition and issues and will know what I can clean up, repair and what blemishes you may need to live with plus dimensions and other info you need to check your space.  If you agree to the piece, I may ask for a deposit upfront, especially if we have not done business yet. I will purchase and get to work cleaning it up and getting it ready for you. In many cases this takes me a few days of work.  We set up a delivery date if you are in my region or if shipping, I will set up a listing for you to pay the balance owed which you will need to do before I ship. You will get pics and stories along the way because I am just as excited to be working on the piece for you as you are to get it in your home! I really love working with clients and helping you get a piece you will love!  Any upholstery or fabric seats can be swapped out by me at this time too! I have a stock of some fabrics and could purchase to order as well. I have trade accounts with Joybird and Schumacher and would gladly order what you need. 

READY TO RESTORE. 

When I see a piece I would love to restore, I buy it. That said, budget and time does not always allow me to transform it quickly.  I do many repairs myself but some upholstery projects I prefer to use a professional.   I have posted on my webpage MadModWorldVintage.com many of these pieces that are here waiting for their day to shine. If you love one, I can work with you to make it your own! After we discuss where you would like the project to go, I will work up a firm quote based on fabric choice, upholstery cost, etc. I enjoy coordinating these restorations and knowing it will go to a loving home right away makes it better. I think hard about my color choices but when things sit in my house for a long time I wonder if I made a bad decision. I would much rather have someone choose what they want and I just get it done. Pop in and check out my ladies in waiting periodically and see what you like. I have a beautiful Adrian Pearsall wave lounger right now I cannot wait to attack with new fabric. 

REFERRALS WELCOME!  

Not in the market but know someone shopping for furniture? I know you know that vintage is better than new!  It's hard to compete with all the reproductions out there. Even Target is launching a line of mcm themed items this fall.  That's all fine when you are in college or your first apartment and all you can afford but in most cases, a quality restored piece will last the rest of your life and is often not much more of an investment.  I take the time to really inspect what I buy, clean it well, replace anything sketchy and do my best to watch out for hidden issues that crop up so they can be remedied before you get it home.  Sure you can thrift your own deals, but I hear horror stories every day of saggy chairs, hard foam and God help us....bugs.  Yes friends, these stories are real. There are dealers out there that don't care about this at all. Trust is a big thing for me and something that I try to build with all my clients. I have been getting some referrals for repairing items for people which I will coordinate if I can.  I work with a shop full of master woodworkers and many of them do side jobs so if something is over my head, I've got people. 😂✌️ Please send your friends to me if you think I can help them fill their home with glamorous Mid Century items. I also work with interior designers around the country and provide them with amazing items for their clients.  I love what I do!  

Always thankful, Malissa 💕 

Fall Lookbook- Mad Mod World Vintage STYLE!

I always try to keep up with current trends because lets face it, not all of you want a home that looks like you just stepped into the 1950's!  (Ok, I know there is a chunk of us that would like nothing more!!!!) In reality, not all of us are furnishing period homes.  The good news is mixing your furniture styles is very much IN for the fall season!  That means you can add pops of mid century in with your farmhouse or cottage décor and really pull it off.  Good news for my friends in PA that seem to always end up in farmhouse or shabby chic haven!  Good design is timeless and even if the 'experts' are saying it's tired and ready to move on, I have news for them....there are legions of folks passionate about the era and it's offerings so I do not feel they are on base with that prediction.  Only time will tell.  If you follow my shop, you will see I tend to walk the lines and will always say YES to something that I feel adds an interesting visual appeal or texture to a space, even if it is OUT of the era.  I do have many interior designer clients so having things that appeal to them is very important to me.

Color trends for this fall include BLUSH, which they tend to pair with deep dark colors or let's say my navy day bed!  I pictured this day bed in a space like a nursery or den.  Style that is functional and a great piece for a part time retreat. The cushions are brand new and very thick foam which is quite comfortable for lounging with a new baby or for an overnight guest. Day beds are trending now as well.  This one is better than new!  The beautiful velvety fabric is from Joybird's pet and kid friendly line as well.  All original details were recreated including the piping and tufting. All cushions feature zipper entry and the metal base features sexy hairpin legs.  This truly is a fabulous piece!  Swatches shown below are all fabrics from F Schumacher, which I am able to purchase for you!  Most are available in custom pillows as well if you are not crafty.  I would love to work with you and have access to everything they offer on the website.  I can order samples from them as well, and I definitely recommend that!

I have incorporated some other fabulous trends in this style sheet including VELVETS and FURS which add great texture to a space and are ON TREND for fall and honestly, they have been trending for a while. Mixing textures and patterns is a fabulous way to go and gives a great eclectic, boho or 'jungalow' style. This is another great way to jazz up the standard MCM piece.  Typically, mcm is very minimalistic and can get bland and sterile.  Your choice in popping colors, patterns and textures are really what makes it fit in with other eras and really softens the often hard, sleek lines of the design.  Accessories will really allow you to incorporate these pieces as trends change, and you know, they will!   A new coat of paint on the walls, some throw pillows and even a new area rug can give you a whole different look without spending a whole lot.  This is why investing in refinished vintage goods is the better option than say, Target's reproduction line.  Those things are made in china and not made to withstand 60 years of use.  With some love, these restored pieces will hold their value and will most likely become more valuable as the years go on. 

With this said, another great trend is woven and wicker goods!  I can see why!  As I worked on reweaving my Italian Ladder Back chairs I can tell you that I fell in love with the look.  The modernist shape of these chairs and cartoon exaggerated backs was almost humorous and because they have the same farmhouse chic style as a traditional chair, they can morph into a lot of different dining rooms and be accepted.  I left the black chippy finish alone but did add a clear coat over all the wood.  I felt that this aged finish was perfect for today's shabby trends and by all means, I am not an advocate of faux finishes.  In fact, I will be the first one to say there is nothing durable about a chalk paint finish at all!  Before you spend money on this, know that every woodworker I work with thinks it is a crap finish and will definitely cause you strife in the long run.  I made a set of 6 incorporating 2 natural chairs with the 4 black.  I think it also adds interest to the set! 

Woven accents also include textiles!  Just so happens I have been acquiring some fabulous pieces!  My new obsession is rugs....Persian, Turkish.  All hand woven, a bit shabby from age and in fabulous bright hues, they will add an exotic air to your space.  These pieces have been a mystery to me and if you have been following along, can have some maintenance involved.  Of all the things I have bought and sold, I will say that a good rug will cost you. The good thing is, they are heirloom pieces (just like any decent mcm treasure!) so if it is taken care of, it will provide your family with years of use and grace your floors with excitement!  I always here BLOND is OUT! Well, let me tell you, this fall's trends look fabulous with light wood and many natural and light finished pieces are showing in this fall's trends!  A great time to snatch up some Heywood Wakefield, that always presents well in a social setting!  Sleek, curvy and smart, it truly ebbs and flows in and out over the years but one thing is for certain, it is well made and a joy to refinish!  Most pieces found 'in the wild' have issues, but it can almost always be saved!  This collection of end tables were all trashed when I found them and now they are gorgeous!  I collect this brand myself so if you want to know more about it, I would love to help you along.  It is addicting and reminds me of school furniture, perhaps because they did make the old wooden school chairs we remember from our youth!  With all the darks coming back en vogue for wall treatments and accessories, now is a great time to add some lighter woods to your décor! They also look great with exotic designs, textures and bright colors!

Adding a fun bright pop of color to an otherwise neutral room is so much fun! I have selected some swatches from F Schumacher's collection of wall coverings to show you how fun this can be. Featuring some dark shades as the trends are calling for and also some basic neutrals.  We built our home in 2004 and the whole living room is tan and brown.  For me, accenting with bright colors makes my room feel pulled together instead of bland.  Throw pillows, curtains and chairs are my relief!  I choose bright colors for these beautiful Heywood Wakefield side chairs because I know there are many boring rooms that needs some color.  Because I also collect Heywood Wakefield myself, I can assure you I put much care into my restorations.  They are fabulous and fun and I cannot believe they are still here!  The blue pair has well over 100 <3s on chairish!  Because they are smaller, I can totally pack these for the bus and each chair would probably ship for around $60 cross country! 

No matter what your style, color and texture is universal to bringing it all together!  Have fun with it!  I would love to help you along in your decorating either with some new furniture or help you select some wallpapers or fabrics!  I represent Joybird and F Schumacher and can be your go to gal for anything you need!  Reach out anytime to discuss!   xo Malissa

A quick note to the locals!  My furniture featured at Fleetwood Antique Mall is now 50% off!  Come on out and grab them!  Cash and Carry please!  I would love to find them homes and redecorate the space for fall!  Send your friends! WED-SUN 10-6 14129 Kutztown Rd (Route 222), Fleetwood, PA 19522ots of new listings in the etsy shop too! 

This pair of late 1800's Empire side chairs are mahogany and have red velvet covered seats.  That can be swapped out and I would gladly help you with that! Reach out with any requests! 

Etsy Sale ending.....Shop Local Sale Continues

Busy week wrapping up some summer camps and swim season for the kids.  Will not be long and they will be back to school.  I am out of town this weekend so any sales that come in over the weekend will be shipped Monday or Tuesday next week.  That said, do not forget July 30th at 11pm is the deadline to take advantage of my shopwide sale on etsy! 10% everything and that includes my newest items.  I have been listing throughout this sale so come check it out!  

My booth space at Fleetwood Antique Mall (2R09) is also still on 20% off cash sales.  Come check it out and grab some kitschy summer accessories for your tiki and retro themed entertaining areas! I would like to shake things up in there for fall and would love some of these items to find new homes!  Any of my online items can be left there or I can meet you when you shop so please reach out!

NEW ITEM

I just put the finishing touches on the little teak nesting table set I picked up last month.  In order to correct some of the water damage on the middle table, I sand each table top down and reapplied new danish oil in a many coats sanding in between.  They look nice.  The middle table had the most damage and there is still some slight bubbling of the veneer and a little sliver missing along the trim edge but the dark water marks were all removed with the sanding and they look so much better.  Have a look and see if you can find a little spot for them.  So cute and fun to play with!  You can find them in my etsy shop.

Bent Silberg Mobler Made in Denmark, teak nesting table set is now available! 

I have done some custom orders recently where I work with a client to purchase something for them per their wishes, then take it home and do my thing cleaning and touching up before I deliver.  This has been a very exciting thing for me and I would love to have the opportunity to help more regional clients in this way.  If you are a serious shopper and would like me to source for you, please reach out and we can discuss!  My services always include getting your items, clean and waxed, touched up and tended to prior to shipping or delivery.   I also have a small selection of inventory that is waiting to be restored.  If you would like to claim a piece, I would let you be involved in the restoration, choose your fabrics, etc.  I also have helped a new client coordinate rehabilitation on a pair of her dining chairs that were in very sad shape.  The seats split down a seam, the legs were all unglued and some spindles were popping out.  I had them repaired and reinforced and just delivered them today just in time for a family gathering. They looked amazing and were solid as a rock.  I would love more local clients so if you are following me from eastern pa region, please reach out at any time to discuss how I can help you! 

I am planning to add some Adrian Pearsall/Craft Associates to my inventory as I am in negotiations to purchase some wonderful items.  Most need restoration and this a great chance to build a piece from the ground up. I would love to help someone make a piece their own. Pearsall founded Craft Associates right in Pennsylvania about an hour or so north of where I live.  He eventually sold the company to Lane.  His designs continue  to be a highly sought after and treasured by collectors.  I will keep you posted but at this point, I am saving up to purchase the items.  I appreciate any and all sales at this time to help me reach my goal of purchasing and then saving these fabulous set.  There are a set of jax end tables and an amoeba coffee table, a Havana chair with moon shaped ottoman, a matched pair of club chairs and a long luscious sofa that I would love to redo for myself..... anyway, some coming attractions!   

Have a super weekend!

Malissa