The past two weeks I have been cleaning out closets like a boss! I had put at least 10 pieces of large furniture on Craigslist in preparation for our upcoming move to Texas. This last weekend we hosted a garage sale. I was so happy that everything sold quickly and for prices we were happy with.
Yes, I was the pare down princess!
Then I made one dreadful error. I walked into a thrift store with no agenda. I was merely just burning some time before a scheduled appointment. That’s when I spied this handsome piece from across a crowded room.
It contained all three of it’s original glass shelves, dual working interior light fixtures and it had true treillis métallique (wire mesh) versus the grillage (chicken wire) often seen.
I looked at the price. Blinked and looked again. $80. Something had to be wrong. I slowly danced behind its back. I nearly fainted when I saw the maker. Drexel Heritage. Can I get a round of CHA CHING?
The word Chatillon loosely means a place where a medieval castle once stood. There are quite a few towns in France that include Châtillon in the name such as Châtillon-sur-Loire.
Even better I discovered that it was actually two pieces which was perfect for moving.
Then I walked out of the store. Hutchless. Yes, you read that right! I couldn’t think at that moment why or where I would need such a hutch. While I am a big supporter of “buy what you love and you will find a place for it”, I also subscribe to William Morris’s theory of “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful”.
But I still thought about that hutch.
Once I got home I opened up my Charles Faudree design books and admired his many antique hutches and cabinets with treillis métallique. These hutches sell for several thousands of dollars.
Then I walked into my office and it hit me….our formal dining room furniture is currently being used as office storage but will hopefully be returned to its original intended purpose in our next home which we hope to acquire tout de suite.
So technically I will have no storage for the office. Wheels started turning folks! I hit up Pinterest for ideas.
I would like a bit more color in my life and this fabric back is fun.
Red is a traditional Provençal color.
But maybe, just maybe I might be feeling a little bit green.
After sleeping on it I still WANTED that hutch. So I drove our pickup truck back to the thrift store and was there right when it opened. My hutch was waiting for me!!!
I might be in trouble with Mr. Décor who’s currently working out of state. So feel free to leave a comment about what a good deal and decision this was. 🙂
Laura
Linking to:
Between Naps On The Porch, Classy Clutter, A Stroll Thru Life, Not Just A Housewife, A Bowl Full of Lemons, We Are That Family,Someday Crafts,The 36th Avenue, Ivy and Elephants, Savvy Southern Style, Katherine’s Corner, Posed Perfection,Craftberry Bush, Stonegable, Jennifer Rizzo, French Country Cottage, The Shabby Nest, Imparting Grace,My Romantic Home,The Charm of Home,Tatertots and Jello, Funky Junk Interiors, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia,The Dedicated House
WOW! Amazing deal! Tell your hubby it was a going-away present for yourself. I can hardly wait to see the transformation!
No question, it was a SUPER great deal! As usual, your inspiration photos are fantastic. I can't wait to see it in your new home!!
Cha Ching! Laura, what a fine, fine bargain. $80 for Drexel?! I'll bet the original owner was turning over in his/her grave! And congrats on your garage sale. I admire your take charge, commander attitude and success!
Rita
I want that.
Imagine the storage capacity! Imagine how much it would cost to buy the equivalent at retail. Imagine how beautiful it will be when you've worked your magic on it. Imagine how much you actually saved by buying it so cheaply, even tho you will have to move it to Texas. Feel good about it – it's a symbol of your move being a positive opening up of your life rather than a negative!
Laura, I love it and can picture the hutch in that kelly green color. It will be put to great use. One of my favorite and most loved pieces is by Drexel Heritage. It has successfully made many moves with me!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
It is gorgeous and you will have a ton of uses for it. Great find.
I am so happy that it was still there for you. I also bought things I liked only to find no where to put them. I stopped that a few years ago. I think it will look really nice in your new home. Can't wait to see what you do with it.
what an amazing find, Laura! Can't wait to see how you will use it!
Absolutely amazingly great deal. Best decision ever.
Seriously.
What a good deal!
What a good decision!
There. That fixed it for ya. =)
Hugs! It goes with EVERYTHING.
Kelley~
You HAD to buy it. If you were to just repaint and make it wow you can double or triple your investment and resell if necessary. It was an investment piece and needed to be yours. You did the right thing. And a DEAL? More like a steal, my friend. YAY!
I think you made a super decision Laura…love it!!
I have to tell you, as I read through this my heart started skipping a little. I kept thinking, “Oh please don't let the hutch be gone.” as if I didn't know or couldn't guess from the title that it wouldn't be. I love this so much and am so glad you bought it!
Dear Mr Décor,
Don't fret! You'll think your wife is crazy for a while, then you'll see she was right to buy that hutch. Trust me! It has happened to me so often!
Ha! Good thing you have a truck and didn't have to pay for delivery…
Decisions, decisions! What a find dear! With or without a hutch!
I totally understand. I let one of those get away from me a few years ago because we were about to move and I didn't know where it would go. I have shed tears every since. I see yours in red.
THey look so nice. I like the elite regales they bring to a home.
Oh my gosh, such a good deal and a great piece, Laura! You definitely couldn't have not gotten it. I believe you were brought to that store to save it. : ) (How's that? Is that working?) Although, I totally believe what I've written and I hope you will not be in the dog house.
Oh wow what a great find…I just refinish one that I purchase for 99 buckaroos…..at a good will store by me….and I'm loving the way she turned out….enjoy your new treasure….
Smiles~
Mari
Excellent purchase! You would have regretted it for quite a while! I passed on something a few weeks ago; and it bothered me all night long. Like you, I got up early the next morning, was there when the store opened, and my treasure was still there! I grabbed it immediately this time. You found an awesome piece, at an awesome price!
A wonderful piece and a great price. I don't think hubby will mind. Excited for you!
Love the doors and it definitely looks like you! $80.00. You HAD to get it!
Well there's no question it was a deal of a lifetime! You know it's meant to be when you go back and it's still there! I know what you mean about anticipating what the husband will say/think. Our men really do put up with us, don't they:) But don't worry, I'm sure he'll love it, too!
xo Kathleen
Fab piece of furniture. It will look gorgeous in your home…. :)xox, Crystelle CrystelleBoutique
Way to go! 🙂
How could you “not” buy it?
It's the beginning of your Texas house story!
(OMGoodness, Laura…just thinking…how close will you be to Round Top?)
Can't wait to read each new chapter!
~Lynne
withLove!
You got a great deal, and I am looking forward to seeing what you do with it.
Oh Laura, this is BEAUTIFUL!!! I'm so glad you went back and bought it — good for you!! I believe when you have a space where you can use something, and it's this high quality for such a bargain, it's just a shame not to buy it. I just know you'll get lots of enjoyment from it in your new home. 🙂 I personally think it's gorgeous. Congrats on a great find!
Hugs,
Denise at Forest Manor