Thrift Kit: Material World
One of the questions I’m frequently asked is what kind of materials are on my radar when I’m out shopping. This is such a good question because it transcends trends and specific decor aesthetics, and is a much more approachable way to shop vintage at thrift stores, flea markets and even online. I keep an eye out for these materials, even if I don’t need a specific item, because I’m guaranteed to find a gem. You’re bound to find pieces that you may not generally be drawn to which is the beauty of thrifting!
MARBLE & TRAVERTINE
Let’s get into the basics first. Marble and Travertine are natural stones (not man made) with soft, tonal hues. They’re durable and make a statement when it comes to interiors. You’ll easily find both materials in accent, coffee, and dining tables. Decor accents such as spheres, vessels, lamps, bowls and sculptures are another way to introduce this material into your space. I love using them to style a bookshelf, but they’re also great for a credenza or dining table. While marble can lean more 70s Italian, I love the modern and brutalist feel it can add to any space – even traditional! Antique marble and travertine sinks and other elements are also popular among the European Living enthusiasts (think Amber Interiors) but I like to stray away from trends and focus on what I love. Since marble and travertine are so popular, you’ll likely pay more if you’re shopping at the flea market but you can find the best value on Facebook Marketplace or estate sales.
BRASS
The market for vintage brass decorative accents has been on the upswing for many years. Every year I think the trend will die down, but it’s here to stay! Keep an eye out for bookends, candlesticks, MCM figures, scones and brass furniture like chairs or tables. Keep in mind that most brass will show signs of wear so be prepared to clean and polish the piece once you bring it home. I love a bit of patina so unless something is in terrible shape, I don’t mind a bit of wear. I use Brasso since it works on a few different materials to give my pieces a nice clean and polish. If it is a designer item, consider having it replated (this is what many high end decor shops do). You can easily find brass items at your local thrift store and flea markets on the cheaper side.
LUCITE
Lucite is a type of acrylic that is of particularly high quality (it’s actually a brand name like Plexiglass) so all Lucite is acrylic but not all acrylic is Lucite. I love the material because of its versatility and beauty. All of the curtain rods in our home are lucite as well as the handrail going up to our bedroom. I love Lucite because it’s another versatile material that’s equally modern and vintage. It’s glossy without being shiny and it’s a statement without the extra frills! Because it’s clear, it literally clears visual clutter so even the bulkiest lucite piece isn’t visually jarring. With that said, I skew more toward lucite accents as opposed to furniture but any time I see Lucite, I stop and inspect the piece because if it’s the right piece (and price) it’s coming home with me. Acrylic furniture hit its peak popularity in the 1960s and ‘70s, so if you’re searching for pieces online use these eras as a starting point to fine tune your search. I’ve been eyeing a Lucite chandelier (even though I have no use for it) because they’re just so striking. I’ve sen these at many estate sales!
LEATHER
While I’m not generally a fan of leather furniture, it’s an expensive material that gets better with age so I do keep an eye out for it. If you recall from my stories, my friend Rachel and I saw a Knoll leather top with chrome base office desk that stopped us both in our tracks. It was pricey but if I needed a desk, I would have figured out a way to get it home. I think Rachel was trying to tell her husband that he needed a new desk – it was that special! The Knoll office desk is the perfect example of searching out materials over a specific piece of furniture since the leather top was what caught Rachel’s attention. It’s such a unique use of the material that will truly stand the test of time. When it comes to other leather furniture, seating is always an easy option. Just be sure the leather feels soft and subtle, not dry so it will last for years.
BURLWOOD
There’s wood and then there’s burlwood. As you know, I’ve been searching for a burlwood credenza for ages. Since I didn’t find one for Violet’s nursery, it’s high on my list for our dining room! Not only is it beautiful to look at, but it is entirely unique as no two pieces of burl will ever be the same. Burlwood is made from tree burls and the wood is available in different natural shapes and designs and isn’t man-made. Because of its scarcity and unique character, it’s in high demand. I love burlwood because it’s timeless, beautiful and truly blends into any type of interior design style. I’ve seen burlwood vitrines that look like they belong in Versailles as well as accent tables with chrome base that give off that gaudy chic vibe you’d expect in the movie Scarface. Because of the versatility and scarcity, if you see it pop up for a good price, buy it asap and then figure out where it’ll go later!
