FDJake just posted about how he and his wife really like Thos. Moser furniture. Since it is SO high-priced–almost $20,000–for a dining room hutch, I looked it up–he likes to get it used at a bargain. Really nice stuff, Jake, but too East Coast for my rustic taste or house.
I like A. Brandt Ranch Oak. Out of Texas. They don’t make it any more either. So I have been collecting it for several years and putting it in my house and in my furnished rental units. It is solid oak and like iron! Really heavy to move, and darn near indestructible.
Plus I happen to love the flared legs, horseshoe hardware, and white wax finish. And it is affordable. And collectable. Just like Jake, I get all excited when I stumble on a piece in a yard sale. Once I bought 8 desks at $45 each! Even the hardware was worth more!
The point is, why go to a modern furniture store and pay $700 for a glued-together dresser when you can have a quality piece for the same amount of money? Furniture that will go UP in value, instead of falling apart? My Ranch Oak collection I will one day haul to Wyoming or California and sell to designers. So they can put it in a million-dollar “Ranch” home, for some movie star or mogul.
Better to buy furniture that has dove-tailed drawers and quality construction. Why not find something you like and collect it? 50’s furniture? Danish Modern? 1930’s WPA furniture? Find what you like, and make it yours. An investment you can use.
I am hosting a big family wedding this next week. I discovered my dishes have been depleted over the years. I found my pattern–Villeroy & Boch “Naif” on Craig’s list from June–someone wanting to sell dozens of pieces for just $250! Exciting stuff! Those plates otherwise cost $25 each, a serving bowl $70!
I happen to like the feel and look of nice china in my hands. Just like kitchen cupboard hardware, door knobs, faucets, silverware–stuff you touch multiple times during the day needs to be NICE. You need to really like the feel in your hand.
Maybe live in a budget 'lil shack. But, your cupboard handles gotta FEEL GOOD in your hand. You need to ADMIRE your plate before you put food on it. Your FORK needs to make you happy.
I’m just talking about quality here, folks. Not a lot of money. I’m talking about collecting, slowly, over the years, things you love.
My first dishes (4 plates) I bought in Florida just after getting married. I went back to the store FOUR times before I committed to them. Now my set of Naif is probably worth several thousand dollars. Especially the discontinued pieces.
Sell the junk, and surround yourself with just a few quality things that you love.
Furnishedowner