Off to Scott's!

Today, we’re coming to you from Atlanta, Georgia, where Jaithan and I have taken our Flea Market Shopping Trips on the road! After posting about all the great finds everyone found on our first few trips back in New York, we received so many requests from our readers down south for a trip to Scott’s, we knew we had to do it! Plus, it’s such a great excuse to pay a visit to old friends in the area, like Steve McKenzie, whose company Larson-Juhl produces some of the most beautiful frames around. My other favorites are Kerry and Natalie from Top Design, both great designers and two of the funnest people I know! And then there’s my friend…well, you might even know him too. He’s sort of a jack-of-all-trades—a real Renaissance Man. After helping me find my first apartment in the city, he even stuck around for a while to help me furnish it. He’s dependable, super smart and easy to get along with. Plus, he’s so well-traveled, and today it just so happens he’s in Atlanta, helping us decorate a virtual dining room of sorts. His name, ladies and gentlemen, is Craig.

Hands-down, the best deal in town is this 1950s French Provincial dining room set, which includes the table (with extension), six chairs, a buffet and a hutch, all for $600. I love the integrity of the seller; this set has been in the family for years, and they don't want to break it up. The shapes are good, there's great detailing and plenty of storage. Plus, the pieces are different enough that they don't feel overly matchy. But that wood tone has got to go, so to update it, I'd start by painting every piece in the set a high-gloss black, starting with the table and chairs.

Then, I'd recover them in this fun but sophisticated fabric from Lewis & Sharon, an Atlanta-based retailer with lots of great fabrics at affordable prices. The palette is so fresh, I'd definitely take my cue for paint colors right from here. In fact, they're all in the wings of the butterflies! The walls of our room I'd paint a pretty pale blue. The ceiling I'd lacquer a high gloss red. It's an inspired palette of colors, all from a roll of fabric less than $15 a yard!     

Next, I'd extend the table, place three chairs on either side, then do these wing back chairs at the ends— $75 for the pair, courtesy of Craig. These I'd recover in a rich red linen.

   

The hutch I'd paint black as well, though I'd swap out the glass for antique mirror, then paint the inside of the cabinet something different and a touch surprising—perhaps the same pretty pale blue as the walls.

The sideboard would be so great for entertaining, wouldn't it? Plus, there's plenty of storage for silverware, napkins, china, linens and candles. But again, that wood tone is just so dated, I'd paint the sideboard black as well, then have a piece of mirror cut for the top.   

To bring in a few of Craig's more modern offerings, first I'd hang this antique gold octagonal mirror above the sideboard. For $75, a mirror like this is a steal!

And now for the lighting. On the sideboard, flanking the mirror, I'd place this simple pair of lamps for $20. I'd paint them red with a new set of drum shades, black with red trim.

And finally, above the dining table, I'd hang this pair of classic bell jar lanterns, but for that added decorator touch, I'd wrap the candlesticks in craft paper, the same pale blue as the walls and the inside of the cabinet.

And there you have it! A virtual dining room that's sophisticated, fresh, and affordable, all courtesy of Craig—Atlanta style! But what about about you? Any scores you care to share?

Comments

[Anna]

Dear Eddie
Just because you bought this dinning set, I got mine too yesterday from craigslist as well... I've never done the furniture refinishing before and never been a crafty person either. I feel bit overwhelmed but I would be glad when I am finally done, right?

[Sarah Elizabeth Durnya]

I enjoyed walking around with you yesterday at Scott's! Unfortunately, I didn't actually ever get to introduce myself. There were so many people! Anyways, I am a fresh out of school interior designer. I am grateful for a lot of your ideas! I am now not so nervous about painting, recovering, and using different pieces together! So thanks for the confidence! I didn't actually get anything at Scott's except something small for my boyfriend. But on the way back to Birmingham we did stop at 2 antique malls in Anniston and I did get a couple of things that I thought were neat! So if you want to, check out my blog and see them! Had fun!

[J.Covington*Designs]

Looks like you had a great time - I made the gift market but missed Scotts...what a bummer.

[Kindle aka Redesign Diva]

Craig is my shopping companion. One of my best friends to shop with.

Scores? You really wanna see? I hope this works in comments, here is one, I got for free. http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr287/redesigndiva/Artnthings604.jpg

The guy listed it as "Armour" instead of "Armoire". He listed it for $250 and it never sold. I'm thinking because no one was interested in buying armour...lol

It has a ton of shellac and stain on it! It is pretty but, I am going to paint it though. It opens too, like a little closet, it came from England. The only flaw is that it is so fragile, he put a tennis ball size dent in the back, while moving it. It's not noticeable though.

Craig and I are best friends, I always consult him before going shopping....lol

I miss you guys; hurry and post something else, before I bite all my nails off! I need my fix!

[Holly]

E & J, So wanted to meet you in Atlanta, but snow prevented me from heading down at the end of last week. Sad! Hope after all your great finds you 2 come down South again soon! Anywho, check out www.hollygoeslightly.com for my recent scores at an Americana auction up here a week or so ago. Perhaps a trip North is in your future?

[bejewell]

Wow, I absolutely LOVE that butterfly fabric. So different and gorgeous!

[Russell]

Have you thought about coming to Michigan? The weather isn't as warm as in Atlanta, but the people are! There are such fun places in Royal Oak and Ferndale to explore. Please consider it. I'd be part of the shopping entourage. Cheers!

[Judy]

Eddie, Eddie, Eddie! What a great time I had at the flea market Sat. with you and the wonderful Jaithan....you are both the best! I just know we'll see ya'll again here in Dixie land but but in the meantime, here's to a great 2009 and all the wonderfulness (that's a word, right?) it holds for all of us!

Kisses!
Judy

[Lady Katherine]

What wonderful pieces and the price! Here just one of the pieces would be that price! Love all your idea how to paint each item. While your in Alanta want stop by Mississipi and pick up this 1950 aqua sofa? Its a great deal, just free and in great shape.

[Christina]

Eddie-
I love your blog! Could you one day do a step by step tutorial on how to paint some of these things? - I love your ideas and want to copy them with some things I've found in thrift shops but I am not sure exactly where to begin- I am afraid I will end up with a gloopy, drippy mess rather than a sleekly painted piece.
Thanks so much!
You inspire me.

[tzd]

Please, please, please come back to Atlanta. This was the ONE weekend that I couldn't go, and I am dying to experience one of your flea market trips!

[Mary]

Eddie, I love Craigs list too! I can spend hours perusing that site. I love your redo idea. Have a great time in Atlanta and I'm looking forward to your scores. I hope you were able to meet Rhoda from Southern Hospitality there.
Check my blog for my chairs I found on CL....Mary

[Sher's Creative Expressions]

Oh you are so good. When are you coming to my house??? LOL

Blessings,

Sher

[Karin]

I love your ideas for the dining room set. Paint is always the answer for an update.
Darn that my hubs will not let me go to Scott's this weekend. :( And we only live 15 minutes away. You will just have to come back again- when I have written over teh amount at the grocery store enough times that I'll have a little wad of spending $$$. hahahahaha ;)

[Julie]

Great stuff!! Where is your nest Flea Market Trip?-Julie

[Kim & David Leggett]

Hi Eddie, We shop Scott's Market all the time. Great place for great things! However, my most recent find is a turn-of-the-century Tennessee farm table with nice tapered legs found at an unexpected shop in West Tennessee. To keep it from having that "little house on the prairie" look we are looking for a set of vintage industrial stools or industrial type chairs for seating. They don't have to match. We'll post the updated look on our blog when we find them. We're off on the hunt!

[Laura]

Wow, what a cool idea for a post! This is such a great way to help the novice home decorator get a feel for how to pick and pair items from the internet. I sincerely hope that you will consider more virtual room re-dos. Thanks!

[Debbie]

All I can say is WOW! I wish you could help me do my dining room! I have my grandmothers Duncan Phyfe set (veneer) and it needs SOMETHING!

Thanks so much for your blog!

[EddIe Ross]

Glad you're enjoying the post, everyone!

D-

I'd do a high gloss polyeurathane to seal the piece!

[Melinda]

I just love love it all!

[Marlene Barnes]

Oh my gosh Eddie, have you got your own show yet? Or am I missing something? You are brilliant!!

[DebraK]

WOw, love that dining room set. Wish I could come shopping! DebraK

[Suzanne]

Oh ot be at Scotts this weekend -Born and raised in Atlanta and theres no better plave to shop - except if you're in NY! cant wait to see your fabulous finds!

[danielle]

have you painted furniture items in high gloss paint before? we recently painted our dining room table in high gloss paint and were worried it looked tacky, so we went with a satin finish and now it scratches way too easily. Would high gloss withstand the daily use a dining room table gets and in your opinion still look nice? any tips for how to save our table now its been done over in stain finish?

[paula]

brilliant! i am so jealous of those joining you at scott's. i am from alabama and believe a few people i know will be joining you. did i mention i'm jealous?

[Vanessa]

I didnt know you knew my friend Craig! Hee hee...
Boy He sure gets around doesnt He?
What a world traveler too! LOL

~Vanessa

[Kathysue]

Oh those lucky people in Atlanta,maybe someday you will make it out to Calif bay area,I hope.I love this post because you showed us something we have all seen and made us see it differently through your eyes.Great ideas and I could totally see it in my head.Your enthusiasm jumps off the page and makes me want to go and paint something,OK maybe have it painted.Have fun in Atlanta,Kathysue

[seleta]

Putting in a request to all my Atlanta peeps: girls, show Eddie that famous Southern charm but be gentle on our dear designing friend. He's irreplaceable!

Watch out Atlanta, here comes the ultimate stylish shopper. Eddie's on the loose!

[Lauren Liess]

I love your idea about wrapping the lantern candles in paper to match the decor. Sometimes they bother me & thi8s is such an easy, afforable solution!
xoxo,
Lauren Liess

[Karena]

Excellent choices, and I am so excited to see the transformations!

[Katie]

Welcome to Atlanta Eddie - hope you enjoy our weather :) And yes, Craig is fabulous here!

[Kara]

I picked up a wing back chair for $15 off of craigslist. I'm can't wait to see what you do to your pair.

I'm thinking white slipcover...

[ralphie]

Hi Scott,

Looks as though I need to get on over to Scott's ASAP! Like to be there today! Anxious to see the hutch and other finds after you've completed the redo!

Caio

[Rhoda]

Well, that was fun to watch! And I'll see you 2 on Saturday for the shopping extravaganza!

[Mona from Toronto]

I want that dining room set and I absolutely love, love, love the material you chose to recover the seats!! At only $600 - I can afford it!! To think that some people spend more than that on a pair of shoes!!

I'd love it if you could do a post someday on how to find the right lampshade for some of the older lamps found at thrift shops. A lot of the lamps I find have broken harps and I'd love to learn how to work around that. Vintage lamps are awesome! Please help us thrifters!!

Thanks Eddie!!

[Maria Killam]

Eddie, I always admire the ability to be able to draw a picture in the clients head on what you are going to do. You have this extraordinary talent. Who is the one that will run out and buy the whole thing? I unforunately live in Vancouver so it can't be me :)

[Mimilee]

Atlanta here comes EDDIE!! Watch out! LOL! I only wish I could be there for all the fun! Can't wait to get a full report and see all the pics! Have a safe trip, Eddie and Jaithan!

[Christie Lefebvre]

Great finds! I bet they will be just jaw dropping once transformed :)

[Diane@A Picture is worth....]

I think I have that same mirror in my house! It came from Tuesday Morning!

I enjoy your road trips! I've heard of this event, and would love to go sometime!

[Pat]

I'm looking forward to seeing your Atlanta finds, Eddie. I've heard you are being joined by a former Atlantan, I've known a few years through online decorating groups. Sounds like a fun time.

Just wondering if you have plans to shop in the St Louis area.

Have a great weekend!

[sandra/tx]

Perfection, Eddie. I puffy heard CL. Austin has a really great one, and it look like Atlanta does, too.

[Darci]

This post rocked...would love to see a weekly/monthly posting. At times it is hard to see past the yuck on CraigList.

[Clara]

Eddie,
I also have my Grandmothers DR set, I had it stripped to the natural wood. I can't bring myself to paint it. I do like the idea of the mirror and lamps, I have been looking for a mirror to place over my sideboard or Buffett.
Have fun and go to Buckhead.

[Evy]

OMG....Be still my heart! You are sooooo amazing and visionary! I can't wait to see this exciting transformation!

Have fun in Atlanta!
xoxo

[Tabitha (From Single to Married)]

Oh - I'm so jealous that you're going to Atlanta! I was just there for the holidays and would have loved to be part of the shopping trip! Maybe next time...

Love the dining room set - it will look beautiful painted black especially that sideboard.

Tabitha @
http://www.fromsingletomarried.com

[tracy holland]

It's all fabulous and it just kills me that I was so close to being there with ya'll this weekend! I hope you find my dealer friend Mary, she makes wonderful shell framed mirrors!
Best!
tracy holland

[Lucien]

Cannot wait to see the end results! I am glad to see that you are painting those pieces. All that wood tone would drive me nuts.

[do it yourselfer]

i've been looking for a hutch like this! glad you made it south...atlanta is a wee bit warmer than NY. i'm a big time lurker...love your blog!

[Holly]

I challenge you to look at what Craig has here in Honolulu. I never find anything like that. Great job again.