Red Barn Mercantile

Dan Rutherford of Red Barn Mercantile contacted me just a little while back to introduce the grand opening of their shop in Old Town, Alexandria. Wow - this is right in my wheelhouse! And what a fresh departure from the some of the stuffier shops I've seen come and go on King Street.

From their site: "Owner Amy Rutherford started Red Barn because she wanted to deliver a service – to provide both old and new in one place... The trick in blending old and new, vintage and modern, classic and quirky, is balance. And Rutherford’s knack for mixing rustic antiques with urban chic has created a look that is both fresh and familiar."


Good news - Red Barn has a printable 20% off coupon for in-store merchandise valid until December 24th. Nice! I will definitely be stopping in to do a little holiday shopping. Located at 113 S. Columbus St.

(images by: Red Barn Mercantile)

Eastern Market

Oh how I do love Eastern Market! I love the handmade wares, the organic fruits and fresh-cut flowers, and the history of the buildings and tradition. I love the people watching, and catching up with neighbors. I love browsing, just to browse... for no other reason than because it's a gorgeous, crisp Sunday morning, I have a cup a hot tea in one hand, and newest issue of the Hill Rag, tucked in the other.


So when a devastating fire ripped through the historic South Hall last April, I have to say that I was actually not surprised at the genuine outpouring of support from the Capitol Hill community, and surrounding DC neighborhoods to help rebuild the Hall. Countless supporters felt the love for this institution that I, too, share. Operating for 134 years, Eastern Market, has come to stand as a symbol of this city's history, creativity, and community commerce. So, I guess I just wanted to say, that as a strong supporter of restoration and continued appreciation of historic places, it is my sincere hope that Eastern Market is rebuilt withstand 134+ more...


Just some great architectural salvage and antiques for the home, from last weekend's visit to the Flea Market at Eastern Market...



(Images by RowHouse, Decal by Rebuild Eastern Market)

Martha's Vineyard: salvage and antiques

While out on a run one morning I came across this neat salvage/antique shop called Above Board, located in Oak Bluffs... I came back later that afternoon, and was totally amazed at the neat treasures in this nice gentleman's shop. He explained to us the history behind the fish mounted to the wall ... we chatted about loving claw foot tubs (we have an original one in our rowhouse). And he was very kind to let me take some photos. If you are ever in that area, it's a must-see shop, filled with gems found all over the Vineyard.

I really like the Menemsha Fish Market sign (below the fish) - I didn't even realize that until looking at these photos. We had lobster bisque and seafood chowder there one day, so I'm smitten with that little harbor.

John really liked this old ticket booth. ...sigh... if only we had the space. Oh, right, and a way to get it home. The owner did say that they ship some of the smaller items. I need to check in with their website from time to time.

(images by RowHouse)

Martha's Vineyard: shops

Onto the fabulouso shops! This place is prime for good shopping. Some of these images are from Edgardtown, some from Oak Bluffs, and the last few are in Vineyard Haven. My favorite shop was in VH -- called Nochi. Seriously, have any of you been to this shop??? Or heard of it? It completely inspired me want to redo the look of my living room. Everything was white washed, with a great mix of vintage pieces, and fine luxury goods. I vowed to return to Nochi one day...

(images by RowHouse)

Luckett's Antiques near Leesburg

So anyone who knows me knows that my #1 favorite antique shop is Luckett's - just outside of Leesburg, VA. A bunch of my girlfriends and family love this shop too. Anytime one of us sees a cute antique item in each other's homes... the question always asked is, "did you find that at Lucketts?" Chances are, they probably did.

Without fail, whenever I visit, I cannot leave without finding something interesting or beautiful to bring home with me. Dressers, mantles, chairs, rod iron garden furniture, wicker, old frames, hardware, old signs, beds, and so much more. The fine ladies that run this shop, as well as the 20+ antique dealers which supply the wares, have uncovered some of the neatest pieces in their travels. Some need a little TLC, and other pieces they have restored beautifully. And their prices are extremely fair, I must say... being the bargain hunter that I am.


My favorite time to visit is in the fall when they regularly put out hot apple cider... I can't think of a more pleasant way to spend a crisp October saturday. Lucky for me, John loves to visit Luckett's too. He found a cool old ladder one time - something that he had wanted for awhile. Of course it was the first thing he spotted when we drove up. Last summer, when our dog was a young pup and I couldn't leave him for more than a few hours, I just brought him with me to walk around the exterior.

(images from luckett's and flickr)

Housewerks Salvage: Baltimore

My photographer friend Becky sent me this great tip about Housewerks Salvage in Baltimore. From Becky: "Jen, have you ever been here? Your head might pop off if you go... everything is completely incredible!" She said that it might be on the pricier side for some pieces, but it appears to be so worth it if you spot that special salvage find.

Here is the info from their site: "HOUSEWERKS specializes in unusual and carefully selected architectural antiques, industrial salvage, and one of a kind finds.

Emphasis is on pre-World War II decorative building materials including mantels, plumbing fixtures, entry doors, garden elements, stained glass, and decorative ironwork.

Serving designers, renovators, homeowners, architects, and the film industry, the 8,000 sf Valve House is a constantly changing mix of architectural elements and decorative objects. Whether you are looking for a period appropriate entry door or just something special and unexpected for your home or workspace Housewerks is where the search begins."

Becky is right... I really think my head would actually pop off. I have to get here soon!


(Images from Housewerks Salvage)
Thanks for the tip Becky... can't wait to check it out!

Caravati's: architectural salvage

A good number of my college girlfriends live in Richmond, VA now, and I have to say they are so unbelievably lucky to live near this great architectural salvage warehouse called Caravati's! I could spend 4 hours wandering around in there, and still not see everything. They have rescued old doors, sinks, tubs, iron work, cobble stone, lighting, mantels, radiators, balusters, banisters, stained glass windows, and hardwood flooring. And all very reasonably priced.

I am excited to announce that this month they launched a Caravati's eBay store as well - hooray! Now I can shop online from DC, and then just hop down 95 if I spot something.


**If you know of any other architectural salvage shops, send me the link. I have a few more from the DC/Baltimore area that I plan to feature later this month...

(Images from Caravati's)