Many of our design clients have shared with us that the reason they chose us to work with was because they were drawn to our use of repurposed items. Working with existing pieces gives our projects a lived-in charm and patina that can’t be had by pointing and clicking. 

Shopping online has its place. When you are looking for beautiful objects, however, it is best to see them live. The ability to touch it, sit on and most importantly be inspired by objects only happens on purpose, and in-person. Even better if these objects (tables, chairs, knickknacks) are edited and selected by a visionary shop owner. 

Obviously, it is a massive environmental win to reuse. For myself, as a designer, it changes the rules of the game when you discipline yourself to work with existing resources. 

After working with many of our clients for, on average, one to two years before their building renovations are complete, we know each other well and have become close in a very particular way. 

This intimate bond is formed because we have pained over many, many decisions together, overcome hardships and had many fits of laughter. And by the time they are ready to start looking for all the finishing touches, and we need to go shopping, we know folks very well. Take this knowledge of one another, add in the element of chance regarding what treasures will be found at that exact time, and you get a recipe for design bliss. 

We have come to love and trust key local spots for just this kind of adventure, and we are thrilled to share.

We have recently had the pleasure of working with Heidi Duffey, the owner of the  Mid-Century Warehouse in Port Richmond. Heidi is a superstar. We connected through a love of and appreciation for the designer Axel Vervroot. Needless to say, her taste is extraordinary (I also know this from designing her house and studio…).

If you are interested in impeccably restored, reasonably priced mid-century pieces, you’ll likely find it at Duffey’s shop. The place is highly curated, with the best of the best from this iconic period. In addition to selling mid-century originals, Mid-Century Warehouse also sells clean line pieces from the furniture brand Article at nicely discounted prices. They are only open on weekends till 2 p.m., so don’t dawdle. 

There’s also Discount MCM, which is on Mermaid Lane in Wyndmoor, right in Chestnut Hill’s backyard. From their funky playlist (we have a playlist too), to their excellent social media and Mondrian front door, this is a well-run, fun furniture resale spot with a great vibe. It is by appointment only, so schedule that first. They are very friendly and responsive. 

Does anyone remember the iconic Philadelphia head shop in Old City called  Goodsense? Their iconic sign was a nose with a handlebar mustache. Well, the folks at StickBall on Arch Street have salvaged this sign and have it listed for sale along with many other wonderfully selected pieces of clothing and decor.  Sign up for their Newsletter to stay abreast of great finds and keep them on your radar. 

Happy Hunting! 

Val Nehez is the owner and principal designer at Studio IQL in East Falls. You can find her at studioiql.com, on Instagram at @studio_iql or @quickandlovely_design.