Monday, May 2, 2011

THE THRILL OF THE HUNT: SHOPPING WEST PALM BEACH

My recent trip to West Palm Beach's Dixie Highway was about the thrill of the hunt. This now well known strip of highway has been trolled by many an interior designer, and shops such as Lars Bolander and Mecox Gardens have migrated over from Worth Avenue and joined the mix.
I was supposed to be taking a little Easter break, but I had to get out and go. I had to see what I was missing. The 85 degree weather did not keep me tethered to a chaise by the pool; I knew I had to get cracking and go shop! My quest took me down the strip, filled not so glamorous shopping malls that held trash and treasures. Here are some of my great finds that I hope you will enjoy, and possibly even buy. I resisted sending a container back to NYC, but maybe you will have less restraint!

CIRCA WHO 531 Northwood Road was started by Tracy DeRamus, who really enjoys picking through estate sales and tag sales for vintage finds. Her store is chock a block-- filled to the rafters with a great selection of Palm Beach Regency punchy lamps, fretwork headboards, quirky objects and garden furniture. It has become a favorite of many interior designers on the both the East and West coasts.

A set of Chinese Chippendale Chairs greeted me upon my arrival

A yellow faux bamboo shelf and mirror painted in a sunny yellow would be great in a bathroom

A tall chest of drawers was already sold

bamboo fretwork mirrors awaiting perusal

a painted metal etagere with fun lamps

A bamboo desk and Gothic metal chairs (there were six of them)

Who doesn't love a wicker elephant side table?

RE VUE ANTIQUES 3701-3703 South Dixie Highway

They have no website and that is how they like it. Each find is fresh and you have to check back often. This spot is more "thrill of the find" than the others.

A set of yellow lettuce patterned china made in Portugal in the Dodie Thayer style. Love it!

A side table with rope detailing

Italian brass chairs are perfect for a vanity

This horseshoe desk was great

This chippendale chair was a total find- the faux tortoise finish and unusual arm made great

Crazy tole lamps

This tiny chest would make a sweet side table

If you are looking for tole flower chandeliers, you will have lots of luck here

A pair of faux malachite painted brackets

For a Yalie

CASHMERE BUFFALO 3709 South Dixie Highway has a mix of mid-century modern, vintage table linens and great accessories

The two room space has some real finds and deals

I have never seen this many tole painted chandeliers as I did here, take your pick!

Great lamps

A stunning assortment of coral necklaces

Vintage jewelery and funky vases

A blanc de chine moment

This refinished bench was a total steal

HEATH AND CO 3707 South Dixie Highway is well known for their lighting, as well as their amazing rewiring skills. If you buy a lamp that needs work, take it here.

This bamboo table was hidden under stuff was going for a song

A bamboo bar cart on wheels was hard to pass up

More painted tole on a larger scale

BRASS SCALE ANTIQUES 3719 South Dixie Highway tends towards the English style of antiques and decorative accessories.


Another ode to Dodie Thayer lettuce ware, this set is 18th Century Italian and I covet it.

You have to spend some time looking but there are some fun things

WILSON ANTIQUES 3716 South Dixie Highway has two shops next door to one another. This is for big time painted Italian pieces, French over scale chandeliers, and Swedish chairs in light aged finishes. I was wowed and it was hard to leave.

The view from the door

Check out the pair of star mirrors

This small pedestal table was a beauty

Iron pieces, aged garden ornaments and incredible mirrors were everywhere I turned

Big game anyone? Not to worry, he is wooden.

This pair of patinated bronze French 1940's sconces were statement pieces.

For the garden

DOLCE ANTIQUES 3700 South Dixie Highway is a visit for the amazing loot and quirky selection.

Looking for something zany? A bric a brac mix of over the top vintage ephemera, signage and more can be found here.

Another set of Portugese yellow lettuce ware plates. Why must you be everywhere when I do not have the shelf space for you?

This pair of unusual panels from the 960's depicting fruits and vegetables was fabulous.

These belong in a restaurant.

A brass and black glass mirror was sharp

THE PALM BEACH ANTIQUE AND DESIGN CENTER 6910 South Dixie Highway. This center is a bit further down and I went at the suggestion of New York based interior designer Christina Murphy. It is a large space with sectioned off areas. You will find a lot of mid century as well as Italian 1970's things.

A pair of chests with chrome pulls that were refinished

A pair of 1940's Art Deco slipper chairs in a grasshopper green linen

A shell console table, very Palm Beach appropriate.

Low red side tables lacquered in a fire engine red paint

A shiny pair of coral red chests of drawers

Three Italian brass sextagonal tables with faux bamboo motif and glass tops

A glass topped dining table and chippendale chairs with cane backs

A bone inlay Chippendale arm chair

Refurbished chinese chippendale chairs in a vivid orange with vintage fabric



A 1970's brass chest with nail head detailing

A pair or reupholstered benches with a white finish and red tufted cushions

A refinished pair of barrel back chairs with ball detailing

A pair of 1940's black lacquered nightstands with lucite pulls

8 comments:

SHERRY HART said...

OMG...breath in....breath out...what incredible finds. I don't know how you did it......I would have been sick wanting everything!

renata said...

you must tell us the prices. you state that some of these things were "steals" we want to know how much1 THANK YOU FOR THE PICTURES.

kayce hughes said...

You are killing me! I am on the hunt for white bamboo for our new store. I wish that I could twinkle my nose and be in PB.

Meranda S said...

What a great post! I loved that white Chinese chippendale mirror. It is too bad they painted it. They are such a rare find! I loved looking at the pictures. There were SOOO many great buys. How did you restrain yourself? LOL!

Nina said...

Perfect timing. Going down to WPB in 2 weeks to visit my parents. Now I have an even better reason to go, and I'm driving so I'll space for storing treasures. Cannot way. Thanks so much for sharing all the locations and photos.

Marisa/Stylebeat said...

Renata, some of the small white tables were $250 and the Cashmere Buffalo bench was $350. Kayce, def check Circawho.com to order from them for the shop, they have killer stuff.Nina, enjoy your trip and make sure to have lunch at Belle and Maxwell's Cafe!

Lisa said...

I live in WPB and it's hard to stay out of the shops - There are a couple more you need to hit when you are down next time - Paula Roemer Inc. 505 Belvedere - just west of Dixie - Paula has a wonderful eye and her estate finds are unique; Parkers 3630 S Dixie - has amazing fabrics - Audrey is wonderful !! - White Lotus Collection -Asian Furnishing and Accessories -Scotty is a charming wonderful designer who shows you unique ways to design a room – her designs should be in a magazine!! - last but not least J Gallery 5105 Dixie has new things every day!!!

Designitgirl said...

I love CircaWho and I love heading out to the flea markets, and the hunt is the best part of it all. Great post. CircaWho inspires me. I am doing what I love too. You can find me at designitgirlblog.blogspot.com
thanks and hope to chat soon.