Flickr Find: Amazing Thrifted Couch

You found this at a thrift store???

As far as I’m concerned this Chris Malmberg guy is some sort of thrift ninja.

From the BackGarage Flickr photo pool.

Want to add your own thrift scores to the pool?  Come, join us.

Inspiration Folder: Thrifted Couches

Some people run with the opinion that a couch is hard to thrift.  These photos provide proof it’s not.  Why spend thousands of dollars on seating when, for around $100, you can create a beautiful room with a space to sit that’s kid friendly, pet friendly, and red wine friendly (maybe all three at the same time) — because if it gets ruined, a new one is just another $100 away.  Right?  (Click each photo to see the original Flickr photo with notes.)

Flickr Find: Thrift Store Sofa & Chairs

sofa & chairs, originally uploaded by ennaland.

A little Monday Morning thrifting inspiration: two chairs and a couch — all Danish Modern in style, although the cushions could use a little umph — scored at a thrift store. (If she tells me the arc lamp came from a thrift store my eyes are going to pop out of my head.)

Chicagoans don’t forget: It’s half price day at all Unique Thrift Stores all day today.

Happy Monday.

Inspiration Folder: Warm Industrial

Warm industrial.  I like the phrase, don’t you?  It came from a recent reader letter.

I recently moved into a loft, and Craigslist and an architectural salvage warehouse’s clearance sale have been my savior. However, no matter what I do, it seems that my spot gets colder, harder and more industrial.  Is there such thing as “warm industrial”?

Satchel

Satchel — I know exactly what you’re talking about. I love industrial: glass jars, lockers, random marquee signs with drug names on them, bizarre rolling metal shelving that obviously has no place in a living space… But how to soften it up so you don’t look like you’re living in an abandoned warehouse in Sheffield circa 1978, or a forensics lab?

To start with, I think Julie Fernstrom, who owns Brimfield in Andersonville, does an excellent job of softening up an industrial look without compromising the masculine contents. This photo was taken by Tate Gunnerson of the fabulous Chicago-based design blog Strange Closets, and if you want to see more inspiring photos of Brimfield, check out his most recent post about the store.

Painting metal a lighter color and adding antique elements (like the picture on the left from Mabel’s House), or juxtaposing industrial and neo-colonial (in a palatable color — like the photo on the right from FreshVintage) helps to tone down the 1950s secretary vibe of vintage metal office furniture.

Adding a tapestry in warm colors to the walls and a few bright-colored modern staples helps, as do deep shag rugs.

Warm colors and textures can also soften cold scientific glass, like Abbey Hendrickson does on Aesthetic Outburst.

Lofts are such versatile, raw spaces, they make any piece of furniture look good.  So don’t be afraid to abandon some of your hard industrial furniture in favor of something more granny-chic.  Remember: when you’re buying everything from Craigslist, there’s no harm in living with a piece for a few months and then letting it go.