The Metropolitan Building

Dating from 1909, the Metropolitan Building, located in Long Island City, NY- first started out as an electrical parts factory. Seventy years later, it had long been vacant, sitting there desolate and in a sad state of disrepair.

In 1980, Eleanor Ambos, a successful business woman, with an antique furniture rental company, based in Manhattan, purchased the building for storage space and to accommodate a variety of artisans to set up their studios and workrooms. She undertook a massive restoration project, and today- The Met Building is one of the hottest locations for weddings, parties, photo shoots, & movie sets.

Hundreds of frames hung from the ceilings. This was one of the first rooms I came across, my first time at the building. When I wondered away from everyone else, I turned a corner and my jaw hit the floor. Immediately my heart started RACING with excitement. I knew there was a lot more to be seen here.

Lamps, lamps, lamps. What a collection!

 

Rows & rows of chests, side tables, cabinets, you name it- it's there.

  

Hundreds  of old antique chairs fill the second floor space...

...My Heaven.

 

 I was alone walking around from floor to floor and come across this statue. I could only look & snap her photo for a second. 

(all photos by theplushpad.blogspot.com) 

Ebay, 1 Great Find At A Time.

One of my favorite things to do online is to browse/shop Ebay. Partly because you never know what you'll find, and mostly because it's a one-stop-shop! The site is chalked full of the most unique finds, priced high to low. 

If you're any sort of treasure hunter/bargain hunter/ or heck even a (literal) hunter, you'll find it there.

Recently I came across some pretty amazing pieces. Take a look...

First up is this French Chinoiserie Bombe Commode. This piece dates back to the 1920's era & could very well have been made by Maison Jensen.

I'm finding my interest in Asian (Chinoiserie) pieces growing more and more each day! They're just so beautiful. The detail, the scenes, the colors. The stories they tell! 

Next is this antique glass & brass pendant light. The leaf and scroll accents are what caught my eye. I haven't seen anything like it. It's vintage, art deco, and feminine all in one pretty pendant.

I saw this & thought WOW. THAT is a piece of furniture! Tucked away among the other listings this seller had, was this to-die-for French Louis XV Carved Baroque Gilded Frame. It's perfect at 37"L x 33"W :)

Pair of Italian hand carved alabaster candlesticks, inlaid with genuine malachite.

I happen to love anything malachite, so even though these don't have much- the pop of green is just enough.

Pair of "Pinkie & Blue Boy" Gold Framed prints.

I absolutely LOVE this set. The frames. The boy. The girl. They're not painted together in one piece, but when I look at them, all I think of is romance.

Oh Happy Day!

Today, my husband & I went out to grab some lunch & check out some antique/furniture stores. As of today, we've never had a formal dining table. Not because we don't like sitting down at a beautiful table to eat dinner, but because I never found the table. I've looked high & low, in between & all around, & could never settle on one I loved. (I refused to buy a cheap set that would "hold us over" in fear that we'd have it forever). So we went out in hopes of seeing something we'd like...

A new store opened in town, by interior designer Cheryl Collins; she carries the most exquisite, unique, & rare pieces of furniture. I just knew I would fall in love with something the second I stepped foot inside. ...and I did.  With about 30 different things! I slowly made my way towards the back of the store, & heard my husband call out "Hey Babe, there's a table over here!". I hurried back & as I rounded the corner, my heart skipped a beat. ...Cheryl came over & gave me the break down. 

She said Baker.  I thought SOLD.

So as of today, my very first dining set is a Regency Style, Baker Split-Pedestal Dining Table + 2 Arm Chairs & 4 Side Chairs in a Black Lacquer finish. Circa 1920-1950 :)

Oh happy day!...

Our new dining chairs. 

I couldn't get a proper of the table as it was in a corner; so those will  have to wait until it gets home :)

(all images: theplushpad.blogspot.com)