Thursday, March 26, 2009

More Room For Roomies

Did we tell you we're expanding? We've almost doubled the size of the shop! We spent all day painting, sanding and cleaning, and there's still more to do! You only get a small peek at the "before"; this is where we broke through the wall into the office next door. One whole room will be available to rent out for clubs, group meetings and adult birthday parties! (You can get more information and reserve it by calling (925) 933-1903).
It's gonna look SO pretty when it's all done--you'll have to come by to see the "after" during the April 16-19th sale dates!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Quick, Hop Like A Bunny!

It's mid-March and we're mid-way into the sale for this month! If you aren't on our email reminder list, then you haven't heard about our contest and promotion for this month: wear your favorite Easter bonnet into the shop during the sale and you’ll be entered into our contest to win a $75 gift certificate. Also, every customer over 18 will get an Easter egg, while they last (containing a $25 gift certificate (5 total), a lottery scratcher, candy or ticket for a gift!), just for coming in! You can sign up here to receive our monthly emails. And while you're there, take a look around so you can tell us what you think of our new website on our Guestbook page! You still have two more days to shop: Saturday March 21, from 9 AM - 5 PM, and Sunday March 22, from 10 AM - 4 PM. Please tell us you heard about it from our blog!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

New Look For Vintage Website

Make yourself at here:





With all this talk about "vintage", you might think we're anti-new, but I think we can all agree that "new" also has it's good points. A new idea, a new friend, a new day dawning: all things we can highly appreciate! And here's one more "new" that we love: our new website! After much brainstorming, emailing, and tweaking with Cathy from Avalon Rose Web Designs, we're proud to invite you to view our new Room With A Past website, just in time for our March 19, 20, 21 & 22nd opening dates! Hope to see you and a few "new" faces too!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

This Never Gets Old ~ Vintage Decorating In The News

Did you see this beautiful chair in the layout of the new issue (April 2009) of Romantic Homes? There is a whole section devoted to the allure of French decorating, which has enjoyed a recent revival! It can be really easy to get this look when you break down the elements (and if you know where to shop for the bargains!). Look at these two chairs we have in the French area we set up in the shop for this month's sale. It has similar lines, construction and a luxurious fabric (priced at $89.00 each!).


The color scheme we chose was black, white and peachy pink, with silver metal accents. The choice of color is totally dependant upon your whims and is one of the most obvious factors that will put the individual stamp of your own personality into the room.


If you plan on duplicating the look, keep your eyes open for curvy lines, and patterns to layer with textures. Romance can easily be added with toiles, harlequin or large floral printed fabrics. A chandelier is a must to add sparkle and even more romance. Add interest with time-worn finishes. Reflective surfaces such as old silver, mirrored furniture and wall mirrors with heavily accented frames will help bring in more of the French appeal.



Have fun with the last layer of your design: accessories! Old bottles, paper ephemera, softly colored paintings hung without frames.
Need more advice? Just ask any of the True Blue Roomies who will be working at Room With A Past during our March 19-22 opening!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Thing Of The Past ~ February's Shopping Cart Peek

Have you ever snuck a peek at what the person next to you in the check-out line has in their cart? What did they get? How much did they pay for it? And where did they find it because I want one too! It's a lot like that at the shop during the sale: people are always so curious as to what's been bought and is heading out the door. Well, I know it's not quite the same, but in the interest of quenching your curiosity, I thought I'd show you what were the most popular and fasted-selling items for last month's sale.


This gorgeous buffet with all the lovely curves was bought by one of our loyal customers that we see every month--sometimes she comes in more than once during the sale!




This dresser (with mirror) has keyholes, which are as cute as dimples! We sold lots of tables and vanities that could also be used as desks. One of the pieces that we waved goodbye to was going to be used as a laptop station. Lots of cottage white furniture, like the stately round glass-front corner cabinet, was going, going, gone! I think it's because people are ready for a little brightness this time of year.


But we had a few colorful things that were purchased, too, like the beet red dresser,



a cute drop-front with snazzy red handles, and a blue drop-leaf farm table that were all happily loaded up and carted to a new home. That green china cabinet behind the peach chairs (we still have the chairs!) was adopted by a young couple just starting to furnish their home together. There were lots of vintage linens, garden items (by forward-thinking customers yearning for Spring, perhaps?) and two vintage First Aid kits in tins, of all things!


So there's your peek. All done without any sidelong glances, squeaky-wheeled shopping carts or worrying about picking the slowest check-out line in the store. Maybe next month you'll see a picture of what YOU bought at the March sale (March 19, 20, 21 & 22) listed here! (You can also SIGN UP to get the monthly email newsletters so you'll be reminded of each sale and any monthly contests just before it happens.)

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

A Vintage Love Never Grows Old

This is not vintage eye candy; it's an entire feast! Please fulfill your Roomie little brain by clicking on the image to see it full size! According to the SHORPY; THE 100-YEAR-OLD PHOTO BLOG this photo is "O.J. DeMoll, interior." The DeMoll furniture store at 12th and G streets N.W. in Washington circa 1925." Look at the mirrors on the wall, the lamps (can you see the one with a butterfly finial?), the sea of silk shades! And who's that man watching me over to the left? Not that I would want my home to look exactly like this, but the Roomie in me really appreciates the "art" in these pieces.

Now, please pull that davenport (did you see the pattern on it?!?!? I wish I could read the price tag!!!) a little closer to me 'cuz I think I'm about to faint! (Wow, from this horizontal position on the sofa, I have a really good view of the tin ceiling!)


Update: Wish granted: