When I was young, I used to ride my bike to the hometown hardware store to buy candy and I would always go up and down the quiet aisles, stepping softly on the old wood floors, and check out all of the gadgets. At the time, I had no real use for any of the things I saw, I only liked to look, but as I got older I would peruse the old hardware shop in search of vintage-y finds or utilitarian beauties. In France, I loved popping in the "hardware" store and would almost certainly uncover at least one little gem with an alternative use. While visiting Cagliari, Sardinia, I found adorable wine carafes at the hardware and would have stuffed my suitcase full of them to bring back for friends and family had I not run out of space.
Another unlikely place I like to scour for home decor is the medical supply store. Although I often come across my share of icky things that I don't want to think about, I also always discover fabulous furniture and decor. Here are ten of my favorite medical supply finds:
I love cart. I think it has something to do with the gene that requires me to carry at least two bags wherever I go. It's the bag lady/hoarder/I like junk stores gene and I got it bad. What's better than a cart to haul all your shenanigans around? Nothing. Except for a wagon maybe. But for real, I love these little carts on either side of the bed as nightstands. With a plant and an earthy looking lamp. Yumm.
China cabinet? Anyone? Anyone? Not for actually storing China, of course. I saw a similar one used to hold books and magazines and I loved it as a bookcase. It could also be quite smart if used to display a collection of, let's say, cameras or binoculars or perhaps something softer like pitchers or milk glass vases... Just a thought. I would line a wall with these tall handsomes filled with books and juxtapose the look with an antique velvet sofa.
I might put this little fella atop a stack of books on a console table or bookshelf for some quirky visual interest. It's sculptural and colorful and a little bit strange. Me likes.
I never met a glass jar I didn't like. I've always loved these jars and I notice them whenever I go to the doctor or vet's office. They make for cute bathroom storage and also come unlabeled.
The uses are endless. This is actually the exact work desk going in my mom's kitchen that I am currently redesigning. I would love this desk anywhere: kitchen, workspace, bedroom, office.
This eye chart would be fetching as part of a grouping of photos, prints and paintings.
A red locker? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot! If I had a mudroom, I would love to put one of these in both corners and put shelves, hooks and a bench in between. Some red toile wallpaper or maybe some carnival
stripes would soften these right up.
Measuring in at a whopping 2 1/8" by 2 5/8", I would buy these little buggers in mass and line them up on mantles, windowsills and the like holding buds and various yard clippin's. They also come in a size that would be perfect for holding frequently used kitchen utensils.
Trays are like shoes- you can never have too many and these stainless steel trays go with everything and since they are stainless they can go almost anywhere. I would use the small one atop the back of the toilet to corral cologne, shaving gear and other oft-used bathroom products.
I love this German anatomy chart. I would frame it in a modern white frame and put it somewhere I needed a pop of red or orange. Every room needs at least one quirky bit and this would certainly do the trick. Sagenhaft!
