Brimfield: The Search for Treasures

 I was graciously invited by Robert Allen Design to join a handful of design Bloggers on a road trip to Brimfield, MA.

Having been there before, I knew exactly what to expect.  Miles of vendors selling everything you could possibly imagine. Antique shopping is a uniquely "green" way to decorate as the concept of re-using + re-purposing items is environmentally friendly.  Finding that exact "perfect" item on your shopping list is the feeling of accomplishment that fuels "the hunt".

Early morning image of the main street before the traffic jam.

This time I didn't have a list, but  had an open mind.  Most of what I saw seemed as if they were gathered from a combo of home liquidations + the side of the road throw-outs.  As a seasoned shopper, I found the genre of items overlapped in a handful of classifications.  So after walking + walking + walking more, I saw the same kinda stuff, repeated.

But there were also many savvy "dealers" had curated collections with a distinct points-of-view. They had lovely, sophisticated presentations displayed in their rented tents, as if they were in a brick + mortar store.

These dealers are self-porclaimed historians with vast knowledge of time periods + the production process. The glassware above is Czech + no longer manufactured.  Oh, there is also the credibility factor at work here. Judgement + research is essential.  Even major museums are stuck with unauthentic replicas.  Buyer beware.

So, if you are a believer, the story behind the piece gives it a reason to be loved + explains why the "find" is a special possession deserving of a place in our homes.

Antique spools were so pretty!

Mixed-up plastic cutlery is great for outdoor summer entertaining.

I used to love weekend "hunting" on the antique trail.  It doesn't seem to be what I am thrilled with anymore, probably because I have gotten spoiled by the "customization" so easily offered by companies I rely on in the D&D.  True there were lots vintage exquisitely shaped furniture,  but all needed tons of TLC: fabric + springs redone, metal polished, legs tightened, etc.  Handymen specials - who has the time or space for this these days?  Over the years, I have adopted a bunch of those misfits which are already in my garage, waiting for the perfect home.  That reminds me,  I gave a truck load of pieces to a dealer on consignment - I have call her to see if she unloaded any of my surplus.

Fun, funky or hideous?

The Bloggers did a fun  group activity in that we found a pair of chairs, bought them + are going to revive them with a fabric from the new Robert Allen collection.  These metal stools were a contender to be purchased, but we found a pair of wood framed chairs instead.  Check into their showroom  in a few weeks to see the reincarnation.

Peaceful pic from the hotel, before the busy day begins.

 This is a group shot of some new + old friends outside the hospitality tent. Thanks again to our gracious host: Robert Allen Design Follow us all on Twitter @RABrimfield

Follow me on Twitter @EncoreDecorBlog

Off to celebrate M'day with my Mom +Dad. Happy Sunday.

~m