I was planning to work outside on Monday, but the weather was grey and damp so I nixxed the idea. Then I thought about working to clear out and organize the workshop in the basement ... too overwhelming to even consider. It was a holiday, after all, and I wanted to do something FUN. After a quick conversation with The Husband, we decided that an afternoon trip to Lucketts was the ticket!
Lucketts, Virginia, is a tiny town about an hour northwest of here. It is little more than an intersection ... with a school, a community center, a church and some lovely houses, a store, and a couple of the finest antique/junk/decorator stores in the area.
Our first stop was On A Whim. I rarely find anything here to buy, because I tend to be attracted to pieces that are in their original state, but I love to look! Most of the items in the shops at On A Whim are restored or upcycled already ... I want to do this myself, and put my own style on whatever I buy. There were some really nice pieces here, tho.
I probably should have taken a closer look at these suitcases and considered buying them. They were only $26 apiece.
Considering how much work I have gone to lately planning our front porch, it's natural for me to be drawn to pieces of old Victorian gingerbread.
I LOVED this old balloon chandelier!
This Eastlake dresser was great ... and I loved the sign on top of it.
This black and white dining set was great looking, but I couldn't imagine actually living with a chalkboard table top.
One of the dealers at On A Whim is a stockist for Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. It's not like me to jump on a bandwagon, but I decided to buy a quart to see what all the fuss is about. (I wanted Old White or Graphite, but she was out of these, so I settled for Duck Egg.) There is an old nightstand in our garage that could use a new coat of paint, and maybe a new home afterward, so I will try this out and let you know what I think.
After we finished up inside, we went out to our car and discovered that there was a Jeep identical to ours parked right beside us. What a coincidence.
There is a farm stand and store across the road from On A Whim, and they had a barbeque stand in their parking lot ... perfect for lunch! The Husband and I each got a pulled pork sandwich with cole slaw, Snapple to drink, and a peach for dessert. We ate in the car because it was raining ... and I didn't drip any of it on myself!
Next stop ... Old Lucketts Store! I have been shopping here for years and years, and a trip here is always a treat. Recently, many of the dealers have jumped onto the upcycled/shabby trend, and there isn't quite as much treasure here for me as there used to be. My favorite booths are the pavilions outside.
You know I couldn't resist photographing this vignette with the chair, star, and the big pink rose.
This beautiful spandrel was $98! There was a tiny bit of damage on one corner, but that could easily be disguised.
Architectural salvage as far as the eye can see!
I bought one of these pieces of gingerbread. We may use it later for inspiration to design a replacement for the parapet on top of our porch.
I love this!!
When we entered the main building, this was the first thing we saw.
This beautiful cupboard was packed with antique textiles, including large rolls of grainsack fabric and linen.
Very pricey! The fabric on the left was scratchy as a Brillo pad, but the linen on the right was soft and wonderful.
Here are a few vignettes with things that I thought were interesting.
The paint finish on this old door had a lot of character.
I loved this display with the trunks, old wooden pulley, and the case of seltzer bottles.
I liked the things in this room at the top of the stairs on the second floor. The old grainsack fabric they used to upholster the sofa was nice and soft.
I love everything in this photo!
Anyone else feel like this?
I will be back tomorrow to finish up our trip to Lucketts ... with more of the main store, a view of the Design House and a surprise.
