March Design House - Industrial Chic

The March Design House is just a few days away. We thought we'd give you a sneak peek and go over our interpretation of one of the hottest interior trends right now - industrial.  As you walk through the house this month, you'll see great salvaged and repurposed pieces, wood pieces in a variety of natural finishes, and heavy metal accent pieces.  The rooms are painted in gorgeous shades of grey, which reminds me of concrete - only more chic and sophisticated.  Don't fear, the ladies have paired this more masculine trend with the appropriate level of feminity.  All of the masculine energy is tempered with lighter accents and overstuffed upholstered pieces, because after all, you don't want to overdo it and look like you're living in a factory!   

Here are some pictures from the March Design House and some things to think about when trying to complete the industrial look for your home.

1.  Natural, No Fuss Wood.  Look for natural finish woods, rough-hewn woods, and furniture made from repurposed or salvaged materials.  The industrial look is not fussy, so if you already own reclaimed wood or natural wood pieces, they work well for this look too.  In the March Design House, we have a huge variety of reclaimed wood pieces, like the one in this photo.  Complete your industrial look with one of our buffets, dining tables, over sized bookcases, or side tables.	2.  Masculine and Metal.  Industrial design is also about metal.  Look for galvanized or rusted finishes, or anything with a great patina.  We just love this industrial cart.  Its dark color and sturdy appearance really anchors the corner of the room upstairs.  When experimenting with metal pieces, remember that just because something is metal and masculine does not mean it can't also be feminine.  Notice how we've paired this metal cart with a sweet bird canvas and wiry metal accents.  By using color and lighter textures, we've kept a nice balance with the substantial metal piece.
3.  Rethink.  Repurpose.  Industrial is about repurposing the unassuming into something unique.  Take a utilitarian object that served another purpose at one time and rethink how to use it.  You'll notice here how we've turned these old beakers into unique vases.  We are also repurposing this metal parts cabinet, which can easily add tons of storage to any room.  We're also using oversized metal baskets upstairs to store extra pillows and textiles.	4.  Salvage and Recycle.  Industrial design is all about recycling and reusing what is available.   Aside from all of the salvaged wood furniture, we offer other salvaged pieces.   Mirrors are big in the March Design House - literally.  The girls have brought us a great variety of over sized wood mirrors which appear to be from salvaged architectural pieces, like the one in this picture.  You'll also find great mirrors remade from tin remnants throughout the house.

I know I've focused on the heavier side of the Design House in this post, but we haven't forgotten that spring is here.  There are plenty of spring touches throughout the house, including botanical prints, butterflies and bugs, and garden accents.  Venture upstairs and see how the rabbits have multiplied!

Industrial pieces are hot right now, and we have them in spades in the March Design House.  Please stop by the Design House March 4, 5, & 6 and let us help you find the perfect piece for your home.

February in Review

Since February is almost over, we thought we'd take a quick look at everything accomplished this past month. Here are few of the highlights.

We executed an amazing Groundhog Day sale on February 4th, 5th, and 6th, with record sales each day!  A big thank you to our staff,  the Mover Dudes, our loyal customers, and all of the new friends we made!

Speaking of new friends, in February, we added 125 new friends on our Facebook page.  If you know someone who would make a good friend, be sure to send them to our Facebook page and friend us.

After taking January off, we reopened our Design House.   The Design House is a once a month showcase full of inspiration and interesting finds.  The next Design House will be March 4, 5 & 6.

We started posting new items for our Fresh off the Wagon page each week.  Now you can get the scoop about some of the unique items that arrive at the store each week.  While we're on the topic of arrivals at the store, in February, Heather brought in a 40 foot trailer load of springtime goodies for her portion of the shop.  Anne had her own unique find - "Nelly the zebra" has made quite a stir lately.

Since we are never short on ambition, we cleared the main room out and sanded the floors for a new weathered look.  The day after our biggest sale of the year, Groundhog's Day, no less.

In February, we continued preparations for our 12th annual Spring Market.  The market will take place on our property this year and we're expecting more than 120 vendors.  Be sure to mark your calendar and save-the-date for May 21st & 22nd.  This is gonna be good!

The Royal Treatment

Reproductions of the Keep Calm and Carry On posters have been on the market and quite popular for the last year or two. Here is my own version for the shop!

The original poster was produced by the British government in 1939 to help raise morale under the threat of invasion at the start of World War II. The Keep Calm message was one image in a series, all with similar messages; the posters were never used. In 2000, the poster was rediscovered and since this government image is now copyright free, it's been re-issued by a number of private companies. There are only two known surviving examples of the poster outside of government archives.

Maybe it's because there is a royal wedding around the corner, but my interest in icons from across the pond has recently been rekindled. We still see a lot of customers looking for Parisian accents and items with a British flair for their homes. When I was at the shop today, I decided to snap a few photos of two of my favorite icons --- crowns and the fleur de lis. Enjoy!

Items and pictures featured (l to r): 1) crown pillow (vnk), 2) crown & fleur de lis hooks (jdh), 3) mini tea set (sm), 4) concrete remnant with fleur de lis (cns), 5) Union Jack dresser (msi), 6) British phone booth photo (poster revolution), 7) iron crown (vnk),  8) crown sconce (vnk), 9) Norton cycling sign (poster revolution), 10) fleur de lis bird bath (cns).

Keep Calm poster history information courtesy of BBC News.

These Dudes Deliver



The Old Lucketts Store would like to thank the Mover Dudes for all of their help last weekend at our 16th Annual Groundhog Sale!  The guys were on hand all weekend, rain or shine, to help us direct traffic and load furniture for our customers.
Customers often ask if we can ship furniture or if the store delivers in Northern Virginia.  While The Old Lucketts Store doesn’t deliver at this time, we are affiliated with a local business that can help, the Mover Dudes.  The Mover Dudes are a great group of local guys who are punctual, professional, and extremely helpful.  Our customers have been very pleased with their service and prices.  The Old Lucketts Store is happy to recommend Mover Dudes to any of our customers who need a hand moving.

 We’re often asked how much it costs to deliver a piece of furniture.  Though that seems like simple question, there are several variables that go in to moving a piece.  For example, you need to take into account the size of the piece, where it is located in our store, the distance to the delivery location, and how many flights up the piece needs to be delivered.  If you need delivery services, we always recommend that you call Mover Dudes directly at 540-450-0770 for a free estimate.

Thank you Mover Dudes for your great customer service and support last weekend!  And yes, we have thrown around the idea of sponsoring a Mover Dudes calendar at the shop.  We’ll keep you posted…

 * Please note that if you purchase an item at the store and have a large vehicle with you, we can help you load up your purchase Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Happy Groundhog Day!

It's here, it's here!  Happy Groundhog Day!   It doesn't matter to us whether or not Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow today.  Either way, our 16th Annual Groundhog Day Sale will be in full swing this Friday, February 4th, starting at 10am.

We've been busy at the shop preparing for the big sale later this week. The official Groundhog Day sale tags were sent off to the printer.  We found and dusted off our groundhog t-shirts from last year (we were snowed out last year and didn't get to use them!).   Anne was out buying extra pens and calculators so we can quickly process your order and get you back home to enjoy your treasures.

If you saw the post a few days ago, you already know that I snuck in to the Design House last weekend.  The artwork that was lining the halls over the weekend is now hanging throughout the house.  The rooms that look like they're inhabited by a world traveler are coming together.  (Oops, did I just give something else away?)  Truckloads of merchandise were loaded in to both our main building and the Design House over the last few days. (Truckloads?  Yes, I'm serious. I saw truckloads.  I had to weave my car around them in the parking lot when I was leaving the shop).

The sale starts this Friday, February 4th and continues through the weekend.  The Design House is open all weekend.  Both buildings will be open 10am - 5pm each day.

We are at 42350 Lucketts Road in Leesburg, Virginia.  We are the big green building on the corner at the stoplight in Lucketts.

We look forward to seeing you!

February 2011 Design House Sneak Peek

I was able to sneak in to the Design House today!  It's not officially open until next Friday, but I had to see what the ladies were up to.  Even with this week's snowstorm, everyone has been hard at work putting the finishing touches on the rooms.  I only took a few quick pictures before they shooed me out.  I hope you enjoy this sneak peek.  Check back later this week for more pictures.

The theme of this month's Design House seems to be all about comfort and texture with doses of high style.  The living room boasted overstuffed chairs with vintage script pillows.   The painted taupe furniture is serene and accented with just enough ornamental detail.   There were oversized baskets, vintage tin mirrors, feed sack pillows....oh I hope I'm not giving too much away!

      

This room is comfy and cozy and all about texture, texture, texture!  The bedding, with an upholstered headboard, ruffled duvet, and layered pillows, is perfect for a long winter's nap. 

I also found lots of cozy sweaters and ponchos.  The minute I saw this one, I wanted to curl up in my favorite leather chair with a cup of tea and read a good book.

Upstairs there seems to be a bedroom for a fashionista who dreams of living in Paris one day.  Think black and white Audrey Hepburn prints, mirrors, black and grey furnishings, fur, and pearls.

Another bedroom upstairs is all about blending the old and the new.  It features beautiful reclaimed wood furniture and large canvas art, and is accented with girly touches, like this beautiful crystal chandelier.

Although it's winter, there are signs of spring, including touches of turquoise and shades of green.

                         

As I left today, there were literally truckloads of new merchandise arriving for the legendary Groundhog SALE.  I will try to get another sneak peek for you later this week.  I can't wait for next weekend!

The Design House will be open for the Groundhog SALE Friday through Sunday, February 4th, 5th, and 6th from 10am to 5pm daily.  The Old Lucketts Store is located at 42350 Lucketts Road in Leesburg, VA.  We're the green building on the corner at the stop light in Lucketts.

Shopping in Atlanta

Here are some pics from my recent trip to Atlanta with my best bud Suzanne. Sooo much fun and killer stuff...  

Enjoy!    ~Amy

Suz luvin bella luna! what a great way to start the day...

     

bobo- my absolute favorite! walking through this showroom feeds my soul...

Luna Bella - furniture as art!

Aidan Gray sofa

below are pics of cool stuff at an open air market...

fabulous French antique china!

Had to have this mirror.

old baskets from europe

The Big Cheese

Suzanne Eblen

Owner, The Old Lucketts Store

Meet Suzanne, the owner of our little empire!  Suzanne and her husband Pat started The Old Lucketts Store fifteen years ago when they purchased our building, which at the time was a dilapidated run-down wreck.  They had a vision, though, and started the renovations even though many said they should just tear it down.  It had been a store and post office for over a century, with the oldest part being built just after the Civil War.  A huge addition was added around 1900, and the Lucketts family inhabited the top two floors until the 1950's or 60's. It had been vacant for a decade when Sooz and Pat purchased the property.  Wisteria branches wound their way all through it and there were layers of trash and debris several feet thick which Sooz and her best bud, Amy, carted all out by hand. 

Once the work was finished, Suzanne (who was nine months pregnant at the time!) opened the shop with about 30 dealers.  The business has been growing ever since through a combination of hard, hard work and her innate business sense.  A reporter once called Suzanne  a "supernova", and that's probably my favorite description of her.  She has endless energy and enthusiasm, is extremely generous, and is above all hard-working. Her drive comes from her passion for the unusual, the fun, the funky, ... and always wanting to do her best.   We love her to bits, and I am so proud to call her my friend <3

Double, Double, Toil & Trouble!

Halloween!  We love Halloween!  No other holiday blends as seemlessly with our antiques. Jennifer, one of our very talented dealers, makes magic at Halloween. A tongue-in-cheek amputated mannequin foot, fitted with a vintage shoe, is displayed with vintage bottles.   

Glittery skulls propped on candlesticks...

Crows with hats!

Crows with black and white plates and numbered bottles.

The Berry Scary Martini recipe is from Martha Stewart.

One of my favorite things to do for Halloween decorating is to pull out my antiques and use them!  Antiques give your decorations a more believable spookiness - much spookier I think than store bought party store decorations.  I usually grab an old table from the basement (I have tons of projects down there!) - I get silver candleabra and light the candles (make sure you don't leave those unattended!), prop up some old photographs of my ancestors, a skull, some old books and put just a touch of artificial spider webbing over the whole scene.  The secret to that stuff is to pull, pull, pull it, until it's very thin and well...spider webby.  I also started collecting old science lab stuff - beakers, test tubes, etc.  I like the "mad scientist" theme.  A spooky CD and a fog machine....and you have the scariest house on the block!

Wishing you a very scary Halloween! - Lisa