The Perfect Solution To Desk Clutter

This desk topper is the best one I've ever found, and Furniture Revival performed some magic on it to bring it back to life in top form.  Both the top middle and the side right doors open to reveal wonderful "cubbies" and shelves, designed to store even the most "hard to give anything away" persons' items.  No fooling!

The piece is made in what I've come to describe as "cabin wood" - which in the 40's was most often birch or pine of very high quality, that has been lacquered and waxed over and over again - to reveal the wonderful patina we so enjoy today. Use it on top of any desk or dresser or cabinet to give you another layer of storage that will also make the whole room smile.  Isn't that a nice thought?

 

More Drawers in Varied Materials

A Scout Customer Favorite

Probably no single item has garnered as much demand or attention as that expressed for this kind of mid-century wall bookshelf and desk.  Take a good look and it isn't hard to figure out why.

First is the incredible functionality in such a little package. Thin, hugging the wall, and not too tall or wide, this piece can feel right at home in almost any room of the house.  The fold down desk is a feature that was taken for granted back in the 50's and 60's, but is fully appreciated in today's world for all the benefits it offers.  (Let me count the ways...)  And, finally but not least is the neutral styling and heavy-duty wood choices that gives you the confidence the piece will compliment almost any other wood tone in the house, but that it will look as smart and contemporary today as it did 40 years ago.  (This version is a tiger wood laminate that tells you it is not going to show up in the neighbors house - this is a unique, limited quantity item..)

The biggest challenge for us is finding more of this wonderful "miracle worker" for our expanding list of those that want to know when another comes in.  (By the way, just call the store or stop by and tell us your "wish" - in terms of a specific pieces you're looking for - and, we'll do our best to match you up with our inventory just as it comes across the threshold.  Plus, it gives us an excuse to stay in touch. We call.  We really do!)

This one sold within a day.  Sorry!

 

Wine Bottle Cabinet All the Way From Evanston

We have develo[ed some great relationships in the trades over the years, and while they always prove helpful, this time we really benefited directly:  A wonderful carpenter who built a ton of hand built cabinets for a new kitchen in Evanston needed an outlet to sell some used cabinetry.In the years since this carpenter built the cabinets, the house  found itself a casualty of the bad real estate market - the house was slated for  demolition.  Not so fast - before the house goes, the goal was to get out as many of the kitchen cabinets as you can, and find them a good stable second home.  Enter Scout.

Our carpenter friend felt that Scout would respect the pieces he designed and built, and that we'd find new owners who would appreciate all the special work that went in to these pieces.  The best of the lot is a large wine storage "bookshelf" - in a solid maple wood.  So heavy, it takes almost 3 guys to move it any length, and the only thing that looks better than the pieture ablove and below is the same picture taken when the cabinet is filled with wine bottles.  Great size, value and quality.  And, the light finish goes anywhere.  I'll drink to that!

Holiday Bling

Coming from an expected source - a vintage stainless ice bucket.  And, from some unexpected places - like these thermos liners made of mercury glass.  When Ted makes his oh-so-popular thermos lamps, he needs to drill into the thermos for the electical guts.  Before drilling, he carefully removes the mercury lining, and we cleverly add it to our dining table for a bit of holiday bling. 

$45 and the thermos liners are $5 each

What does one do with vintage beaver fur?

Make them into lamps, you silly goose.  Ted Harris has invented the perfect bedroom lamp for the bedroom that thinks it has it all.  This lamp pair measures 31" high, is paired with soft and elegant linen shades that pick up on the subtle color of the fur.  Soft and cuddly they aren't, but comforting and restful is a label they'll easily wear.  Guaranteed to bring a smile to you.

Old Guard: Meet the New Guard!

I found the lamp on the left while on a "dinner trip" to see my Son in Columbus, Ohio.  Having lived in Chicago since I left college, I someimes am a bit envious of other cites and what they have to offer.  Columbus is such a city.  The German Village area for living, dining and shopping is as good as it gets anywhere.  And, with all due modesty, I've seen a lot.  The spirit and the scale and the vitality makes it very easy to come visit my Son. (Although he can't wait to get back to Chicago...go figure.)

The lamp on the right is one of Ted Harris' creations - a vent from the top of a roof attic.  Carefully and beautifully re-imagined.  Ted's work always amazes me.  And, makes me glad he came into the shop five years ago complaining about the lack of lighting.  So much has changed since those days, and much of it is due to the imagination of Ted.

$195 and $325

Scout on a window sash table

Eames paired with a bowling lane bench

...does it get any better than this?  Any more comfortable?  Any more practical?  Any more special?  I think not.  Seriously folks - this pairing is what is at the core of Scout:  the unique and surprising pairings of old and new, formal and informal, rustic and sophisticated.  Oh, the possibilities.  Did I tell you recently that I love what I'm doing.  I do. 

Industrial Table

 

I fell in love with this baby the minute I saw it.  After spending 60 years in a south side factory it was ready for our make-over.  The proportions are the best I've seen in quite some time.  And, the wood and metal combination were again brought to stunning life by our parters at Furniture Revival.  They gave the old pine a dark and glossy finish.  The metal was waxed and acid-washed to maintain all that was good about it.  I have to disappoint a few of you, because about an hour after it came into the store it found a new owner who has been shopping Scout for many years.  The first words from him were "this is the best I've seen in Scout.  Can I take it home?"  Yes, you can and yes he did.  Thanks for the loyalty of our wonderful customers.  I work to elicit those comments from you.  (I'm not going to tell you anything more about the piece, except it is going to a very good home indeed.)

A Stately but Comfortable Storage Cabinet - We call em cubbies, for short!

By now, you are all familiar with my "thing" for cubbies.  Over the years, I have been comforted by their ability to lend order to an orderless world.  'Nuff said.  This is one of my favorites for under the holiday tree - a 12-drawer, modest but stable storage cabinet - measuring 14" x 9" deep x 24" high.  Perfect for a dresser, under the kitchen counters, or as pure decoration in the softly elegant home.  Pair it with something surprisingly modern and you'll be amazed that a "thing" from Grandpa's workbench could make you so happy. 

14" x 9" x 24" high