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