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