Slideshow

Slide Show: Killer Antique Finds

April 12, 2013

Red medical cabinet $3,750

Perfect for: A bedroom vanity. “The large glass front is great for displaying jewelry and perfumes,” says Keith.
To buy or not to buy? To determine whether a piece is worth the price, consider its condition. This medical cabinet came from a medical antique collector in Tennessee, and Keith noticed its original knobs, locks, and hinges were all in perfect shape.

Photography by Will Austin

Orange mirrored cabinet $225

Perfect for: A small bathroom over the sink
Fixer Upper: This piece looked pretty rough when Keith found it. She replaced the mirror, cleaned it up, and applied sealant to keep the paint from flaking off. “It had been painted three different colors over the years, but the way it has weathered gives it a lovely unique patina. Truly one of a kind.”

Photography by Will Austin

Industrial light fixture $875

Perfect for: Dining room table or billiards room lighting
DIY: If you like a project, check Craigslist and garage sales to find fixer-uppers and be open to a piece’s new capabilities. Keith found the lights separately from the yoke, which was “just asking for something to be hung from it.”

Photography by Will Austin

Industrial spice rack workbench $1650

Perfect for: A kitchen island
Just Ask: Part of the appeal is the story behind old and unique items. If you are unsure about an item’s provenance, ask. This piece was custom-built in the ’40s or ’50s by a handyman who used it as a workbench.

Photography by Will Austin

Apothecary cabinet $725

Perfect for: Office supplies, jewelry, or books
Small town charm: If you’re looking for high-quality, varied items at bargain prices, try exploring small town antique shops. Keith found this cabinet hiding in a little shop in Minnesota. Its white ceramic knobs and glass doors are original to the piece. “And the little cubbies are great for displaying your favorite small treasures,” Keith says.

Photography by Will Austin

Grey reupholstered chairs $2950 for set of six

Perfect for: A modern dining room
Buried Treasure: Keith bought these from a gentleman who never got around to reupholstering them. The original seats had been stuffed with horsehair and hay, which is indicative of the late 1800s or early 1900s. Keith retained the decorative wood frames, but added a modern touch with charcoal mohair upholstery.

Photography by Will Austin

Biscuit cabinet $2495

Perfect for: A living room display case. Store remotes and electronics on the bottom shelves and beautiful books on top.
Cough it up: If something is authentically old and uncommon, expect to pay a higher price. If you’re not sure, consult an appraiser. This piece, originally from England, is extremely rare and absolutely pristine, so it’s expensive. But worth it, says Keith.

Photography by Will Austin

Hexagonal wooden light thingy $565

Perfect for: Displaying a potted plant or a favorite sculpture
Use your imagination: Vendors usually stage antique items to suggest possibilities of how to use them. “This piece was a bit of a mystery; the collector I bought it from didn’t know its original purpose. But we refinished it and wired up a light inside. The shape and woodwork are so unique. I’ve never seen one like it.”

Photography by Will Austin

Six-drawer cabinet on casters $460

Perfect for: A baby-changing table
Refinish, refurbish: It takes patience to find special pieces and imagination to envision unrealized potential. This piece, from the 30s or 40s, was rugged when Keith found it. But with a new coat of paint and fresh wood sealant, it’s smooth and ready to use. Original casters on the bottom add character and functionality.

Photography by Will Austin

Green swivel chair $145

Perfect for: A funky office
Find your inspiration: Look through design magazines and books, create an inspiration board, or use Pinterest to get ideas. This Mad Men-inspired chair adds a splash of midcentury color to any office.

Photography by Will Austin

Seattle native and long-time antique collector Kassie Keith just moved back from California to open her first home decor showroom. In an industrial warehouse deep in the heart of White Center, Keith displays her eccentric collection of salvaged furniture and antique rarities from around the country. We asked her for advice on finding such treasures, and how to make them work.

Kassie Keith Curiosities and Home Decor (by appointment only), 9440 17th Ave SW, White Center, 206-432-9336

Antiques, Home Design

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Slide Show: Killer Antique Finds

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