I CAN’T BELIEVE that I’ve never done a real post about Re-Store, Re-Build and Habitat for Humanity — non-profits that accept material donations from demolition jobs and homeowner renovations and then re-sell them to fund their community work. These places are no question the #1 places to go if you’re looking for retro renovation materials.
I’ve found: atomic cabinet pulls, Crane and American Standard bathroom sinks, wagon wheel lights, 70s kitchen faucets MIB, pull down kitchen lights, outdoor Moe lights, old-growth wood exterior shutters, vintage stove top exhaust hoods, MIB Acorn shutter dogs, MIB vintage bathroom tile in every possible color…and have seen but passed by: steel kitchen cabinets, vintage wood kitchen cabinets including from the likes of Wood-Mode, decorative vintage radiator covers, Thermador electric range tops and ovens, porcelain on cast iron drainboard kitchen sinks, chrome sink legs in great shape, and… more more more more more…. including the most elusive and desirable of all retro treasures: gold speckle laminate countertop!
If you’re in the Springfield, Virginia, area check out the new Re-Build there — they are having a big sale Thursday and Friday. Megan is in charge of material development and marketing coordination, and says she’s promoting retro renovation (and RetroRenovation.com) big time. She heard about us from reader Robyn who reports:
I snagged a gorgeous 1950’s blue cracked ice Formica countertop, matching vanity and blue drop in sink (complete with Hudee ring and original faucet) for my bathroom. VERY reasonable prices, and the folks there are beautiful to deal with.
I also hear that Robyn is an historian and will be giving a talk on an historic neighborhood (I think) nearby in August. Yo, Robyn, I still get a thrill everytime I now see folks spell “hudee” correctly. Good luck with sale, Megan!
Katie says
I called my local re-store a while back here in Atlanta and asked them if they stocked vintage fixtures of any sort. They say they only accept stuff around 5 years old. I swear, Atlanta is anti-retro. I look through the housing listing for fun all the time and see all of these great mid-century houses that have been stripped of every last bit of charm they once had and then I get depressed when I realize most of the cool stuff probably got trashed.
Robert says
Hello,
You know, it is a shame as I go to estate sales and look at the neat mid century things in houes. I know that the house will be sold and redone and all that kewl stuff will be pitched. I wish people would donate that stuff versus pitching it as lots of soo kewl stuff ends up in landfills.
Robert
pam kueber says
So…maybe I should print some postcards or stickers or post-its up…touting the kewl-ness and wise-ness of retro renovation starting with preserving what you have… all we estate sailors could leave the stickies in little hiding places throughout the estate sale houses…so that when the new buyers get in, they keep finding them….and stop to actually think about the option, become aware of it… Like: A “Save me! Check out why at RetroRenovation.com” sticker under every toilet tank lid, behind every medicine cabinet door…hidden inside a kitchen drawer…and certainly behind the recessed Hall-macks…where else could we sneak ’em in?
cadman says
Our nearby ReStore is now going out of their way to reject any colored bathroom fixtures and appliances older than 5 years. A real shame as I had bought a lot of neat vintage stuff there in the past.
sablemable says
There is a specific type of storm door that was used on the MCM homes here in the early Fifties thru mid Sixties and I want one for my home. Thankfully, those homeowners who have replaced these doors have sent them to our local Re-Store. I only have to get Bob convinced that I really, really need it, LOL!
pam kueber says
sablemable, do you mean a mill finish screen door with scrolls on it? i have picked some up from garage sales… have to post a pic to see if that’s what you mean….i saw a “today” source once, but would have to track it down. an interest of mine.
scurl says
My locale habitat store is called “builder’s bargains” and it’s like what joe describes, old lowe’s displays and other random junk from the 90’s and early 2000’s. They have some nice tile, but it’s insanely expensive. I asked they lady at the counter about the lack of vintage/retro stuff, and she said they have a policy about not accepting older things as they don’t think anyone will buy them. Of course this doesn’t stop them from stocking a pile of asbestos containing floor tiles, but whatever. i’m not bitter. when they DO have something decent there, it’s a GREAT deal…plus i’ve got matching light switch and outlet covers for the whole house there, which is a feat.
St. Christopher says
I go to the ReStore about 3 times a month. I ALWAYS find something cool! I recently bought a great “tiki” looking carved solid wood front door.
Hey Joe, give it a little time. The good stuff will show up. Perhaps you do a little “cheerleading” for them around town!
Chris.
RetroRuth says
Don’t worry, Joe. People need to realize it is there. In a year or so, you should hit pirate gold every time you walk in!
Can I add to your list, Pam? I have found: Vintage Christmas decorations, vintage cookbooks, GE Celeste lightbulb, MIB recessed chrome bathroom accessories, a 1950’s desk lamp, and to top it off, TWO SPUTNIK LIGHTS! And that is just the stuff I bought!
pam kueber says
🙁 Joe
Joe says
We just recently got a Habitat store in our area and it’s filled with junk from old Lowe’s displays. I’ve been in there about a half dozen times over the months and have yet to hit pirate gold.
Juju says
Those sinks take my breath away.