ReStore Habitat for Humanity, Charlotte, N.C.: Mom and I do some retro recon

The ReStore Habitat for Humanity in Charlotte is one groovin’ place, jam-packed with great stuff to update your home inexpensively. On my recent trip to speak at the home show in Charlotte, I visited the ReStore to see what the market was like down South. My mom was along with me. Oh my, there are 19 photos to follow — the market was good.  🙂 

Honestly, I hardly know where to start, this was such a big place with so much stuff. So, I’ll just go in the order my photo program has the images lined up. First up: A 1960s or 1970s sofa, with lovely original upholstery. Throughout the store, all of the furniture for sale appeared to be in great shape. This was likely originally an expensive sofa.

What do you think – a 1970s or 1980s dining room set? I love the lines, and continue below to see the detail on the chairs.

Cool, right? With a different upholstery, this set was sing. Or, tango.

No doubt, this colonial revival light fixture is brand new *today* — but I swear, I have a circa-1964 ad that shows something very similar paired with mid-century modern but kinda traditional furniture. Mid mods, step back from your first reaction and really look at this: It’s a very graphically interesting fixture, and very practical, too.

Another colonial revival chandelier. This one seems older – 1940s, maybe, and has very sweet lines. The bulbs currently inserted: Strange. I would say this one is meant to have some sort of glass shade on each arm.

There were numerous of these lamp post lights. Clearly, they are *today* new — but goodness, the price is right.

See? Lots.

Nothing wrong with this Early American colonial style sconce, including the $5 price.

A lovely, small scale desk chair. I wonder if there is a way to repair the one issue with the pleather? Does anyone know? Maybe there is a funky solution.

I have 1950s marketing materials for Elkay sinks just like this — these have been around for a long long time because, well, this kind of Lustertone sink never wears out. $75. Very very practical what with that drainboard on the left.

Here’s a closeup — Can you see the little Elkay Lusterton mark to the left of the price tag? That’s the mark we want to see.

Did you see my post the other day about Kohler enameled cast iron shower bases? Well, it was on this ReStore tour that I discovered they even existed. There were several mint-in-box Kohler cast iron shower pans for sale for $210 each. Almond color. Starting price for these retail is $637 and up.

Three of my favorite finds coming up, and this is the first: A vintage Kohler men’s lavatory sink. Well, it could really be the ladies lav, I am not sure. Gorgeous, and look at the faucet, too. These were $20 each — for a sink that is around $600 today, I think.

And in orange! Woah! I was so excited I started discussing the sink with a couple meandering by. I am sure they thought I was insane. Just LOOOK at this beauty. I wonder if these designs, which do not require hudee rings, need clips.

White. Yawn. I am a bit of a hypocrite in writing that, though, because I put all white fixtures in my three bathrooms. But that was 7-8 years ago, before I got sucked into this retro vortex. I would do things differently today. Someday I need to do a post: What I would do in my bathrooms if I were redoing them today. Don’t get me wrong, I have no regrets, and in fact, don’t believe in regrets. Not as long as you are doing the best you can.

The ReStore was calling these stoneware lamps “Arts & Crafts”. But I think they are some sort of 70s concoction. Super fun, big statement.

Here I am trying to be artsy, but I fear I just appear fartsy, I look like I’m squatting in the woods.

This is a better shot, but for the blinding light. Oopsy, I was getting close, but did not take enough frames. The secret to taking good photos is (1) a good camera, (2) lots of practice, and (3) taking a gazillion frames. I took 867 photos in all in Charlotte including about 200 at this ReStore. It is taking me three hours to process them and do this post.

This is the mirror thingie that I am shooting myself in. It is a recessed bathroom mirror cabinet, with a plastic-composite gilded frame. I approve of these.

Here’s a panorama of the front of the ReStore. It is a really impressive structure and operation. Hey, there is even a coffee shop attached. I like this place. But, I am out of steam. I have about 25 more images of great stuff from this ReStore to show you — come back tomorrow for the rest.