Coming Home to Roost

The Redeux First Christmas Celebration was a great success with lots of friends of Redeux stopping by and having a cozy evening of conversation, food and lots of laughter. We all enjoyed it so much that The Redhead is making plans for another get- together sometime soon.

During the evening everyone had the chance to see some of the latest finished pieces and additions to our gallery of art. Since then some new additions have been finished and are ready to celebrate the holidays in a new home.

Pride of place, that is what this couple deserves. Recently liberated from the attic of a Connecticut River estate, this pair is again strutting their stuff. And what old rooster wouldn’t strut with a chick like this at his side? This couple has been together since about the 1940’s. Kept cooped up indoors for the past 60 years or so, they would feel very much at home next to a hearth, atop a credenza or similar piece of furniture or just about anywhere that would let them show off a bit. They are made of cast cement and are hand painted with great patina and aging. Perfect for the holidays when folks come home to roost or to give as an anniversary gift to a couple who thinks they have seen it all!

Speaking of hearths – this pair of art-deco andirons is great! They have real patina and proof of use, but are ready for more. They are simple, yet elegant.

You’ll get a kick out of these cast feet. Not sure if they are from a boot maker’s shop (definitely for a kids shoe or a very small size) or a shoeshine stand (think railway station) but these pieces also have an art-deco look and are period correct. Many possibilities for them – door stops, art sculpture pieces or maybe even some very different looking shelf brackets.

Let there be light! A few more floor lamps are now ready. They are made from iron and seem to date from 1920 -1930’s.

Play me a tune. For over one hundred years this Victorian piano bench has heard everything from Mozart to Tin Pan Alley, from Big Band Swing to Woody Guthrie and beyond. It has heard it all. The piece is unusual and I don’t think I’ll see anything quite like it anytime soon – if ever again. It has its original Victorian finish which has been gently revived in the Redeux Spa.

Other pieces, such as this small stand made by an E.A. Fuller in 1874, are coming upstairs as soon as they are ready. This little piece is only about 8 inches high and is covered by a galvanized tin top. There are no signs of it ever having a fabric cover so it was probably made to be a plant stand. The primitive signature gives it a special quality. Might it have been a gift from a young man to...? Hmm.

You’ll notice when you stop by some of the new decorating in the shop. We now have beautiful new curtains on the windows and at the back of the shop. More changes are coming soon as we plan to adapt to our growth (Thanks to you!). Not to worry. The changes are only for better display and some behind-the-scenes changes to our “spa” area. Redeux will always remain true to our purpose – offering you the finest and most interesting American vintage furniture, art and accessories... affordably.

Many of you that have come by often tell me how much you enjoy visiting at Redeux. I’m honored and delighted because Redeux means a lot to me. Now, I’d like your help, again.

The Redhead and I have been giving lots of thought as to how to make Redeux even better than it is. We have some ideas - but would really appreciate yours. So, when you have the time, please call or email me with one or two things you would like to see at Redeux. More variety of items? Different hours? You tell me. For any idea that we use we’ll figure out some special way to thank you.

Lastly, the Redeux Book Club has room for a few more members. We read nearly all genres of books. Each member gets to choose the “book of the month”, so the variety of books is ever changing and exciting. We meet here at the shop once a month at 7:00 P.M. and enjoy books, conversation, some refreshments, lots of fun and good friendship. If you’d like to join us give us a call at the shop, 203-522-5588. 

Our next meeting here at Redeux is Wednesday, January 18, 7:00 P.M. The book we will be discussing is “Cutting for Stone” by Abraham Verghese.

Stop by, say hello, tea is on. And don’t forget to send me your ideas for Redeux.

Hope to see you soon,

Bill

First Christmas

The decorations are up, the special stock is now on display – with more being finished daily – and a spirit of joy and thanks is in abundance at Redeux.

The Special Gift Table is a big hit. Our selection of holiday scented candles has arrived. Apples, maple, hollyberry and, of course, Oh, Christmas Tree are great scents for this time of year. We keep one of our favorite candles lit at the counter. These candles are great for the holidays, making every home more inviting and cozy feeling.

Our front window has some very special Victorian pieces on display. The first is a round lamp/side table made of oak with rattan inlay and edging. It is elegant, yet simple and the rattan makes it a very uncommon piece. Next, is a matching pair of Victorian side chairs. They have the original black paint, beautifully turned spindles and carvings. The seats have been recently caned. A converted oil-to-electric brass lamp sits atop the table. It has a soft, aged patina and the “wick knob” has “Pat. May 21 1895” stamped on it. 

Lamps are again in good supply. We have several floor lamps that are very nice, some art deco pieces, a few iron lamps from about 1900 or so and a nice selection of table lamps.

Glassware, both decorative and functional (including some very nice retro holiday glass sets), pottery, accent pieces, bookends and art work are ready for you.

And, of course, the Redeux furniture. In addition to what is in our window we have quite an eclectic collection of pieces ranging from dressers and china cabinets to desks, tables and trunks. More pieces are coming upstairs from the “Redeux Spa” almost daily. There are also several pieces on display at the Peoples Bank in Fairfield. Thanks to Marilyn Wiegman and the staff of Peoples United Bank for selecting Redeux as their “Merchant of the Month”. Stop in and see our display. If there is a piece you’d like we’ll make sure to hold it for you.

Plans for the Redeux First Christmas Celebration on Thursday December 8, 5-9 P.M. are coming along nicely, thanks to The Redhead. We look forward to seeing you and letting you know how much we really appreciate your support and encouragement this past year. We hope you can stop by, enjoy some refreshments, chat with other Friends of Redeux and let us say, “thank you”. 

What a nice way to start the Holidays!

Until December 8^th 

Bill

Growing Pains

Growing pains. Sometimes. But growing doesn’t always have to hurt.  And at Redeux we’re growing and loving it!

Since our 6 month anniversary in October, Redeux has been getting busier and busier. Old friends continue to revisit, always finding something new. New customers tell us they are delighted to have found us and appreciate what we do. As a result of all this activity, we have redoubled our efforts to find you the most interesting pieces of American made vintage furniture and art.

Several interesting pieces of furniture and art have been added to our inventory this past week.

First, we have the nice, painted farm table mentioned in our last posting. It has turned legs with a natural oak stain and the freshly painted top is mustard yellow.

Next, is a rustic twig-made side table. It has a very chic arts & crafts look to it and will fit with many decor styles. It is tall enough to accommodate a table reading lamp and a cup of tea!

Rocking Chairs are back in stock! We now have a few ranging from cane seats to sturdy wide-seat models, one with a cushion seat. All are beautiful.

End tables. We now have a beautiful matching pair of mahogany end tables with Sheraton/Hepplewhite style tapered legs.

Decor and art. Our "hidden treasures" have been unveiled and are now on display. We have two sets of retro “holiday glassware”. One recent visitor said one of our sets was similar to one used in the movie, “The Help”.  We also have several nice blue-stripped vintage bowls that would make great accent pieces.  

Our ever popular collection of vintage paperweights has been replenished with some really interesting pieces now available. 

This past weekend we participated in the Bridgeport Art Trail program which featured area galleries and other art venues. The collection here at Redeux was very well received. Redeux now has a virtual gallery of vintage paintings, pastels prints and photographs, many of them signed. A pair of Arts and Craft period frames, with prints of the George Washington and U.S. Grant families, would make a great addition to a den or library.

To be ready by this weekend is a round, Victorian side/lamp table that has slightly curved graceful legs with rattan overlay. This is the first time I have been able to acquire such a piece. It is made of oak and I have applied a varnish finish. Very nice!

The Redeux spa workshop continues working in high gear, and newly finished pieces come upstairs every few days.

Remember, Redeux is now open on Sundays from 12:00 until 5:00 P.M. for your convenience.

I look forward to seeing you again, soon.

Bill

Gearing up for the Holidays

This past week the Redeux furniture spa has been working overtime getting our latest arrivals of vintage furniture ready for new homes. It is quite a variety!

First, we finally have both a sideboard/server and a china cabinet available. Both are made of mahogany and date from the 1920’s / 1930’s.  They are similar in style.

Secondly, we have the tall chest of drawers, made of cherry, and mentioned in our last post. Simple lines, beautiful graining on the wood.

Lighting. We have several new table lamps ready. Thanks to our panel of “advisers”, we have decided to display some of our lamps with optional shades. 

Tables.  We will have two ready by this weekend. One is a 1950’s porcelain top with two “wing” pop-up extensions. The second is a wood farm table with a nice, mustard yellow painted top.

Chairs. We have had requests for wood chairs that can be caned. A few interesting old chairs have been found and are ready for all you folks wanting to re-cane them yourselves. We’ll also have within a week or so a pair of petite side chairs, newly caned. They are very charming.

Our selection of small decorative items has expanded as well. Several old “reproduction” and original cast metal pieces are in stock. An interesting pair of deco- period polychrome bookends is available. Pottery bowls, glassware and more paperweights are now in the shop.

Our new scented candle selection has been a big hit and our scented drawer liners are also proving to be very popular. Both of these items will be part of our special “holiday gift table”.

Currently in the Redeux spa are a few pieces in the process of getting a multi - step hand painting process. This process respects the age of the particular piece, while giving it a new look. Kind of like turning “Tug-boat Annie” into “Sophia Loren”.  

Pieces we have found that many others might disregard because they were so tired looking  are now getting a completely new life. Ah, the wonders of the Redeux Spa!

We have decided to expand our hours for the holiday season. Starting November 13 Redeux will be open on Sundays, 12:00 - 5:00 P.M.   

We will then also have in place our Special Gift Table with items available for $25.00 and less. Details about our special holiday activities will soon be posted here and sent out via email.

Hope to see you soon,

Bill

Straight Shooter

Straight Shooter. An old fashioned term, for sure. It infers honesty and integrity in a person. I grew up hearing that not-often used phrase and knew it meant something special. It still does. Having recently been referred to as a straight shooter by a customer was quite a compliment and an honor. It meant that the way Redeux does business was appreciated and acknowledged. He recognized our commitment to  providing quality, American built furniture and products at very fair prices and treating our customers with respect and sincere gratitude. We'll continue working hard so that every person coming into Redeux will feel the same way - that we are straight shooters. And, we'll have fun doing it!

So, the season of holidays is approaching quickly. Our inventory of items to help you put the finishing touches on your home has been expanded. Here’s a quick sampling:

Rustic and Primitive. Several folks have asked us to find some primitive country pieces. Our barn wood corner hutch is a real beauty. Made from authentic antique barn wood, this piece would compliment dining rooms and country kitchens. 

A red-painted primitive two-piece cabinet stands only 49" tall and is ideal as an accent piece or may be a very interesting spice cabinet in the right kitchen. We also have just gotten in several vintage and antique side chairs, some with rush seats.

Chests of drawers. We now have a nice selection in oak, a stunning Empire piece, a great “Taylor Made” federal reproduction piece and, just arrived, a wonderful cherry high-boy chest.

Desks. The Redeux Spa has been working overtime getting a great selection of beauties ready for new homes. From the Texas Ranch Oak, a Landstrom mahogany executive type desk, a compact student, a couple of writing tables, a “boudoir desk”, to our newest addition - an oak slant-top clerk’s desk (circa 1860-1885). There is a desk for everyone and every purpose. Each guaranteed to make you smarter – or at least make you look so!

Our selection of lamps is now the best it has been. We are bringing our “hidden treasures” up from storage and also finding some very unique lights in our travels. The Redhead recently spotted an unusual retro-style table lamp that is our latest addition in our effort to make the world a brighter place.

Art. Oils, pastels, prints. Nauticals, landscapes, figures, still lifes and historical pieces. No wonder Redeux is listed as a destination for this year’s City Lights Art Tour in November. Watch for details!

Just in - our very special selection of scented drawer liner papers! They come beautifully boxed and are individual sheets ready to pop into a bureau or chest or even a closet. Several specially selected scents are available. Also just arrived is our latest selection of scented soy candles. Stop in and smell these fragrant candles and you’ll know why they are such a popular item at Redeux!

Starting November 27, Redeux will have some expanded days and hours of opening as well as some special events. In conjunction with our neighbors here at Quarterboard Row, Redeux will be celebrating the joys of Christmas and Hanukkah. There will be music, food, fun and a very special guest appearance from a renowned world traveler.  

Redeux will also feature a special holiday gift table with special gifts priced at $25.00 or less! This will be an affordable, budget conscious way for giving a unique, practical and lovely gift to those special folks we like to remember: teachers, co-workers, special friends, neighbors, etc. Maybe even yourself!! More details will be coming.

Hope to see you soon. Stop in!

Bill

Empire Redeux

The Empire returns. This time in the form of two dressers. The first, and ready for a new home, is a four drawer mahogany beauty that is in very good condition. The grain patterns are striking and the shape of the top drawer and detailing is classic Empire period. The second dresser, arriving sometime later this week, is a more unusual piece. This will surely merit before and after photos! Be sure to stop by to watch the work in progress.

Our 6 month anniversary celebration was a huge success! Thanks to all who came by. Many of our larger pieces now have new homes. As a result, the Redeux Spa is working overtime…and then some. Many of your requests for certain pieces have been found and I’m getting these up on the shop floor as soon as possible. In no particular order here is what is available now or will be before weeks end:

Trunks. We now have two available. One is a whimsical decoupage, stencil and hand-painted with rope handles. It would make an excellent end table or coffee table. The second is a rather sturdy fellow made of oak and most likely made late 1800’s to very early 1900’s. Great condition!

Coffee tables. We now have a really nice mahogany table with uncommon (bird) claw feet and a protective glass insert top.

Sofa table. A table that might also double as a writing desk is ready. It has a nicely sized top drawer.

Accent tables. Our Tailor’s table is a rare find. Made of oak it is surprisingly lightweight and has folding legs held in place by a unique wood bow-strap on the underside. It would make a striking lamp table.

Muffin Table.  A three- tiered wood display piece, thus named because of its round, muffin-like shelves. But, I suppose some freshly baked muffins would fit nicely, too!

We also have some unusual accent pieces that will be coming up soon. Great for gift-giving or for treating yourself. Finally, the Ranch Oak desk and corner piece have been finished and are awaiting a new home! Both pieces have loads of hand-detailing and a newly restored rich, warm natural finish. It is pictured at right as our "Featured Item".

Ask and ye shall receive! We have been asked numerous times to find really nicely scented, quality drawer liner paper. While I sometimes find it hard to believe, not everyone is especially fond of the smell of turpentine or wax. Well, Redeux has done it again. We have located a manufacturer that makes wonderfully scented drawer paper that will make everything smell great. And, like everything at Redeux Vintage Furniture, these liner papers are made in the USA! They should arrive sometime the week of October 19-20.

We are getting in more scented candles, too. The response to our line of JeT’aime candles has been terrific. Long lasting, great scents…made in the USA, of course.

Watch for our holiday hours which will begin in November. And, for some very special events!

Thanks, and hope to see you again soon.

Bill

Party Animals!

Party Animals. Yes, that will be us at Redeux Vintage Furniture this weekend. And you’re invited!

Redeux is celebrating our “first six months anniversary”. And very successful months they have been…thanks to all of our customers, now new friends.

Starting this Friday, 9/30/11, 3:00 ‘til 7:00 P.M. (just in time for all you teachers to stop by after school!) and continuing Saturday 10/1/11, 9:30 – A.M. -5:00 P.M. we’ll be celebrating, enjoying some great refreshments and having free drawings! We’ll be raffling some pieces of art, some of our very special scented candles, and gift certificates for discounts for any in-stock item of your choice! It’s our way of saying to each of our customers and visitors to our shop, "thank you, thank you very much”. 

It will be a fun weekend. You can meet “The Redhead”, meet fellow Redeux fans and enjoy a little knosh!  

You will also be able to see our new pieces ready for Fall. Maybe you’ll even win a gift certificate!

We’ve added so many new items to our inventory these past two weeks or so it feels like a new store. We’ve got several very nice side tables, including some writing tables/desks.

A lovely hall console and mirror would make a striking and practical entry way set.

We’ve found some really wonderful vintage smaller items that will be great accent or conversation pieces, including some made–in-New York, hand painted toleware. Vintage pottery, glassware and some very interesting metal items are also now in the shop. Many of these pieces were made long ago right here in Connecticut.

Our lighting collection has grown. We now have several very interesting table and floor lamps. The painted “Sight Light” floor reading lamp (not yet photographed), made in Deep River, CT 60-70 years ago is the perfect den lamp!

We have also just gotten up on the shop floor an especially nice five-drawer oak chest. A small, pine chest, stained and painted red is really stunning.

There are just so many new and very interesting pieces that you’ll have to come down to the shop this weekend and see them in person.  And have some fun, too!

I’d also like to mention that our building, "Quarterboard Row”, has a new shop opening up this very weekend.

Saks Thrift Avenue is a new funky, eclectic, wonderful clothing and accessory shop. Very different from anything around,it will have a great NYC, SoHo look and feel… at very reasonable prices! Colleen O’Toole will be managing the shop. Her mom, Mary, also owns the Designer Labels shop in Westport. 

Saks Thrift Avenue will open for business this Saturday, October 1^st.  

With Redeux Vintage Furniture, Maureen Buckley’s FrameMaker’s picture framing and art gallery and now Saks Thrift Avenue, plus other great stores, developer Joe Formato is making Quarterboard Row a great shopping destination for everyone.

Looking forward to seeing you all at this weekend's Anniversary Celebration at Redeux: Friday 3:00 til 7:00; Saturday 9:30 til 5:00!