This weekend I shopped one of my favorite antique malls, the extraordinarily huge Relics Antique Mall in Springfield, Missouri. (I’m not kidding about huge; Relics is the largest antique mall in Missouri). In the winter months, going to Relics and meandering down each aisle is as relaxing to me as the long walks I take in the garden under the June sun. I believe that to place yourself among pretty things—and to appreciate them—is a key to enjoying life, and there are plenty of pretty things to see at a good antique mall.
I go to Relics any time I’m in town, so I recognize when new dealers are on the scene; Guess what I found on this latest visit? There are new dealers on the scene. I saw three booths in a row that had beautiful, over the top displays of amazing true antiques. Whenever I indulge in little fantasies of having my own antique booth, I always picture displays that are lavish and crammed so full of beautiful treasures that it’s impossible to take them all in with just a quick scan. Well, someone is living my dream. Here is one of the booths that was so artfully arranged that it drew me in and called me to explore.
The centerpiece of this particular display is an old oak glass-paneled china cabinet that was partially painted.
What?! Painted?? Noooooo!!!
I usually rail against painting antique furniture—especially dark oak, which is my favorite. I have to say, though, that in this case, the result was stunning. The front was left bare to showcase the beautiful oak, while the sides were painted a deep black. (Important: there was no faux distressing, faux finishing, or chalk paint, all of which always prompts a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth on my part). The contrast, surprisingly, amplified the beauty of the oak that wasn’t painted. Whoever did this had an excellent eye. I would have never thought it possible.
Am I OK with painting antiques now? Mostly, no. Maybe I’m just a bit more open to what’s possible, and who doesn’t need that?
