In addition to selling repurposed vintage furnishings and locally made goods, Mary Deschamps, owner of The Vintage Loft in Excelsior, offers custom furniture painting, reupholstery of vintage furniture, design consultation and home staging services. While reupholstering vintage pieces is time-consuming, Deschamps says the pieces become transformed and turn out beautifully. “It’s rewarding. You get a review or message, ‘I have it in my house and it looks awesome.’ We work hard on these pieces.”
The store’s mission statement focuses on keeping furniture out of landfills, encouraging the reuse of items and minimizing their disposal. “If the bones are good, you just give that sucker some love, it’ll be a beauty,” Deschamps asserts. “It can be used for many decades.” Hearing about Grandma’s unwanted pieces in perfect condition being tossed out or burned in fire pits causes Deschamps great distress. “If they’ve had a piece of furniture that is solid wood, instead of getting rid of it, consider giving it a facelift with some painting. You will be surprised at how different it looks, and you can enjoy it another 20 years.” When customers take her advice, they’re happy and excited with the results. “It’s a piece no one else has, and it’s so unique,” she says.
Deschamps updates the shop’s website daily. “I love doing what I do, I’m passionate about it. I look forward to being at the shop every day, and I’m constantly thinking of new ideas. I have to write things down because my brain is always exploding with ideas.”
Check online for upcoming in-store events, special discounts, and giveaways. Deschamps is planning to offer online classes or workshops for small groups at the store, covering topics such as how to paint furniture, how to distress it or give it an aged look, as well as waxing techniques.
The movement to waste less and live better encourages residents to buy used goods, repair their items, refuse unnecessary “extras,” and rent or borrow used gear rather than buying new – not only to reduce waste and preserve natural resources, but to save money. By pledging to waste less and live better, residents receive valuable waste reduction tips and regular email alerts about upcoming sales and events. Learn more and subscribe today.