we’ve see them work their magic in the sneak peek of the home of robin lester, and soon we’ll be seeing what they’ve cooked up for grace and ac (stay tuned in the next few weeks!), but today we get a special glance into the home of carl and russell, the brains and brawn behind the vintage shop repop. their brooklyn industrial style loft is an ever-changing interior as pieces from the shop constantly make their way in and out of this wild, sometimes over the top mix of rococco, mid-century, danish and primitive ideas. who knows what their home looks like today, but here is what it looked like the day it was photographed. [thanks russell and carl!] -anne
[above: The "grande" living area features an impressive tufted sectional we discovered for the shop but could not resist keeping in place for our own pleasure. Upholstered with horse and mohair the sectional bears an exquisite carved golden frame and is usually the seating of choice for our guests when we throw parties. As many know we have a love affair with flocked wallpaper. But since we are unable to hang wallpaper in this space, on the walls above the sofa we feature a collection of illustrative paintings by John Mathias who has an obsession with 60's advertisements. His wife, Miss Ellie, manufactures the necklaces which are positioned on the necks of the bejeweled beauties. We often feature their wares at RePOP. We enjoy old suitcases and trunks. They make the best solution for coffee tables as they are stackable, easy to move around and offer incredible amounts of storage space. Plus, they are not too expensive and you can always place drinks atop them without worrying about damaging wood. ]
The breakfast nook in our kitchen is one of the most beloved areas of the loft featuring an old Coca Cola Bottle Cap advertisement we purchased at one of my favorite antique malls in Kansas City. Carl and I love primitive, handcrafted furniture and since our loft bears no closet space or shelving whatsoever, we were in need of a fabulous piece to stow all of those kitchen necessities like spices and cookingware that can so easily clutter up a stove top. This particular cabinet is so functional what with the open center cubby. It comes in quite handy as a make-shift bar or cutting table. We rarely use our farm table for it’s actual purpose. Rather it most often becomes a work station for the two of us. Still, because of the rustic feel of the nook we couldn’t help but turn the tables on the look by throwing in these fabulous space age Saarinen style smoked lucite, white leather and steel legged tulip chairs!
I found the distressed elephant in Brimfield. It was one of those aged artifacts that beckoned to me from across a field of furniture and bid me stand entranced before it for 10 minutes with appreciative tears in my eyes before taking the plunge to make it my own. The elephant, who I’ve named Ghosty, has so much personality. Both sad and captivatingly beautiful in my eyes, he is by far one of the most special center pieces we have ever owned.
Carl and Russell’s furniture in one of the homes they’ve staged in Brooklyn. Bedroom featuring Black and White Lacquered 60’s American of Maartinsville Dresser featuring a victorian cast iron boutique sign, cowhide rug, flocked loveseat from Antiquarian and original pin-up art by John Mathias.
Study corner: 80’s deco revival end table with 60’s mod sphere lamp and Paul Mccobb Desk and Chair.