A couple of weekends ago nnK (that stands for ‘new neighbor Karen’ because when she moved in across the street we already had a Karen next door. Granted, that Karen died a couple of years later and now there is just one Karen, but nnK stuck) called me and said there was a huge garage sale a couple of blocks away, did I want to check it out?
So I jumped in her SUV and we headed over there. It was about 3:30 on a Saturday afternoon though, so my expectations were low. Usually by then all of the good stuff is gone.
I was wandering around the sale, which truly was huge, when nnK flagged me over to look at a mid-century piece. She’s a big fan of mid-century modern and she knows I’ve been doing more and more mid-mod pieces lately.
It wasn’t really ‘me’, but I could see the appeal for mid-century lovers, so I bought it.
It’s a flip top bar made out of walnut with a black melamine surface that is exposed when open. It’s in great condition and even has the original casters.
Initially I was going to paint it with my favorite aqua, Fusion’s Laurentien. But then I did a little research and found the exact same piece on 1stDibs where it sold for $2,450.
Now I take the prices on 1stDibs with a grain of salt. I’m not sure who the people are who are paying that much for stuff. I suspect they are all designers in places like New York City or L.A. People who have wealthy clients who don’t bat an eye at the cost. I certainly can’t get those amounts myself.
Nonetheless, seeing the piece listed there and also knowing that the finish on mine is in really good condition made me realize I probably shouldn’t paint it.
So I decided to simply flip the flip-top.
I cleaned the piece well first, and then freshened up the finish with some of Miss Mustard Seed’s hemp oil.
Then I staged some photos using some of the fab mid-century props I found while out garage saling last weekend.
I can’t decide which is my favorite prop, the fake ice cubes or the atomic themed glasses.
I’m not generally a flipper, but I have flipped a few mid-century pieces in the past like this American of Martinsville pair.
I also flipped these two mid-mod pieces.
When I come across pieces like these and they are just staring me in the face and daring me to flip them … well, how can I resist?
q is for quandie 
Your “finds” to stage your new piece seem to be a “ meant to be “ moment. It is a beautiful piece and I agree that leaving it unpainted is the best idea for now. It has lovely lines and the grain is gorgeous.
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The wood on this one is beautiful. Hopefully I will find a buyer for it ‘as is’.
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I am a Karen too and live just a few blocks away! I was at that sale and saw that same piece but could not talk my husband into it. It is a nice one!
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What a small world! I know you’ve left me a few comments Karen, but have we ever met? I’m pretty sure I was wearing paint splattered sweat pants and no makeup when nnK dragged me out to that garage sale. I’m always afraid I’m going to run into someone who knows me when I go out looking like a hot mess.
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We have met when I have been to the Carriage House sales in the past. By the way I have a nice heated workshop with a table saw, band saw, scroll saw and a drill press. ; )
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What?! No fair! Next winter you should invite me over to paint some stuff. I’ll bring the paint 😉
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Hi Linda! I am glad you researched first. You know how I love my paint too, but some things you just should not paint! Get it out there on the right platform to the person who will love it!$$$
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I usually go by condition. This piece was in awesome condition and the wood is very pretty, so no paint.
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Wow! Awesome score! And the staging is 👌. This mid century stuff is starting to grow on me! It always seems to be made so well.
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Most of it is really well made. Of course, I’m sure there were some cheaper versions manufactured, but those probably all went to the dump 20 years ago!
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Did you sell this? I’m interested!!
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I still have it Ruth. I can email you the particulars.
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What a beautiful piece, your redo was just enough! Would love to have this! Your selling mid century so well because you have any eye for what will be perfect for the piece. Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you Paula! I’m definitely working on building up my selection of mid-century props so I can properly stage photos of the mcm pieces 🙂
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It’s beautiful wood. Good call. Love your props.
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Yep, it would have been a shame to cover up that pretty wood with paint. And I quickly found a buyer who absolutely loves the bar as is, so it was a good call.
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Did you sell this piece? I am interested. How wide is it?
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I did sell it already Cathy. If I ever see another one I’ll keep you in mind though!
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Oops, looks like you sold it! Beautiful piece.
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