Ikea is too far. Target is too cliche. Bed Bath & Beyond makes you think of "Old School." Where can a design-savvy New Yorker turn when she or he is looking to re-decorate and add some real pizazz to a plain home? Here are some sources of furniture, lighting, carpeting, you name it, that won't leave you thinking your city has nothing to offer you but crates and barrels.
Brooklyn Flea
Saturdays:
176 Lafayette Ave.
Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Sundays:
Water St. & New Dock St.
@ the Brooklyn Bridge
Not everyone is a thrift shopper, but everyone loves surprises. Remember that if you’re someone whose afraid of diving into one of the BrooklynFlea’s weekend markets – because you’re going to get some. Vendors of vintage furniture, architectural salvages, antiques, collectibles and new and re-purposed furniture mingle at these day-long marketplaces to showcase their wares to curious shoppers. It’s the best place to find one-of-a-kinds that won’t break the bank…or if you'd like to put a dent in the wallet, pricey vintage finds can be had too.
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Mantiques Modern
146 West 22nd St.
New York, NY 10011
212.206.1494
Fine, we admit, this place ain’t cheap. It’s not even affordable for most people we know – but perhaps it is for you. And if that’s the case – you’re a lucky son-of-a-gun because is here is where you’ll find true treasures. From classic Wassily chairs to an antique brush cleaner tin can-turned artistic statement, Mantiques houses some of your favorite pieces that you never knew were you favorite.
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Various NYC locations
Unlike many overly popular chains that crank out junk like it’s their job, we like Urban because you can actually find unique decorative items for your home at extremely affordable prices. (Think brand new toile print shower curtain on sale for $11.99. Can’t beat that.) Plus, the several locations in the city make it easy to pop in for a quick addition to your recent refurb.
Greenhouse Eco-Friendly Living
375 Atlantic Ave (b/w Hoyt and Bond)
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718.422.8631
For the eco-conscious re-decorator (and who isn’t one of those these days), your hookups are in Brooklyn and the LES (more on that below). Greenhouse supports eco-friendly practices by purchasing only from companies that use sustainable, organic, renewable, recycled, locally-manufactured, or non-toxic materials. That may not make for a Wal*Mart priced couch, but it surely won’t give you the same off-gassing that comes with that cheap-as-all-heck “deal.”
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Q Collection
915 Broadway, Suite 1001
New York NY 10010
212.529.1400
For the haute couture of green décor, head to Q Collection where the owners (an environmental scientist and interior designer) know how to separate the true green from the green-washed. In other words, they’ve got the science to back up their collections of textiles and furniture. It’s an especially good redecoration spot if you’ve got little tots around or on the way. The company’s line for babies, Q Collection Junior, probably outsells the grown-up stuff. And why wouldn’t it, being so adorably environmentally-conscious and all?
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