When searching for interesting furniture that needs a new home INSTUDIO artist & interior designer Samuel Fleming Lewis explores Craigslist. Creative reuse, recycling, and repurposing are practices that are not only economical but good for the planet because it keeps great furniture out of landfills. For years he saw artistic furniture being sold with the moniker “Swankety Swank” as part of the description. He recently stumbled upon the House of Swankety Swank and talked to the owner Yabette Alfaro.
Yabette is a leader of a mini revolution. Everything in her store is handmade and produced by local artists and designers of every kind. Fashion, writing, illustration, craft, photography, furniture, jewelry, fine art and accessories are all part of the creative mix represented at Swankety Swank.
Formerly a professional musician, Yabette taught herself to be a furniture artist when her desire to live in beautiful surroundings didn’t match her bank account. What she creates is more than just painted furniture. She turns castoffs into treasures with distinct identities. To restore the furniture, first it is cleaned, sanded, and refinished it is then hand painted and clear coated with earth friendly, low VOC paints.
Yabette develops a unique personality for each piece of her art furniture. Like any good makeover the essence remains intact, the personality increased and flaws hidden. Art furniture can be easily mixed into any décor to either blend in or to make a statement as a work of art. You can also bring your own furniture to Swankety Swank for a custom design and new look.
What drew Samuel into Swankety Swank was a beautiful 1930’s or 40’s wood dresser that was given a modern urban vibe with a white tree painted on its front and top. As INSTUDIO discover sources for inspired design we will share our artistic points of view.
Get Swankety in the house!
The House of Swankety Swank 289 Divisadero St. San Francisco, CA 94117
telephone 415 932.6615
www.swanketyswank.com
Comments
Thanks for the nifty ideas, Samuel, and telling us about Swankety Swank....I haven't visited the Haight&Divis area for a while and now I will go. Check out When Modern Was on 24th Street near Noe......sounds similar and I love going there to look--and buy--vintage items!
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