Austin – Part 1

Posted on the 09 July 2012 by Heather @home_modern

I had a super fun “independent play” day today in Austin. I took a cab to two of the vintage stores I had scoped. First was Room Service Vintage, which Laura Spencer cites as a must check out in her new book (a must read!).

Room Service Vintage has a ton of amazing stuff and super good prices.

Killer pair of wood and chrome cabinets. These would make great nightstands.

I liked this girly peach chair. It was a part of a set of two that looked cute flanking a dresser.

Very cool lucite lamp.

I could see this coffee table coming home with us if there were a way to get it on the plane…

This entire spun fiberglass set was only $300! It would go with my tables and I would paint it all black and make some striped cushions.

These prints were mounted on some type of vinyl covered board, which I thought was a cool look.

I also really liked this great daybed/couch situation. It would work well in our bedroom.

This Paris street scene art was totally over the top–the lights are actual lights that light up. Because it’s so busy, I imagine it in a super sophisticated all white or cream dining room.

I also went to Hog Wild Vintage, which is a bit more curated but also has great stuff.

Lots of goodies!

This would be great in an office.

Mint panther anyone?

Beautiful Broyhill Brasilia chest.

Check out this stellar Capiz shell hanging pendant.

{Epoch Coffee, photo from here}

Totally by accident I strolled down to Epoch Coffee, which is hands down one of the coolest coffee shops I’ve ever been in. I shared a table with a man who turned out to be a total kindred spirit.

He was there painting. When I asked him about his paintings, he said he’s done them daily to record the life and culture around him. He archives them (and has done so since the 80s!). He spent a lot of time talking to me about the importance of art and creativity as a form of documenting the culture and times around him. While I was there he started painting a picture of me with my name on it. I wanted him to give it to me, but he kept it for his journal/archive! He did give me this though, as a token of our “conversational exchange of positive energy” as he called it.

I told him it was our anniversary on the 9th and he wrote the date on the back. He was a total joy to share a table with. Makes me remember why I love traveling and why it pays to stick your neck out, share a table and talk with strangers.

XO,
Heather