So There's This Bench I Want...

...That's not for sale.   

When we moved into town last year, the first place I hit up (while waiting for Dave to bring the next load of our stuff over) was the local thrift store.   She's a beauty with AMAZING prices.  It was closed when I drove up but upon seeing me peering into the windows -who doesn't do that when they find a cool new shop that's closeed?? - they kindly let me in!  But after picking out a few things, they told me it was cash-only and I didn't have any on me so I couldn't shop.  But while I was there, I fell in love.  With a bench.

I saw this bench in May and probably think of it a few times a month. (Much more at first of course.) You see, the bench wasn't for sale & I couldn't have it.   It reminds me a little of this one from Oly:



...  Except the base is different, the finish is all messed up (chrome I think?)  and the brown tufted leather on top is destroyed:  covered in multi-colored splatters of paint.  But it has beautiful lines and would work in so many places in our house...  Coffee table, bench for extra LR seating, at the foot of our bed, under the window.. I could keep going. 

So of course when I saw the bench way back when, I asked how much it was.  My question visibly upset the woman I'd asked who was stocking books on the nearby bookshelves.  It wasn't for sale, she told me, they used it when they were stocking & sorting the books, and shepromptly sat down on it to continue with the books.  I pressed further.  Maybe there was someone I could talk to?  Maybe I could buy this one and find them a new bench?   I spoke with the manager and after a few minutes I got a "maybe" (that really felt like a no but he didn't want to actually say it...  he wouldn't talk prices or say yes to me buying this one and getting them a new bench.)...  I had to tread carefully...  I was in love with this thing and apparently they were too.  




So I haven't gone back.  Not because I was upset, but because I've been afraid to make a wrong move & lose my precious bench forver with a simple but firm "no."  I've been keeping my eyes peeled for "offering" benches to bring to them, but I worry they won't be good enough...  if there's no cushion, will they say 'no?'  I've been dying to go back but I've waited patiently until I have a good enough offering and the cash to fork over. 

Well, now the bench is back on my mind.  Because I can't use the lucite coffee table in my living room for the Better Homes & Gardens shoot, and the gorgeous round marble one isn't perfect in the space (round-  too much roundness in there already.) I was thinking if I got the bench and had it reupholstered in new leather or good vinyl  (probably white) that it would be perfect!!  And then it can move around my house wherever it wants to go, like in here:



So here's the deal:  Dave's there now with Christian (sympathy card) and some cash.  It's been 8 months.  He's been gone since I started writing this post, which is a good long time since it takes me a while to blabber on like this.  We thought it might be better for him to give it a shot, since I want it so obviously, who knows how much I'd pay for that thing?? 

I'll keep you posted.
xoxo,
lauren

ps-  don't forget to check ou the giveaway for the mirrored Inside Avenue trays!!

42 comments:

Julianna Farmer said...

I feel your pain. Good luck!

Maria Killam said...

That is such a great story, you know how to keep us riveted, I can't wait to see it!

Three Men and a Little Crazy said...

Awesome! What a wonderful story...can't wait to hear what happens. Good luck and keep us posted!!!

Erika Ward said...

What a cute little story! I think Christian will help seal the deal for you...fingers crossed!

A Perfect Gray said...

O babe! know exactly how you feel. keeping my fingers crossed that it's yours (and maybe even at a really good price, too!). That's the beauty/curse of vintage finds, no? They are one of a kind and we MUST. HAVE. THEM.

Tracy Watier said...

Great idea, Lauren! How can they say no to a charming man with a heart-melting toddler in tow?

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Tell them it will be featured in the BHG article...and their name can be in lights!


I have a sneaking feeling that the bench is in the back of your car...right now!

Hannah said...

I just wanted to say that i LOVE your page! I just started mine and came across yours on a friend's page. I'm currently in school for business management and i've been really thinking about taking up interior design on the side. I came across this hobby due to the fact that i redecorate my apartment ALL THE TIME! And just recently i redecorated my fiance's sister's room. She loves it! But i just wanted to say that your page has very good tips and pictures to help me get a little more creative with my redecorating. Good luck on getting that bench! Determined women always get what they want!

Catherine said...

I was in an old antique store in Maine years ago and the first thing I spotted was a gorgeous desk chair. It was a work of art so of course I asked, "how much is this?" The owner said it wasn't for sell..."I'd have to ask A LOT IF I was ever to sell it...like $125." SOLD! I thought he was going to ask three times that. I'm sitting in that desk chair as I type. xoxoTrina

Living It At Home said...

I know how you feel about that bench! You just have to have it no matter what...it becomes an obsession! That is when you know that it really will work for your home.

I really hope you get it...great idea sending hubby with your little one. Can't wait to see it because I know it will soon be yours!

Splendid Willow said...

Have you showed them your blog yet - and how many people you can send their way?!! Like zillions! Maybe a plan B. But I can feel that Christian will win them over!

xx Mon

http://www.splendidwillow.com

Kathysue said...

Lauren call Dave right now and tell him to say it is your Vday gift, you just had a baby etc. Pull at their heart strings. Good Luck!!Kathysue

Acanthus and Acorn said...

Crossing my fingers & toes!!!

lizziefitz said...

The suspense is killing me! Maybe he can play the Valentine perfect gift card?

Saara {www.varv.ca} said...

good luck! i know all too well how it feels to be yearning for something beautiful, and you can't have it.

Cassie Bustamante said...

hi lauren! i live in md, and am always perusing craigslist when i spotted this beauty of a bench...
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/fuo/1597352945.html
i wanted to buy but it was a little far for me to go. i think you are in va so maybe it is possible for you. it would look awesome re-upholstered white, and paint the base silver or glossy white. i planned in my head to paint and reupholster it for my fam room, but just can't make the trip. i hope perhaps it works for you!

Karena said...

Lauren, I really hope this works out for you! I feel your pain!!
Karena

Red Door Home said...

Oh I hope you get it! When you love something that much and for so long it i sjust meant to be yours.

Billie said...

A tot usually helps (as long as he/she is on the good mannered side of things :-)).

Just curious...which thrift store do you go to? I have a list of ones in the area but I have yet to check them out :-). I need to!!!!

The SilverLyne said...

Lauren,Good luck getting the bench! I agree, it is a versatile piece.

Visual Vamp said...

Funny how something will haunt you.
You can do better than Oly :-)
xo xo

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

well... all the best :) keep us posted pls

lizziefitz said...

OK , My daughter wants to know if you got it? Please update us soon...pins and needles:)

Windlost said...

Good luck Lauren - you are too funny! I hope, hope, hope you get it! Sorry I have not commented in a few days - I loved your long post about becoming an interior designer- thanks for sharing. Yes, I think the critical thing is talent and hard work and business abilities. And from what I understand, having someone to pay the bills for like 5 years until you get established. It is just the reality, but so glad the stars aligned for you - you are a genuine talent! So proud of your accomplishments!

xo Terri

Tina said...

Oh what a fantastic story Lauren. Surely they will see how much you love that bench! I love that this piece of furniture will always have a story behind it!! Hope this story has a very happy ending. Fingers crossed for you ~ Tina xx

Doug Davis said...

that's funny! we sold our check out counter once...anything's for sale for the right price! (or should be)

Unknown said...

I'm laughing right now because all of us decor-obsessed people have done something similar! I treally hope you get it - at the very least maybe they'll let you borrow it for the shoot?
- Danielle

Dayka Robinson said...

Hope you get your bench!

Dianne said...

I so hope you get the bench. it would be perfect all over your house. What a sweet husband you have to do your bartering. ;)

Susie @ Maddie G Designs said...

Just seeing this now and dying to know if you got your bench!?!

Low Tide High Style said...

Oh, I hope they are in a giving mood, it is almost Valentine's Day after all! *Fingers and Toes Crossed for you*!!

Kat :)

Melissa said...

What a girl won't do for a bench-- and what a man won't do for a woman he loves. Good move, taking the cute kid, too:) I'm sadly all too familiar with this type of scenario... best of luck!

Lauren @ with two cats said...

Lauren, I can't wait to hear what happened with the bench - my fingers are crossed for you! You've got a great husband :)

I also wanted to pass along this award to you:

http://www.withtwocats.com/2010/02/happy-101-award.html

Share 10 things you love and 10 blogs you love and want to pass the award to!

Hamptontoes said...

I hope you got the bench! What a fun post to read! Have a wonderful weekend with your home full of Valentines!

Market Girl said...

We need to know....... now!

alison giese Interiors said...

OMGosh! DYING to know the result! I just KNOW that'll end up your perfect Valentine's Day gift!

"Yeah, that works..!" said...

Playing the baby card is wise - very wise! ( and I agree with Linda from Lime in the Coconut).

Hope it is sitting in your home at this very moment...

Greet Lefèvre said...

Oh Lauren,
I really hope that you will get the this awesome bench! What a story!
I can't wait tell I know!!!
Happy Valentine!!!
xx
Greet

Linda Merrill said...

Well, good luck! Hopefully by now you've heard? A faux ostrich in white would be perfect for the upholstery, I think.

Lindsey said...

Oh I hate when thrift stores have benches that they won't sell! It seems like every thift store has them, those cute ottomans that they keep around for guests to sit on. And you just know that the items were donated to them.

Hope you're able to find a lovely replacement that looks just like it!

DecRenew Interiors said...

You'll get the bench!!! Tell them it will be photographed and you'll tell the story for all to read. People love to hear a story!

Katie said...

Hi there! I don't suppose you live in or near Texas do you? My alma mater (and current employer) Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX does property auctions twice a year (approx. April and Nov.) where they sell off all the furniture/junk they no longer want. We used to have a ton of benches that look like that (but with a different base and the top was black leather/vinyl; similar tufting tho) and in the last year I've seen a bunch pass through the auctions. SO, if you are *really* interested in the bench, and you are willing to drive, you could probably pick up one for around $15-25. Let me know if you want more details - katie.loves.stan@gmail.com

(of course, obviously, ebay and craigslist might get you a similar bench for cheap in an area closer to you! But I figured I'd throw this out there in case you happen to live near SHSU)