Month: October 2013

I’ve been a little MIA over the past week or so—moving will do that to you. Right now, I’m looking for a desk. What I have in mind is something with a simple yet elegant design, preferably with a real wood or strong metal frame. Dark brown (to match two pieces of furniture in the room and one large piece of artwork) or black (to match many of the other frames in the room) or a color (the color scheme in our den ranges in red, rose, cream, yellow, and teal). Also, the desk needs some storage.

So far, I’ve been to…

Father & Son, where a bought a fantastic black velvet blazer, silk full-length green gloves (for my butterfly Halloween costume), and the most perfect winter coat/cape (like this one but a yellow/cream color with gold buttons). I can’t wait to be more crazy about it (when the weather dips and I start wearing it) than I already am! (Perhaps Mad Men is getting to me?) The desk selection was low to none; I can’t even recall seeing one but I’m sure there was one or two. However, not what I was looking for and not within my budget. Father & Son has amazing furniture, though. Great finds that hardly need a thing done to them. Mint condition, vintage furniture.

Nadeau is a new furniture shop in Cameron Village, between Fresh Market and Talbot’s. Really cool and cute stuff! Lots of bookcases, tables, end tables, and storage furniture, but not a lot of desks. The prices weren’t bad for the product, but were on the higher end, reflecting the higher-end quality of the wood and the paint jobs. Lots of color! I loved it.

Pier One in Cameron Village is almost always a hit and a miss for me. A while back I bought a large glass, teal vase and a few pillows—all of which I love and am currently admiring as I write this. But, for furniture, it’s not the place. Their loveseats look amazing, their desks are nice, but the prices for what I presume to NOT be high-end wood are a little high. Great customer service.

Target—online and in the store, I like the Threshold collection. The desk looked nice in person, but I wasn’t sure if it was the one. I felt good about it being a good fall-back if I don’t find something else. I know that sooner rather than later I’ll reach the day when I just can’t sit at the kitchen table to do work anymore!

Honorable mention

The Ikea in Charlotte is not in Raleigh but I have to mention it. Did you know people have gotten married there? It’s a thing, y’all. So, I’ve heard wonderful things about Ikea store, from the furniture to the food (get the Swedish meatballs!), but have never been. We are full up on room in our new house for any new furniture other than my desk, so I probably won’t make the trip just yet—but one day, I will go to Ikea! I looked at their desks online and they have lots of great looking ones, but I’d have to order it, pay for shipping, and assemble it without being sure it’s the one. I really want to see my new desk in person.

Still to go

Cheshire Cat Gallery in Cameron Village has a small vintage selection that’s pretty great but usually overpriced—I might go look anyway.

HomeGoods on Falls of Neuse is an option, though I’ve only been to a HomeGoods once and this is a little bit of a drive for me. But, this awesome vintage decorator swears by them.

Where else? I’d love to hear your suggestions and stories about shopping for furniture in Raleigh!