Since moving to DC, thrifting has become one of my favorite hobbies – though perhaps a slightly masochistic one. Living in a small house with constrained dimensions and no garage, basement or attic, it’s unreal the number of awesome pieces of furniture I pass up because I don’t have “the perfect spot” nor a place to hoard them for future enjoyment. (Note to self: I need to build a garage ASAP) The vintage shops here always have me swooning and cursing the little-house gods and that coffee table I bought on Amazon. But just like any good addict – I mean hobbyist – I keep going back because I can’t stop, won’t stop. And some day I'll find the perfect petite leather sofa of my dreams before that other guy snatches it up.
I’ve had a few years to try out the shops around town and have come to truly love a handful of them. Each has its own distinct personality and aesthetic – every time you shop you learn a little more about who they are and what you can depend on them for. I think I'm ready to take the next step and so I'd really like to introduce you to the shops I'm going steady with. This week we're visiting Hunted House – the Don Draper of vintage stores. Sophisticated, mid-century, handsome, expertly tailored, impeccable jaw line…wait, are we still talking about furniture?
You can always depend on Hunted House to have an impressive stock of mid-century Scandinavian pieces in great condition and at relatively good prices. More than any other store in the city, it is committed to a look. That look happens to be one of an advertising executive's home circa 1960s, minus the smoke and the Scotch. It also happens to be a look I (and 10 million other people) love.
The store was previously located on 14th St. NW, which is pretty much the end-all be-all as far as store locations go. They moved a couple years ago to H St. Corridor in the Northeast part of the city, which is not quite as hoppin’ as 14th (though it won't be long) and it's certainly harder to get to for most people. If you're smart you know this is actually a huge advantage, and you should go now – quick! – before the competition heats up for all the goodies.
Lamps, leather and lucite – this shop rolls deep in the three L's. I'd love to snag a pair of those lucite desk chairs for the office/guest room!
I very much wish I had a large dining room to host 6 of my closest friends at this beautiful teak table while we listen to smooth jazz on the record player and eat fondue.
I first found this shop when I was on the hunt for a small credenza to hold the TV. They keep a really good selection here in a variety of sizes, styles and finishes. Broyhill credenzas like this one make me question my decision to go with built-in shelves. Mmmm... Also note the incredibly stylish and comfortable leather chair and the naked-lady salt-n-pepper shakers. No Mad Men home is complete without those.
This bar is all sorts of awesome – loving those salmon-colored bar stools – and now i have a strange urge to order a dirty martini (I don't drink martinis). Odds are good that I'm going back for those teak cups. They are begging for a luau, and I still need to throw a housewarming party.
Big thanks to Mark Johnson, co-founder of Hunted House, for curating and maintaining one of my favorite stores in D.C. This post was not sponsored in any way – I'm just a fan of the shop and was feeling guilty keeping it all to myself. If you live in the area or are stopping through, make sure you check it out! These pics are only the tip of the iceburg, and the inventory is constantly changing.
Anyone know what that style of chair is called? I want to guess Egg, but I'm probably wrong. Any favorite pieces catch your eye?