A World Traveler’s Vintage Remodel in Brooklyn
From S. Kim on February 15th, 2010 in General Remodel
Welcome to vintage everything! With no particular decorating style in mind, Stacie McCormick, the former photo director for Domino magazine, travels abroad and brings back treasures for her two-bedroom Brooklyn duplex. She and her boyfriend, film location manager Collin Smith, have shopped in Buenos Aires, Warsaw and Paris, to name a few. And their buying power broadened when their daughter, Tessa, came along. Now, it’s not just classic furnishings and flea market art – it’s children’s books and toys from days gone by as well.
Tessa’s high chair matches the 1950s Danish dinette set. Abodeon of Boston and eBay get credit for the genie-style lamp and painting.
The kitchen is the catchall for many of the couple’s finds, like their Danish Copenhagen glasses, European linens, old bowls and ceramic plates. The lamps above made the trip back from Poland a bit more strenuous than usual, but all in all, totally worth it. And the inspiration for the glass jars that line the counters? A mouse in the house.
The selling point for the house turned out also to be the money pit. The massive skylight above this staircase sprung a leak and had to be completely replaced. But as Stacie said, again, “Worth it!”
The couple’s monochromatic bedroom is accented only by artwork. The one above the bed is by Robert De Niro’s father. Who knew he painted?
Tessa’s bedroom door was picked up from a neighborhood trash pile. The material for that great fabric curtain, however, originated a bit farther away. Stacie and her mom happened upon it during a shopping spree in Belize.
Tessa’s room is uncharacteristic of a child’s space, although Stacie is confident that the traditional and whimsical mishmash is enough to stimulate her imagination. Sentimental, fun groupings, like the painting from Stacie’s grandmother surrounded by butterflies and a purple feather boa vitalize the walls and corners. The ink drawings from Poland are brightened up by a red paper flower.
Once the couple’s bedroom, the ornate wallpaper remains as decoration in Tessa’s room. Stacie ordered the paper from Sweden and liked it so much, she bought 10 extra rolls.
National Geographic magazines point the way to more travel for the family. We hope they continue to find great buys, like the cute hat from Peru and painting of the Mexican woman from Chapel Hill.
Stacie said she buys what she loves without much thought as to where it may fit. But it always does, even if it’s a tablecloth-turned-shower curtain or a painting over the commode. Every room needs inspiration.
