Welcome to our newest series on Chairish, #FoundAndChairished! We’re constantly hearing from designers who’ve found incredible pieces on Chairish, and now we’re sharing some of their stories with you. Be on the lookout for new #FoundAndChairished stories here on the blog as well as on our Instagram account.
This week, we’re catching up with designer Michele Spane, who’s been a Chairish fan since the very beginning (not to toot our own horn, or anything). Michele told us about some of her favorite finds, how she likes to shop the site, and why vintage pieces can be retail therapy.
What Chairish item did you buy that you’d like to share a story about?
Where do I begin? I bought my first Chairish item when the site launched. It was a huge old pine dining table that I use in my art studio. It was the perfect width for the large format paper I use. But I didn’t stop there. I’ve purchased some cool vintage lighting, like the 70s-style brass round one in the photo. It has such a warm glow. I also bought a well-worn Belgium pine table for our record player and a chair from Kendall Wilkinson. I had it stripped and re-covered in hand-block print fabric that mimics the rooftops of the South of France. Shopping on Chairish is the best retail therapy, with thousands of vendors, outstanding products, and top-notch customer service.
In what room did you use it?
The large table was used in my art studio; the lighting and chair were used in the living room; and the record player was used in the dining room.
In a few words, how would you describe your interior design style?
I’d describe it as a Paris meets California meets London vibe.
How did you find the item you bought on Chairish, and what made you choose it? Did you have a specific search or were you just browsing?
I fall in love easily with everything. So one search leads to another search leads to another… Chairish is a mecca for finding almost anything you desire for your home.
Did you know where you’d put this piece in your home when you bought it, or did you figure you’d find the right spot?
Both. I buy what I love and it ends up working somewhere; sometimes, I am on the hunt for something specific.
Why do you love shopping vintage? And how does sustainability factor into your choices of new products vs. vintage finds?
I have always been a collector of antiques and flea markets finds. For me, it’s finding something no one has… vintage provides you those pieces. And as my close friend reminds me, I always say, “it’s only… $$$.”
Are there any dream vintage or antique pieces you wish you could have?
There’s not enough space to write all the “dream pieces,” plus I need a few more houses to fill with all the pieces I really dream of having.
Photo of Michele Spane by Poppy Lynch
