"Hidden Gem: LKN Antique Mall"

It's about this time that I start to hone in on the finish line of a client design project.  I'm officially in the home stretch and things are going pretty well.  I won't start to get crazy until another couple of weeks.  Honestly, right now is the best part. It's the time when I purchase all of those small details that make a project come together.  I love finding those unique items that I know clients will love and will add a little personality to the space.  Since I'm usually working on a tight budget I love utilizing second hand stores and antique malls to find unique and affordable accessories.  Yes, like most design enthusiasts, I love me some Home Goods and Target, but I use those retailer's inventories sparingly.  I mean, who wants a space that looks like a weekly circular ad and let's face it, accessories can add up fast at those places. 

I love the hidden treasures of yesteryear just waiting to be found at antique malls.  I beginning to believe I have a special radar to detect them.  While out this weekend, I happened upon Lake Norman Antique Mall.  I'd actually never even heard of this hidden gem.  I find that really strange since I live very close to it.

Nevertheless, I decided to check it out. 

I'm so glad I did.  Located in an old Food Lion building, this place was PACKED with goodies from the front door to the back dock.   I didn't get in the door completely before I was loading things up in the cart.

That included a couple of pieces of this driftwood.  They add such an organic element, particularly this time of year.

 

How did I not know about this place?

I even ran into these brass quail that I picked up for myself from another antique mall recently.  I couldn't leave them behind. 

 

Clearly I was so busy shopping that I didn't have time to take loads of pictures.  However, I will be back.  This place is going on my regular hit list.

 

Two hours and a mere $50 later, I was on my way out with a huge box full of accessories for my upcoming project install.  You just can't beat that.  And I can't wait to see how it all comes together in my client's space. 

You can check out the Lake Norman Antique Mall on the website HERE

and via Facebook HERE.

Hope you guys had a fun and productive weekend too!