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Guest Picks: The Modern General Store
20 practical pieces that look good and work hard at the same time
I live in a loft in Brooklyn, a recent transplant to Greenpoint (love my neighborhood!). I work as a freelance writer, blogger, stylist, gilder, and crafter. I curate a daily personal lifestyle blog called the Haystack Needle (http://www.thehaystackneedleonline.com). I'm also one half of the shop Cabin 7 (http://www.shopcabin7.com) — a collection of gilded objects for the home. I started out in magazines, working in the home department of Real Simple magazine and later worked as the home editor of Redbook. I love to scout cool finds for the home — everything from an amazing loveseat to a green laundry detergent that really works. I'm a new mama to our baby girl, Juniper, who amazes me every day with her curiosity for life and big smiles.
I live in a loft in Brooklyn, a recent transplant to Greenpoint (love my... More »
I can't get enough of shops offering a modern twist on the old school general store. With that in mind, here are 20 timeless, practical goods for the home that are equal parts stylish and utilitarian. — Jen from The Haystack Needle
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I'd love to have these spools of striped cotton twine on hand for craft projects. Wrap anything in this general store staple for an instant handmade touch.
by Farmhouse Wares
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These rustic wire baskets are inspired by potato baskets used on some farms. I could see a hundred uses for them, from storing wood by the fireplace to corralling toys in the living room to displaying a few fluffy towels in the guest bath.
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I'm in love with the look of this antique postage scale — it would give any desk that modern general store style, and it still works (keeps an accurate weight up to four pounds).
by Fishs Eddy
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Grab some chalk and jot down your menu for the week with this antique reproduction writing slate. The look takes you back to a time when schools used them because paper was so expensive.
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For any fellow paper lovers, these packs are a curated collection of old-school paper goodness. You'll feel like you opened a packet from another time: The fonts, patterns, graphics and even the colors of each one-of-a-kind assortment of maps, tickets, stamps, cards, labels and signs capture that nostalgic vibe.
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Before the days of plastic, even ice trays were made of metal. These trays have been upgraded from aluminum to stainless steel, but they're made in the same way since the 1950s. What I love: The square ice cubes look extra fancy in your glass.
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Here's a leather restoration cream that I both need (my leather sofa needs protection and cleaning) and just plain want (hello, adorable label!).
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These stoneware colanders make me think of summer farm stands on the side of the road brimming with fresh blueberries and raspberries. What a lovely way to wash and serve fruit.
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by Pottery Barn
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| I can imagine soaps and lotions displayed in a trio of wire baskets like this in an apothecary shop from long ago. It's the perfect accent for a vintage-style bathroom. |
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I'm a firm believer in the idea that sometimes a pretty kitchen tool is all it takes to inspire you to cook. This apple peeler has me dreaming of baking my first apple pie with the autumn harvest.
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It's hard to deny the vintage charm of this retro milk bottle set that comes with a glass bottle to store cream and a cup below to hold sugar. I'm totally inspired to have a dinner party where I can serve coffee with this sweet set.
by The Laundress
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What designer or blogger isn't obsessed with stripes? I'm with the camp that says you can never have too much of the pattern. This ironing board cover (almost) makes me want to iron.
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| Here's a true general store staple that would work in any modern home. This paper cutter is made with a cast iron base and wooden top. It's the perfect old-school tool for the present wrapper who has a gift wrapping station at home. |
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I've seen many New York restaurants use striped kitchen towels like these to set their tables. I love the look of them, yet they're super absorbent and so utilitarian too.
by Labour and Wait
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A toilet brush has never looked so good. You can replace your eyesore plastic version with this wooden brush paired with a galvanized bucket.
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From the New General Store, a new way to carry lunch. You'll be the coolest kid at the office with this organic cotton canvas lunch sack.
by greendepot.com
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For those of you who buy dried beans and grains in bulk, these reusable bags are a great solution. If your pantry has canned beans and boxed rice (like mine), these cotton muslin bags are the perfect market bags for fruits and vegetables.
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I have this dishwashing brush, and it's the best for scrubbing stubborn food off pots and pans without scratching. I also think it adds a farmhouse appeal to my kitchen sink — I actually store my brush in a vintage marmalade jar.
by Alder & Co.
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I'd love an apothecary match bottle for the bathroom. It's a pretty way to store matches for lighting candles before a bath.
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Here's a beautiful, practical object that would look stellar on your desk — and help keep all the dust and crumbs off your keyboard.
Next: More guest blogger product picks
Next: More guest blogger product picks
Comments
fuzzymama Just hunted down the milk/sugar bottle (on Amazon- a bit cheaper). Too cute. Thanks for the tip!
21 months ago · Like
10wildacres I'm sorry but I think it's just crazy to send $35 on a metal ice cube tray....PLEASE...they didn't work well in the old days and to spend that amount....couldn't believe it when I saw this!
21 months ago · Like
Global Living The metal ice cube tray would be perfect to hold all my earrings and smaller jewelry items!
21 months ago · Like
dancingfish It was easier to pop cubes out with the metal tray... but no I agree not worth what they are charging today for them! lol
21 months ago · Like
Kyle 10wildcares, thanks for the reality check...I agree with you 100%
21 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Sept. 6, 2011.
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