A couple of weeks ago, I went to Washington DC for a trip. Everyone thought I was crazy because I was just as excited to check out antiques as I was to go to museums. I really think you get a different kind of feel for a place by checking out the furniture and accessories that are available! For example, LA has a totally different feel from SC, and DC is totally different from both. The furniture reflects the culture, and to me, antique shops are just as valuable as museums.
Here are some highlights from my trip:
I started out in the Georgetown neighborhood of DC. The nerd that I am, seeing the university was on my to-do list, and I heard the shopping in the neighborhood was great. I lucked out with a great Uber driver who dropped me off right in front of Frank Milwee Antiques.
These are my favorite things from Frank Milwee. They had so much beautiful stuff, and it was really interesting to look at everything. I love the glass wear because I have a set that is almost exactly like it. Actually, it is my set is first thing I bought as I was transitioning from vintage clothes to vintage home items (and how Roadside Rehab was born!) The inlay box was so intricate and I loved that the design carried on to the inside. The tiny chair was so lovely and I can just imagine a small child sitting in it in days gone by.
My next stop was Cherub Antiques Gallery. (There is another dealer in the back half of the store: definitely worth checking out.)
I absolutely loved this “martini spike” vermouth dispenser. I think it would make an incredible gift. The top right photo is a Victorian Spinx Centerpiece from 1870s London. If you read regularly, you probably know that I love anything that speaks of Egyptian revival. The bud vase on the bottom just spoke to me. I feel like it is pretty rare to find a lot of Art Nouveau stuff on shelves around Los Angeles (and shop owners friendly enough to take everything out and explain it to you like they did at Cherub!) They had a reproduction of the original catalog that sold the vase– very cool!
Later that afternoon, I went to the National Gallery of Art and saw some really cool stuff. I actually got kicked out at the end of the day because I just wasn’t ready to go! LOL
Of course, I find a museum with a furniture exhibit. The furniture is from an exhibit called Masterpieces of American Furniture from the Kaufman Collection: 1700-1830. This chair was so lovely, and the detail in the paint is exquisite. Lately, I have gotten a little obsessed with antique game tables, and this one is truly worthy of a spot in an art museum.
The sculpture is Degas. I wanted to show you because there is really hair, tulle, and canvas incorporated into the sculpture. It was beautiful but kind of eerie You can see pieces of hair sticking out of her head.
The bird is from around 1200 and is made out of metal and enamel. I am so impressed by the detail and craftsmanship and probably stood looking at it for 20 minutes.
The next day, I headed out to Alexandria, VA. I saw so much cool stuff that Alexandria deserves a separate post. Be on the lookout later in the week.
I hope you enjoyed the highlights from DC!
Frank Milwee Antiques is at 2912 M St NW Washington, DC 20007
Cherub Antiques Gallery is at 2918 M St NW Washington, DC 20007
Roadside Rehab 
Great finds!
Thanks!!