The French antique that (almost) got away …

We were just completing our first DIY bathroom remodel, and I was searching for the perfect piece of furniture to complete the space. It had to meet very specific guidelines concerning size and function—and, of course,

it had to have “the look.”

I finally lost my heart to a beautiful French hutch at my favorite auction house in Alexandria, Louisiana. Made of walnut with carved fruit and flower swags, reed-and-ribbon detailing, bell-shaped flowers, and beautiful brass hardware, the old piece was a perfect complement to the antique dresser-turned-vanity we had already installed.

After measuring and re-measuring both the furniture and the space (and looking closely at our budget!), Renaissance Man and I set out to buy the piece at auction.

I had a really good “gut feeling” about it.

Even today, almost two decades later, I am a bit embarrassed to admit the materialistic emotion and total disbelief I felt when the bidding began and the price immediately went sky high—much higher than it should have. In only a few brief moments, the gavel fell, and the French antique—my perfect laundry hamper, towel storage, and display piece—was sold . . . to someone else. All I wanted to do was leave the auction without crying.

I had been so sure . . .

Shortly thereafter, and desperately wanting to finish our remodel, we spent an entire day in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where there are many wonderful French antique shops. I saw beautiful pieces, but every one of them seemed to scream “second best.” I went home disappointed but determined to try again another day

only to find a message from our local auctioneer on the answering machine upon our return.

Too late to call her that evening, I could only hope against reason that “my” piece might miraculously reappear.

When we finally made contact the next morning, I heard her say,

You know the French piece you wanted? Well, the high bidder left without paying, and I’ve tried for almost two weeks to contact him. I don’t know who he is—not one of my regulars. He probably realized he bid too high. If you’re still interested, I’ll sell it to you.

IF I was still interested? Yes, oh, yes!

Grabbing my checkbook, I rushed out the door. I had been right all along!

That fabulous French china cabinet had my name on it.

Once in place, it fit so perfectly in the space that everyone thought the room had been designed especially for it. For awhile, I loved that feeling of “completeness” and perfect function, but as Life would have it, we moved to Tennessee shortly thereafter.

That versatile piece found its new place in our living room and—after another move—in our last old house’s dining room where most of my tablescapes began under its watchful eye.

It was going to return to the bathroom in the farmhouse-that-wasn’t; instead, it’s staying in the dining room in this “new” old house we’ve started renovating. The room’s layout is different, and it’s going to take some getting used to seeing this beauty off-center . . .

This wallpaper is the best of the worst, so it gets to stay awhile longer.

But this week, as I cleaned and polished the wood after 2+ years in storage, I couldn’t help but remember the way I became part of its provenance.

It was a good reminder:  Sometimes disappointments are happy endings waiting to happen.

Do you have a favorite piece of furniture —or a versatile one you’ve used in multiple locations? Leave a comment and tell us about it!

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Four seasons of tablescapes with that French beauty in the background

Click on the pics to see the original post.

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