Are you looking for one-of-a-kind pieces to accessorize your home? If you’re bored with cookie cutter furnishings and decorations, I’ve found a treasure trove of unique items to add a touch of old-world charm to your living space. On this episode of Coop Knows NH, we’re heading to That Vintage Thing, a local antique shop right here in Manchester. Owner Karen Paquette will be our guide as we take a trip to simpler times, where every treasure has a story that you can become part of!
Walking through the doors of Karen’s shop is like stepping into a time machine, with every corner of her space full of interesting and eclectic items. While her love of antiques was inherited from her dad, it’s only been in the last 3 years that Karen decided to make a business out of her passion for collecting vintage finds. With a house full of treasures she’d snagged at estate sales and various other locations, her sister Maureen suggested she open up her own shop to thin out her massive collection. Being a savvy businesswoman for 17 years, Maureen had an unused retail space that she knew would be perfect to house Karen’s stock. That Vintage Thing was soon born, allowing Karen to curate a space with hand-picked pieces that her customers would love.
Locals are drawn to the experience of visiting That Vintage Thing, where they can browse and wander through a collection of items from bygone eras. Whether you want to add a large statement piece—like an antique dresser or a vintage trunk—or simply want to accent your home with a turn-of-the-century tea set, there are plenty of treasures to pick from. Additional items add an extra dimension to the shop’s offerings: Karen sells live plants, from herbs to flowers, that she stocks up on monthly at a flower market in Boston. Specialty goods, such as soaps, pillows, candles, and wares from local artisans are just some of the products that enhance Karen’s selling space.
Customers that are interested in restoring, refurbishing and repurposing vintage furniture can also participate in Karen’s weekly classes. That Vintage Thing exclusively stocks Frenchic Furniture Paint, a UK-based company specializing in all-natural, eco-friendly paint that is perfect for upcycling projects without all of the harmful chemicals. You can also buy some of Karen’s completed Frenchic creations in the shop, or purchase the paints to transform your own shabby-chic projects at home.
So whether you’re looking for vintage finds or locally made crafts, That Vintage Thing is the perfect spot to find the perfect treasure to add to your living space. Be sure to check out Karen’s shop, and stay tuned for the next episode of Coop Knows NH to see where I head next.