Quality Antique Storage Furniture and Custom Made Bookshelves
Channel: slobomotion
Date: 23/02/2012

This is a video response to a recent video by petermohlman.  His channel is very interesting and I recommend it here on YouTube.

I decided to show you the types of antiques I find so often here in France for a very reasonable price.  Everything is very solid, one of a kind, hand made.  If you want the more "elegant" type of antique or artwork, that is very easy for me to find for you nearby where I live around Paris, France.  I scour the flea markets!  I also find antique fixtures, such as bathtubs, grilles, and so on.  Want a chandelier?

The thing I like about the Clignancourt flea markets, which are huge and take awhile to get to know, is that I can ride a bus there and back!  My French is good enough that I can introduce myself, get permission to take a digital photo, email it to you with dimensions and quote a price.  If I can get my spouse involved, the price will be very good indeed.  (He is Parisian and stingy.)  Right in the markets are professional shippers who take care of everything.  

I often wish someone would give me the floor plan and dimensions of their abode and a certain amount of money with some ideas of their tastes and just let me pick out all kinds of surprises!  I could fill a mansion with unique, useful treasures!

I am not a decorator but know a great one in NYC, Babe Tate.  She might travel.  It is my understanding she also does stuff à la distance.  I have known her since the '70s and her work is just extraordinary.  She has done hotels, loft rehabs, you name it!

Country French furniture is your best bargain here.  No one here seems to appreciate it!

I recommend carefulcarpenter, who is based in California, for all sorts of ordinary carpentry as well as cabinetry of fancy, custom quality.

The big black library in our hallway was done by Maison des Bibliothèques in Paris, France.  They have been there for eons and we were very happy with the work.  The two slightly sagging shelves are my fault.  I am a slob.  Slobomotion!

I find wonderful tools and useful items here in France.  They are decorative AND useful.  Butter churns and copper bedwarmers come to mind.  I found a guy in Alsace who still makes tools out of wood.  They are hand carved and built to pass on!

I don't know about you, but I've never been terribly flush, most of my life.  I have to think carefully about what I spend on.  I want quality!  I don't want junk!

If you want stuff sent by ship, that is really the most secure way, but buy in quantity!  (They charge you for a full container and are delighted when they have space to add stuff from other clients.)

For small, light things such as spices, cosmetics, perfumes, soaps, fabrics, clothing, artwork, ordinary mail is usually best.  It is not that expensive and the way things are these days, might end up costing less than what you could find locally.

This is a cash society and they really only speak French, often in regional dialects.  They need to see a representative such as myself, in the flesh, and do the deal quickly.  I know how to work with local movers and packers.  My business took about two years to set up and fund, but is now official. Before that, it was ad hoc and I never felt comfortable about that.   I consult, do expatriation services, export, training, and yes, I still do portraits(the ones of peoples' houses are very popular and I can do those from photos easily)  and rune readings.  Whatever is legal and my CV shows I have experience for, I can do for you.  

copyright 2012 Lisa B. Falour, B.S., M.B.A. all rights reserved LISA, INC. (EURL) cutecatfaith.com