Pardon me while I take a moment to GUSH.
I felt a lot of excited anticipation over the grand opening of Mockingbird Domestics here in Austin Saturday. The sneak peeks I’d seen of the merchandise on Facebook left me wanting more, and seeing it all in person did not disappoint. In fact, I was quite blown away. Filled with hand-crafted and vintage treasures born and bred here in the Lone Star State, the store feels quietly and tastefully curated. Every single item is truly special–there’s no throwaway stuff in here. The bar has been raised, and to my utter delight, I also found plenty of merch within my financial reach. Two of the most shockingly reasonable offerings I noticed were these two vintage chairs, beautifully madeover in charming “statement” fabrics:
Victorian Chair, Black with Nature Print, by Elyse Lombardi (Austin), $750.
Ayran Channel Back Chair by Elyse Lombardi (Austin), $750.
What you can’t see in my photo of the black chair is the back is upholstered in the same turquoise as the cording in front, a look I always appreciate. Another supercute chair in fun fabric:
Silver Side Chair by Lori Linden (Austin), $649. Walnut Spiral Side Table by Leslie Webb (Austin), $850.
I figure there’s a big wad of cash just tied up in the walnut for that side table also pictured, so $850’s less than I would expect it to go for. A pretty piece.
This cane and walnut rocker is so simple and chic:
Linda Lou Rocker in Black Walnut & Rattan by Leslie Webb (Austin), $1,590.
Loving this tabletop, so literally a work of art that it is displayed as such:
Also partially visible in the photo above is a Texas Wine & Dine chair ($525), made by Petrified Design out of Cabernet-stained Texas wine barrels from Becker Vineyards in Central Texas. “Every piece has an interesting story behind it,” co-owner Jeff Daly tells me, and this is just one of them.
There are many other tables I want to bring home as well. I want to put this one in a mod entryway corner:
Patent Number Table by Hopscotch Road (Austin), $1,050.
I Facebook’d about Hopscotch Road’s kid-friendly furniture recently, so it’s great to see their grown-up counterparts here at Mockingbird.
There are a ton of fused glass accessories that knock my socks off:
Small Fused Glass Chevron by Lori Linder (Austin), $40.
An overview of other goodies in the store:
McGeary Side Table by Michael McGeary (Austin), $490. Austin Planter by Flat Earth Designs (Austin), $149.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
Wormwood Sconce by Green Summit (Austin), $225.
Lindsay Room Divider by Leslie Webb (Austin), $2,900.
Travis Heights Chest of Drawers by Farm2Market (Austin), $2,100.
Staple Bar Tables by Hatch Workshop (Austin), $590/pecan.
Steel/Mahogany Queen Bed by Petrified Design (Austin), $3,800.
There’s something for everyone here, whether your style runs modern or vintage, rustic or industrial.
What I find particularly sweet about the store is the impression I get that this is not purely a commercial venture. The owners, Jeff and Laura Daly, strike me as being champions of the designers represented here, as if they are proud parents instead of retailers. When you see the quality, craftsmanship and creativity of everything here, you’ll understand why they feel that way, and you leave feeling good about supporting local designers yourself.
Sounds corny, but I’m enchanted.
Robin,
Wow, what a beautiful article about Mockingbird. We are grateful. And you are spot on when you say we are proud parents. We are so proud of each artisan we represent and feel so fortunate to live in a city so full of talent and patrons who appreciate their gifts.
Many Thanks,
Laura Daly
I’m dying to stop in on my next trip to Austin!!
I did a swivel head when driving by. What is THAT? Hubby rolled his eyes, he knows he’s in trouble. I’m sending him your blog post. You’ve done a super job of giving an overview…psyched to go visit Mockingbird myself!