Store

This light, airy store contains a wealth of carefully chosen European antiques and collectibles from the 1920s through '50s, mainly from England and Hungary, grouped sensibly so it's easier to compare style, quality and price. Wardrobes, whether they are walnut with a buttery finish or hand-painted Hungarian pine, tend to stick together, as do dining tables and end tables. Glass in its many incarnations makes a strong showing here in the form of beveled mirrors, stained-glass windows, green English Depression glass or a martini set that would have lived quite happily in a Rat Packer's lounge.

A special room on the first floor belongs to the kitchen. The walls are lined with those magnificent cupboards known as "kitchen queens" or "Hoosier" cabinets popular in the early to mid-century for kitchens, and today, for any room in the house. Their varying constructions of wood, tin and glass are stuffed with linens, containers of all sorts, some dishes and old milk bottles. Upstairs, there are goodies for gardeners with boxes, pots and antique tools that are still in great shape - perfect for real work or simply to evoke that country feel.

Tip: There's not much bargaining to be had here, but keep in mind that cash will help your cause, as will buying more than one piece. There are no returns, but Antika will hold a piece for up to 48 hours so you can make up your mind, or go home and measure.

By Vanessa McGrady
Special to NWsource