ASK THE EXPERT

As part of a new series, we asked JIM ROBINSON, owner of The White Monkey, for advice on selecting home furnishings

Advice on selecting home furnishings

What is your specialty?

I do a certain look in the store. I don’t want anything Victorian. I do art deco through to the 1960s and sometimes to the 1970s, but that’s it.

Should you collect what you like or consider resale value as well?

People should collect just what they like. If you’re comfortable with your things and you make your place interesting, that’s the main goal.

How do you evaluate flea market finds?

Quality and look. Most of the older furniture is built better than a lot of the things made today. I think that’s why a lot of young people are headed in that direction. Their new bookshelf falls apart, so they look to buy quality things on a budget and turn to vintage furniture.

Can you fix up anything?

Within reason — some things are so damaged that you can’t do anything with them, but it’s amazing what lacquer and paint can do. I’m not into replacing the hardware — that diminishes the value of a piece.

What fabric do you choose to reupholster old furniture?

I like to update it. I put modern covers on older pieces — it gives them a little kick and a whole new lease on life. I use men’s suiting fabric.

Are there specific eras that always sell?

Mid-century modern has been going well for a while now, and art deco is also ramping up in popularity. I like an art deco/1950s mix.

How does one decide if something is worth buying?

In the end, it all boils down to what you need to furnish a home — you can only put in so many things, so the items have to be functional, but they can also have design interest. How everything is put together is what makes a home interesting.

“Change it up every so often. You don’t have to follow every trend, but you should edit back your collection and add something new now and again”