NEW YORK—New Yorkers looking for unique, gently used furnishings often head to a Housing Works thrift stores where some of the city’s finest cast-offs turn up. There are a dozen locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn and sales benefit the organization which serves people affected by and living with HIV/AIDS. Once a year, patrons get the chance to purchase new items from Housing Works. More than 50 interior designers participated in the annual “Design on a Dime” benefit, creating room vignettes with new furniture and accessories for sale to the public for more than 50 percent off retail prices.
A special preview reception was held on April 26 (with attendees getting first dibs on selections) and the public sale was April 27 and 28 at the Metropolitan Pavilion. Each day, as purchases were made, the offerings dwindled, breaking down the comprehensive design of each space. Today was the final day, and although the pickings were slim, interesting art remained on display, and innovative wall coverings and creative accessories could still be found.
All photos by Arts Observer
Above, Room with silver wall covering by Beale-Lana Interior Design. Top of page, Remains of graphic pattern space by Matthew Patrick Smyth.
More than 50 designers created rooms for “Design on a Dime.” On last day, many of the furnishings were moved to the center aisles and marked an additional 25 percent off.
Detail of mural in the space designed by Nathan Thomas Studios.
Space designed by Nathan Thomas Studios.
Plexiglass print and feather headdress in space designed by Tyler Wisler Home.
A pair of abstract paintings in the Willey Design vignette.
A collage-style wall covering featuring fashion imagery added depth and character to the Willey Design space.
The space designed by Lillian August featured yellowed newspaper wall covering and a similar treatment covering decorative books.