Tommy and Sarah Richardson stopped by last week to do some sourcing and filming for the next season of Sarah 101.  Now here’s the thing: most design TV shows come in, choose the stuff they want, then come back weeks later and plant them in the store to ‘find’.  It’s not cheating, it’s just how TV works, like cooking shows having the cookies pre-made in the oven.  We all know it works that way.  But this duo often come in and just wing it.  Last week they came in to buy these amazing brackets*:

…and left buying the brackets, plus a vintage scooter, a cuckoo clock, a porcelain pedestal, two skinny columns, and a wrought iron console table.  A random collection, yes, and who knows where it will all end up.  But it’s fun to watch the pair work, and we always look forward to seeing our things all happy in their new homes.  Speaking of which, have you been watching Sarah’s House 4 ? (You can watch past episodes here).  So far almost every room has had a little splash of The Door Store, and since the Living Room episode aired where they used a vintage mantle to add character to a cookie-cutter builder home, we’ve noticed an increased interest in mantles.  Maybe it’s the show, maybe it’s the cold weather, we’ll never really know…

*ps – these reproduction brackets are new to us, and we love them.  Plus – they’re only $20 each!

We’re in good company in BlogTO’s ‘Best Salvage and Reclaimed Furniture in Toronto‘ post today.  Thanks again, BlogTO – we’re still blushing from the store profile you wrote up last week!

A couple of days later, she posted this – her Front Door Makeover

Simple, yes – but also quick, cheap and really effective.  She’s a renter, and while most renters would just live with an unsightly front entrance, we’re really impressed that she put in a bit of time and effort to freshen it up.  (Um, to be honest, I own my place and haven’t given my front door any love whatsoever.  The irony isn’t lost on me…)

Great job, Jen!  Thanks for sharing.

PS – this is a reproduction door knocker, so if you like it we have one for you too!

That’s right…Facebook & Twitter.  I know, welcome to the 21st century, but hey – when you’re a 40-year-old store, sometimes it takes a bit of time to learn the new tricks.

‘Like’ us on Facebook (The Door Store) and follow us on Twitter @doorstore

Details (and easy links) for all this will be on our new website revamp (coming very soon) but I’m really lousy at holding out for surprises.

Such a nice surprise to have this pop up on Twitter this evening!  Robyn from BlogTO stopped by this week for an impromptu interview and store tour, and I had no idea the details from our chat would be published so soon.  Thanks, Robyn!