Interior designer Lisa Hyland discovers some gems at Oxfam Home
First impressions at Oxfam Home on Francis Street, Dublin, aren't great: lots of battered floral sofas and wardrobes on the wrong side of rustic. "I think you could be disappointed if you come just once," says interior designer Lisa Hyland, who works part-time with the Pierce Tynan Architecture and Design in Dublin and also does freelance projects. "It's like shopping for second-hand clothes - luck plays a big part."
On this visit, though, Lisa finds some unusual things at very good prices. At the back of the store is a three-piece suite that she reckons dates from the 1930s. It costs €195. "It badly needs restoration - the springs are totally gone - but I love the shape, the wing-shaped sides, the rich worn shade of the red leather and its black trim. Retro is almost always in fashion and this is more real than what the mainstream interior stores are churning out." It fits with her style of interior design. "I like mixing and matching cheap with expensive but it's always nice to buy the real thing, such as this." And if it's a bit scuffed, that's part of the charm.
Elsewhere in the store she finds a lamp for €15: "A bit dated, but if you wanted a cheap lamp it's OK." A better find is a sideboard that also appears to date from the 1930s or 1940s. "This also needs a bit of work - the veneer is a bit scratched - but it's a strong piece of furniture and has a lovely softly curving front and €125 is a fair price."
On the other side of the room is a 1950s record player - which stands as a piece of furniture on its own. It's selling for €350. A steep price, but these things are in big demand, says Fiona, the store manager (and the woman to ask for if you're looking for something specific). It works, she says, but the buyer should have an electrician check it out. "I like the shape," says Lisa. "The raised metal legs are really nice and the fact that it works is an added bonus."
Among a group of odd chairs, Lisa finds a cute painted wicker basket for €10. "Again, it's the cool shape I like. It would be good for holding magazines. You'd just need to re-paint it." Her final verdict on Oxfam Home: "It's great if you don't have much money, but you've got to have a good eye to pick out the best stuff. And ask if you can look in their back room." In conversation with Eoin Lyons