Last weekend a friend and I went for a walk through Adams Morgan to catch the sunset over the Duke Ellington Bridge that crosses over Rock Creek Park. It was a spot that my friend found inspiring, and I must say it was. On our way back down 18th Street, I was compelled to make a stop into the wonderful world of antique lights, door knobs and other trinkets salvaged from many old homes that can be found at The Brass Knob.
We talked with the owner, Donetta George and asked if she’d be willing to talk with The Cribline about her specialty store.
Take a look at what she had to say and learn a little more about historic preservation in our fair city.
1. Tell us how The Brass Knob got its start. I was studying interior design and had a good friend who had been purchasing antique house parts for a number of years off demolition sites. Prior to starting The Brass Knob I worked for a marketing company. While studying design, I became very interested in architectural details and less interested in becoming a designer. Originally I was going to help him market a business to sell his collection of architectural antiques, but eventually we decided to start the business together.
2. Are you seeing an uptick in restoration projects by architects and builders? Things have been slow for a few years, but we are seeing an increase in building projects the past couple of months.
3. If a homeowner has a historic home, but many of its original features are gone, what would you suggest they focus on in a restoration? The easiest things to change are hardware and lighting. Neither takes a great deal of carpentry and lighting can be especially dramatic.
4. Tell us what someone can find at your store. And what are the top selling items? We focus on architectural detail from 1860- 1930, but we also have a large number of vintage decorative items some of which are not truly antique. Our inventory includes all styles of antique hardware, antique and vintage chandeliers, sconces, table and floor lamps, fireplace mantels and equipment, stained and decorative glass, decorative cast iron, garden ornaments, and other decorative pieces. Our best selling items are hardware and lighting.
5. What advice would you give to someone looking to buy a home in DC? If possible, look at a lot of houses before making a decision, so that you can determine which features are important to have in your home.
Take a look at the magic of this store from the pictures below… For someone like me who appreciates the value of old things and finds them sentimental, I somehow find this store even a little romantic!
Happy house hunting!
[...] up and interview that Eric Wohlschlegel posted on his blog, The Crib Line, recently. Head over here to check it out! Take a peek at the rest of his blog too… good [...]