Iconic Mid-Century Design (and More) at Mix Vintage

Do you ever go shopping with that “perfect thing” in your mind’s eye? I know I do. A few years ago I was on the hunt for a vintage buffet cart. I wanted a place to store my linens and cookbooks, and a surface for serving wine when we entertain. The ideal piece would have casters, and just the right dimensions to go in its intended spot in the kitchen. Angel choirs sang when I spotted “IT” at one of my favorite Asheville shops, The Screen Door. “IT” was a circa 1950’s Drexel serving cart on casters with a slide-out top, in pristine condition. This successful culmination of my search led to my friendship with the cart’s seller, Michele at Mix Vintage.

Tambour doors and a top that slides out to reveal a slate serving surface below make this vintage Drexel cart a multi-purpose workhorse in my kitchen.

At the time, Michele was operating a booth at The Screen Door. Her unerring eye for quality vintage furniture and her elegant displays set her apart from the other vendors. Since then Michele has expanded her business to include a popular blog and a thriving online boutique. Which means: good news for everyone, you can shop her store and get purchases shipped anywhere in the country.

A museum-quality find: this orange Florence Knoll sofa was lovingly cared for by its one previous owner, and retains its original fabric in very good condition. Photo by Michele via mixvintage.com.

Another beautiful buffet cart, this one a 1960’s piece by Broyhill. I love the cobalt blue inset tiles! Photo by Michele via mixvintage.com.

As I’ve gotten to know Michele over the years, what I truly appreciate is her aesthetic: warm, clean-lined yet character-rich pieces with an emphasis on neutral colors and natural materials. Though she finds herself drawn to Danish Modern and mid-century furniture in particular, she also favors rustic and industrial style furniture with a rugged and timeworn beauty. She has a fantastic ability to source one-of-a-kind, high quality pieces and bring them together in inspiring collections that span the decades while somehow always working in harmony.

I took this photo in Michele’s showroom in Asheville. Here, an original Paul McCobb dresser, and a very cool lucite lamp.

When asked how she decides what pieces “make the cut” for her boutique, Michele told me she shops for things that evoke a strong positive feeling, particularly pieces with a patina that tell the story of having lived a rich previous life. She loves bringing these pieces to her customers, where they can enjoy a second life in a new home.

There’s that Knoll sofa again – plus vintage mustard armchairs and a richly hued Persian rug. Wait, is that a real Barcelona chair in the back?! Yep! Find the pair on Michele’s website. Photo by Michele via mixvintage.com.

The iconic Barcelona chair by Mies van der Rohe. This pair was produced in the 1960’s-1970’s by Knoll. Photo by Michele via mixvintage.com.

Contact Michele if you connect with the Mix Vintage aesthetic and if you are looking for that certain special piece for your home. She’s always on the hunt, and can help you find just what you’re looking for.
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Tamara Leicester is a licensed interior designer and owner of Tamara Heather Interior Design, LLC. She designs casually elegant interiors with an artistic sensibility, often drawing upon the talent of local artists and craftspeople in her work. Dreaming about updating your space? Learn more at tamaraheatherinteriors.com.