The Curious Orange Store

Despite being tricky really tricky to find, the Curious Orange store might have the best collection of antiques in Charlottesville, Va.....just packed with killer Mirrors and incredible lamps. there are some projects in the rough tucked away and some seating that is priced very high and not re-done and then in the next section there will be the most beautifful velvet Italian lounge chairs, something you would pay a mortgage on in D.C. or N.Y.C., for plenty of money but just stunning quality. the owner gets a very broad mix in the store and Knows tons about each piece. I am hooked.

I was curious as to what the two orange ladders were doing propped up on the front of the old white Bellair Service Station building, so I stopped by to see what it was all about. I was met by the owner, Roderick Coles, who was neither friendly nor helpful. I cheerfully inquired as to what was going on here and asked if it was a consignment shop and he casually quipped "take a look around and you'll get it". I was tempted to turn around and walk straight out, however my curiosity got the best of me. The place smelled like fresh paint and was full of old, I wouldn't say antique, furniture. Some of it eclectic and some just plain tired old furniture. Sure, Rod has attempted to make things interesting with fresh paint here and there. He had a set of dining room chairs that looked like they were someone's ill attempt to cover up a mistaken paint spill. To his credit, he did have some interesting artwork on display. You may be curious as to his prices. In one word, expensive! With a little imagination and some good finds at a garage or estate sale, you too would be able to create much of what can found here. Believe me, there is nothing new or unique here. I'll be curious to see how long he stays in business.