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DIY 911: Remnants in Minneapolis

(Welcome to Julie from Minneapolis, second up in a series of 4 bloggers trying out for a spot on the AT:Chicago editorial team. Comments welcome!)

2008-05-23-remnants1.JPGIt’s the secret shame of the design-blog addict. You start a DIY project with the best intentions and, well… never mind. Remnants provides hope for those of us who are completion and staple-gun challenged.

 
 

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An architect by education, owner David is a specialist in Mid-Century furnishings who’s good enough to be on Knoll’s speed-dial. He’s played fix-it for jobs unknowingly botched by professionals and hobbyists alike who underestimated the specific lines or demands of materials like fiberglass.


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Not just a 50s or fabric man, he can also repair wooden, metal and other furnishings from any period or influence. Heck, he can even design or fabricate custom pieces.


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The storefront is hidden in a residential corner of Mpls and is open primarily by appointment or by chance. David is prompt with messages, so call before you bring that half-finished thrift store experiment in. You can always say you finished it in the garage.


Remnants
is located at 4754 Grand Avenue, Mpls. David can be reached at 612.823.5591 or davido@bitstream.net.


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Comments (28)

I used to droll over his pieces before trips to Bakery on Grand...sometimes I miss Mpls.

posted by siobhan. on 2008-05-23 13:09:33
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Bakery on Grand... very nice. Very nice indeed.

posted by SeanG on 2008-05-23 13:11:09
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Very Nice - Now I need to find a similar guy here in SF

posted by bepsf on 2008-05-23 13:11:23
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I want to go there!

I like the DIY 911 banner.

Weasel Dearest is Mr. Dangerous

posted by Weasel Dearest on 2008-05-23 13:17:07
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I want the fabric on the chair.

posted by closertotheocean on 2008-05-23 13:28:33
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I have never in my life wanted to go to Minneapolis...until now! Cool.

posted by TannerAdair on 2008-05-23 13:39:35
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See, I think AT just needs to make a permanent Minneapolis site--I'm new to MN, and I need this kind of information!

posted by Molly Margarita on 2008-05-23 13:55:51
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How's the cost for reupholstering something? I have two simple mid-century sectional couches I'd like to get done, but I don't even know what the range of prices would be.

(And yay to Mpls representing!)

posted by happify on 2008-05-23 13:56:21
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closertotheocean, i was just about to say the same thing.

posted by animalhouze on 2008-05-23 14:30:26
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One nitpick - the word "Remnants" in the first paragraph really needs to be italicized or bolded, or add the words "The store" before it. Given that "remnants" are also leftover cuts of fabric it was confusing to read the first time through...

posted by JG on 2008-05-23 15:01:38
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Perfect dive into blogging about our wonderful city! Good job!!

posted by lilithslair on 2008-05-23 15:03:21
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well done!

posted by Enamorada on 2008-05-23 15:28:11
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It looks gorgeous! I think I'm in love with the phone in the third picture.

posted by AnnadyL on 2008-05-24 13:10:05
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Fabulous! Can't wait to check this stuff out. Thanks for great post!

posted by Czugy on 2008-05-24 16:46:16
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Hi guys, Julie here with some details.

The fabric on the chair is the Eames small dot pattern, available from Maharam.

David can't give specific cost paramters -- it depends on the project. But he's glad to make rough estimates from photos. Just email him at the address above or
remnantsuph@msn.com.

btw - happify - i'm a huge fan of your designs. Love my calendar.

posted by juliek on 2008-05-24 18:46:38
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YES WE DO need a MN city on AT. I'm from NYC and find it very cool here, but need to learn more!

posted by parrishnut on 2008-05-24 19:13:50
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Julie--thanks for reminding me of how great David is....I haven't been to his shop since he moved--it looks fantastic!

posted by ZoeA on 2008-05-24 20:33:47
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Love the fabric on the chair in the first pic, but what I REALLY love is the miniature drafting table, chair, and lamp on display in the first pic. It is fantastic!

posted by smallcitybeth on 2008-05-24 21:43:50
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Great post! I have two chairs that I really want to recover and this looks like the perfect spot!

posted by cpayne on 2008-05-25 13:13:56
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this is EXACTLY what i've been looking for! Thx!

posted by wannabee on 2008-05-26 18:18:39
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perfect for what i am doing... great advice. stellar place!

posted by lotusbird on 2008-05-26 22:44:40
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Good post. I would have liked to have seen some more photos of his restored pieces though, rather than just bolsters of fabric and rows of books.

posted by Shutterbug678 on 2008-05-27 10:48:54
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Thanks for sharing! Fantastic fabric on the chair and love the accessories. Makes me want to go there and see more. Inspired advice. Great Post.

posted by sp808 on 2008-05-27 11:51:28
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I love this guy, he was an architect and then decided to go upholstery. All the houses on that block are just great too. There used to be an architecture firm by there- maybe they've moved, but the owner lives on that corner. (He designed the Liffey and the Loring Pasta Bar.

posted by Sparklebot on 2008-05-27 13:33:59
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Yay Mpls! As for Mps design, have you checked out Roam (adjacent to Ligne Roset near IMS)? I go in every couple weeks and love their stuff.

posted by valb on 2008-05-27 14:59:38
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very cool. this is in my 'hood and I had no idea. Looking foward to more suggestions. thx!

posted by Edith on 2008-05-29 17:38:03
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Finally buying my first place and this information is so helpful -great post!

posted by tlw on 2008-05-31 13:32:39
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Excellent find! I'm looking forward to visiting this store. Love Mid-Century decor.

I would have never found it on my own.

posted by CityMan on 2008-06-01 19:04:56
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