At Curio & Find, we believe that every treasured item carries a whisper of the past—a story waiting to be retold in fresh, meaningful ways. Recently, we had the joy of curating an enchanting outdoor space that beautifully illustrates this philosophy. Nestled under a covered pavilion, this inviting retreat blends cherished family heirlooms with thoughtfully sourced vintage accents, creating a spot that’s not just functional but deeply personal. It’s a testament to how we help clients honor loved ones by breathing new life into pieces that might otherwise gather dust, turning them into everyday sources of joy and connection.
Picture this: a 12×30 pavilion with a concrete floor, one side snug against a barn, supported by sturdy 6×6 posts. At its heart stands a Fisher Grandpa Bear wood stove, a robust piece acquired at a yard sale over two decades ago. Crafted in the 1970s as part of the pioneering airtight steel plate stove line—first welded together in 1973—this model was designed for efficiency and warmth, expanding from the original Papa Bear size to include family-friendly variants like the Grandpa. Inherited after a father’s passing nearly 15 years ago, along with the family home, it now anchors the space, providing cozy heat for gatherings on crisp evenings. We love how it evokes memories of simpler times, its double doors and flat top ready to host stories around flickering flames.
Complementing the stove is a set of outdoor furniture from Plantation Patterns, a brand rooted in Alabama’s manufacturing heritage. Founded in 1956 and produced in Wadley, Alabama—part of the Meadowcraft family of companies known for wrought iron pieces, cushions, and umbrellas—this suite was purchased in the late 1960s. With its durable design suited for patios and gardens, it had been lovingly maintained until it too became an inheritance with the family home. By repositioning it here, we’ve given it a renewed purpose, where its timeless style invites relaxation amid string lights and laughter.
Adding layers of whimsy and history are smaller curated finds that enhance the heirlooms without overshadowing them. A wooden 7 Up bottle crate, snapped up just three weekends ago at an estate sale, serves as rustic storage or a side table. While classic 7 Up crates from the mid-20th century often came in green or yellow to match the brand’s bubbly image—rooted in the 1929 launch of the lemon-lime soda originally called Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda—white versions with red accents are indeed less common, prized by collectors for their scarcity and ties to regional bottling plants. Filling it are vintage 7 Up bottles from a recent antiquing jaunt to Jasper, Georgia, two of which remarkably still hold their original soda, a nod to the brand’s evolution through colorful ACL (applied color label) designs in the 1940s and beyond.
And let’s not forget the railroad lantern, a gem acquired years back at another estate sale. Its weathered patina and practical glow add ambient light, symbolizing journeys past and present. These additions aren’t random—they’re chosen to harmonize with the family’s keepsakes, creating a cohesive narrative that feels authentic and alive.
This project captures the essence of what Curio & Find does best: partnering with clients to weave heirloom items into vibrant, usable spaces. Whether it’s a wood stove evoking a father’s resourcefulness or furniture echoing a mother’s taste, we transform stored treasures into focal points that honor legacies while sparking new memories. It’s about more than decor; it’s preserving stories that might have been lost, donated, or discarded. If you have family pieces tucked away, unsure of their place in your world, let’s chat. Together, we can revive those old stories and make them shine anew—contact us today to start your own curation journey.
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