Home Decorating With Kobey's Hidden Treasures

by Elizabeth Anderson 

MMTravis Parker is the kind of person who looks beyond the superficial to perceive the beauty within. You see, Travis enjoys restoring old pieces of furniture to their original condition or recreating them into something new. One of his favorite places to hunt for buried treasure is amongst the rummage in Kobey's garage sale area.

      His best furniture finds so far include two vintage end tables and elegant wooden chairs he's purchased for $25. He emphasizes, "If it's already refinished, it can cost up to $200 to $300 for the same thing you bought for almost nothing. You may not see the beauty of a piece until you set it aside from everything else. Attempt to see things in a different light," Travis suggests to prospective treasure hunters.

      "Sometimes I'll have someone with me who'll say, 'What, that ugly thing!' But I say, 'Wait! This is really great!' By looking things over carefully, I've been able to find great pieces. I recommend keeping an open mind about things."

      A painting with oriental overtones in an old wooden frame is Travis's favorite Kobey's find. The best thing about is it cost him only $4. Enthusiastically, he exclaims, "It's the best piece of art in my whole house!"

      Travis, now a hair stylist, moved to San Diego seven years ago from Monterey, California to go to school. Friends recommended Kobey's to him and he's been coming ever since. Because of the selection of merchandise, Sundays are his favorite days to shop.

      Currently, Travis is collecting pottery and vases from the 70's, eclectic bowls and knick-knack's. He's also interested in vintage shirts and early 60's jackets. He keeps coming back to Kobey's because of the diversity of items he can expect to find every week. "Kobey's isn't as predictable as thrift stores," he explains. "I know I'll find something new every time I go. Plus I'm a bargain shopper. I can barter with Kobey's garage sellers and you can't do that at thrift stores!"

      If you have an interesting shopping or selling story to share or come to Kobey's looking for something in particular, we would like to hear from you! You could be our next shopper of the month. Call #523-2700 ext. 318 and ask for Liz.