Eco Relics: Decorating with Innovative Ideas

February 16, 2015
1 min read

Mid-century modern has been the hot aesthetic in larger cities for a long time now, but, as with many trends, it has taken longer to reach critical mass here in Jacksonville. That’s why there were still fights recently over whether to preserve or demolish the old downtown library, designed by local architect the late Taylor Hardwick. (Fortunately it has been restored and will soon open as home to the Jesse Ball duPont Fund and other nonprofits.) Arlington has crossed the threshold into appreciation of the style, showing off the neighborhood’s many mid-century modern homes in annual home tours.

If you are lucky enough to live in one of these jewels, or just like to emulate the look, be sure to check out Eco Relics at 106 Stockton Street in North Riverside. There you will find a 50,000 square foot warehouse overflowing with furniture and building materials, most of it salvaged from old buildings. It’s not all mid-century modern — there are components representing just about every era in human history! — but if you are working with the mod aesthetic, it’s worth a look. On a recent afternoon I found a pristine pair of wooden chairs, a long, angular horizontal sofa and chandelier globes that would complement the modern style.

Taking a couple of hours to stroll through Eco Relics, inside and out, provides inspiration for anyone interested in art and design. Happening upon unexpected items like a glass sphere door-handled refrigerator opens the mind to new possibilities. Turning to find a table full of lamps reminds you that a home has basic needs that Eco Relics can satisfy. Whether you buy one of the lamps or the table they’re on, you are bound to get all sorts of creative ideas just being there. Perhaps that is why their employees are so innovative!

Custom-made furniture is another service provided by Eco Relics. I spoke to custom fabricator Niko Vardas who told me they are willing to make just about anything. They will construct new items from what is on hand at their warehouse, or they can build something from materials you give them. Their expertise ranges from recreating period decor to inventing new uses for common items. My favorite is their desk with an electrical outlet built in!

Eco Relics is a resource for homeowners, artists, and designers. A visit to Eco Relics is a stimulating experience for anyone. In recognition of this fact, they host occasional community events there. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook or go to ecorelics.com to keep up to date on their next shindig. Drop by anytime for design inspiration.

www.ecorelics.com

Rob Middleton is an artist and writer working in Jacksonville, Florida -- however if he clicked his heels together three times he'd be happiest to wake up in Barcelona! Rob became addicted to abstract painting while simultaneously studying psychology at Princeton University. His studio is found at 229 N. Hogan Street where he spends every Art Walk. Rob has been contributing to EU since 2011. Vote for Rob's art at WJCT's The Square.

Current Issue

SUBMIT EVENTS

Submit Events

Advertisements

Welcome to Rockville 2025
SingOutLoadFestival_TheAmp_2025
omaha-steaks-banners

Date

Title

Current Month

Follow FOLIO!

Previous Story

James Cameron’s DEEPSEA CHALLANGE

Vision for Shipyards Development presented by Shad Khan, Jacksonville, FL - Image courteousy of POPULOUS
Next Story

Vision for Shipyards Development presented by Shad Khan

Latest from Arlington

Southern Coast Seafood, A Great Addition to Arlington, Snack and Jill

Southern Coast Seafood, A Great Addition to Arlington

With the news of closing in , a lot of people were pretty upset. Mudville has been a Jacksonville institution since 1994, so this felt like the end of an era (the location is still open, so don’t fret). Luckily, this sad news came with a nice silver lining. It

Bambino Scoops, A Little Taste of Europe in Jacksonville

Jacksonville has quite a few ice cream and frozen custard shops, but there is only one place serving delicious, homemade gelato. Bambino Scoops is located in the Cobblestone shopping plaza in East , at the intersection of Monument and McCormick. Owners Maria Gallo and Manuel Ponce have been operating the
Ida Claire open at the St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville, Florida, Blueberry Waffle, #EATUPJAX: November Restaurant Openings, Closings, and New Locations in the Local Jacksonville Food Scene

#EATUPJAX: November Restaurant Openings, Closings, and New Locations

#EATUPJAX is a monthly column featuring restaurant openings, closings, new locations and other food news in the local Jacksonville food scene brought to you by   on the is now closed. If you still have gift cards or turkey orders, they will be honored at ’s restaurant, Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen.  Craving
July 5th Cleanup
GoUp

Don't Miss

Grote Reber Listens to Space: Out Of This World Hobbies at Eco Relics

January is national hobby month, a time to acknowledge our

Eco Relics: Cast Iron Relics and the Weight of History

Cast iron is a building material with weight, distinguishing itself