Somewhere between serious antiques and austere modernism is Lee Kleinhelter's irreverent vintage style. The recycled and updated finds at her Weat Buckhead Store could have been ripped straight from the lobby of a hip boutique hotel. "I felt that there was not much available that was stylish, not massed produced, and affordable for people in Atlanta, especially young people who want a fresh look and don't want to hire a designer," says Kleinhelter, whose resume includes stints with designers Joye Hirsch, Barbara Westbrook, and Dan Carithers. Scouring markets accross the country for finds such as 1960s-era vintage bamboo chairs, mirrored cabinets, and iron chandeliers, Kleinhelter set out to unearth the pieces that she wanted to sell, giving them facelifts with coats of white, black, or bright yellow paint, or bold upholstery in shades of tangerine, turquoise, and lime. "So many of the styles from the fourties, fifties, and sixties are awesome and can go in traditional homes. It's just in how you mix it," Kleinhelter explains. "we offer things that are crisp and clean, but not so modern that people don't understand them." Who else is getting Kleinhelter's style vibe? None other than 1stdibs.com, one of the worlds largest online marketplaces for the decorative arts. But the attention doesn't mean Kleinhelter has plans for a larger space. "Every six months something great happens to us," she says. "But I don't plan on expanding into a huge space. I just want to keep finding amazing pieces and making it a better store."

pictured:

ORANGE HIGH BACK CHAIR