Shop Localista: You Say You Want a Revolution?

Those who have already discovered the creative, quirky and unexpected offerings that fill—and spill out of—Revolution on Baker Street in the Village can breathe a collective sigh of relief: Despite some growing pains and telephone snafus, David Heffernan is not shutting down his eclectic shop—just ramping up for a re-opening celebration in September.

For those who haven't experienced this quirky gem, now is the perfect time to drop by and introduce yourself to the gregarious, accomplished owner and his intriguing take on retail: the store's having a huge blow out deal with signature finds discounted as deeply as 75%.

Revolution sprang from Heffernan's reaction to what he saw as the obliviously wasteful way consumers had of opting for cheap, mass manufactured home décor, furniture and art over existing quality pieces. The way he saw it, we'd all be better served if we were willing to look at older things in a new light and re-purposed, re-used and recycled with a more artistic approach. "I didn't like people heading to IKEA for things twice as expensive and half as interesting as things they could salvage or score at garage sales." explains Heffernan. "I wanted people to rethink the way we buy, use and enjoy existing things. It's also a lot better for the planet."

For Heffernan, life doesn't imitate art, life is art. For over 45 years he's been expressing that sentiment as a painter, photographer and craftsman and his shop is filled with a wide array of examples that showcase just how literally he sees the world as a canvas. From furnishing to fixtures, antique windows to weathered wood, Heffernan relishes the opportunity to put his artistic spin on a variety of surfaces. He truly delights in refurbishing, reconditioning and presenting old pieces in a new light.

Melissa de la Fuente, an owner of a now signature piece David 'recreated,' can attest to the magic he works on a furniture that no longer 'works.'  "I had the piece, a hand-me-down from my mom, and it wasn't an antique, it was a 70's reproduction," she explains. "I asked David to make it look like a French antique. I showed him a photograph of one I loved and voila!" The results are now proudly on display in her beautifully decorated home.

You can expect to be surprised by the selection at Revolution: David's as well known for his stunning salvaged wood desks and dining tables as he is for the head-turning nudes that hang from the shop's walls. Don't expect to find anything overly frilly or frou-frou, though—David's a rock n' roll sort of retailer. He is, after all, one of the artists who collaborated on the cover art for Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti and The Rolling Stones' Some Girls as well as many memorable others…and that's pretty cool in any book!

Even cooler? David's offering Patch readers an ADDITIONAL 5% off already marked-down items priced at $400 or more. Mention this article to receive the discount from this Friday, July 30 through next Thursday, August 5.

Revolution: 97 Baker Street
Maplewood, NJ 07040-2501
*NEW PHONE: (973) 970-5400*

Call for summer hours.