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A family of art sellers has finally found a permanent home.
Owned by Bryan Laughlin and his two sons, Bryan Jr. and Jesse, the Option B Designery has been thriving in its new location at 2533 S. Brentwood. Open since May 1, the store is brimming with antique and non-antique pieces ranging from tables and chairs to glassware and jewelry.
According to Jesse, 21, the family buys almost everything locally from estate sales and auctions.
“The farthest we usually go is Kansas City or Chicago,” he says. “We buy what we like. It’s an eclectic mix.”
Their collection includes an old-fashioned general store display case for $8,800 and ornate Japanese porcelain vases for $750 a piece. The Laughlins also managed to snag a set of eight tulip chairs designed by Eero Saarinen, the Finnish architect behind the Gateway Arch. Just in case you’ve been looking, they are selling them for $5,500.
The Laughlins used to rent space at the Crestwood Mall, but finds their new digs in Brentwood to be a better location. Additionally, Jesse says, they sell many pieces on eBay.
Bryan Sr., 54, started off working in a cabinet shop in 1981 before moving onto retail and restoration. Now, Jesse works primarily in the store while his father and older brother, 31, restore and refurbish furniture.
Even with the extensive variety of pieces and styles at The Option B, Jesse notes particular trends.
“Mid-century stuff is really hot right now,” he says. “Asian art is also really popular. No one’s buying Grandma’s antiques.”
The Option B Designery is open Tuesday-Thursday 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 1:00-5:00 p.m. For more information, call (314) 602-2712 or visit the Option B Designery page on Facebook.
