Best of 2011 North Shore: Preservationists

Whether you believe what’s old is new again, subscribe to the green mantra repurpose and reuse, or just need to find a doorknob to match the others in your 1920s bungalow, we’ve got the best places to go.

Al Bar Wilmette Platers, Wilmette
In business since 1937, Al Bar has the go-to-guys for anything from restoring great grandma’s sterling silver to finding or creating a match for your antique bronze knobs and hinges. They’re willing to tackle any metal, and will even find someone to powder coat a contemporary iron cocktail table.

The Bellows Shoppe, Winnetka
Whether it’s an antique fixture or a treasure found on eBay, Bellows can turn your light on. Anything from rewiring, new sockets, cleaning, replacing a missing crystal or brass or nickel detail (not to mention the treasure trove of antique and period lighting), there’s no better place. The shocker? They also offer delivery and installation, and on-site chandelier cleaning.

Modi Antiques & Restoration, Highland Park
Not only can they restore any wood furniture, they’ve got a shop full of talent when it comes to building furniture…whether you want to complete a pair, reproduce an antique, or just copy an existing design in the wood of your choice.

Readers Choice: Best One-Stop Antique Shop

Anna’s Mostly Mahogany, Highwood
Readers voted for Anna’s as the source for vintage, traditional high-end mahogany dining tables, breakfronts, sideboards, desks and authentic reproductions. The staff is knowledgeable and never pushy. While many pieces don’t technically qualify as true antiques, they still offer the best in quality, patina and character without an exorbitant price tag.

Anna’s is also home to a large number of antique dealers offering a diverse style range of furniture and accessories (many of these dealers also have booths at the Heritage Antique Mall in Wilmette). Dealers include Midnight Sun Antiques, Roosterfish, Southern Manner, Bleeker Street and many more.

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