Old that seems so new

Merchandise comes and goes at the Great Exchange Consignment Co. in Laguna Beach, but something usually catches the eye. The 11 rambling theme rooms include Rancho Deluxe (think bronze baby-cowboy-boot lamps) and Fabulous ‘50s (rattan dinette sets and Herman Miller chairs). A recent visit turned up an Italian ceramic ice bucket shaped like a bulldog and a seemingly inexhaustible supply of old silver, vintage cookie jars and California pottery, including the Bauer coffee server ($125) and the Fiesta Ware ribbed plates ($14 to $50, depending on size and color), at left. The Great Exchange is also well stocked with early 20th century Mission Revival tables, such as the mosaic piece shown here ($495), made by the Hispano-Moresque tile company in Los Angeles more than 80 years ago. 976 S. Coast Highway, (949) 464-9119.

-- David A. Keeps