Like most of Bangkok’s best kept secrets, Shades of Retro (next to Playground! Open Tue-Sun 2pm-midnight, 01-824-8011) has grown in popularity by word-of-mouth since it first opened in 2001. It’s a store that specializes in vintage furniture, home accessories and audio equipment from the 50s, 60s and 70s. It’s also a comfortable hangout where visitors can sit back and relax with a cocktail or a cup of joe while listening to some great tunes. A big draw of the store is the friendly and likeable owner, known to most as “P’Boy.” Rather than sitting behind the counter silently working the cash register, he is constantly seen warmly welcoming customers into his store while catching up with his regulars. There’s no doubt that his personal approach with his customers is what draws them back here. “Most of my customers are regulars. It’s very much like a local watering hole where oftentimes people will just drop by and run into people they know.”

Open for just two months, his new digs are a significant improvement from the original, which was a much smaller space with less sitting room and incidentally well-known for its dodgy toilet. Now it’s nicely spread out over two generous floors, with two bathrooms that work beautifully and lots of space to sprawl around. Furniture, home accessories and collectibles from the 50s-70s are on display downstairs. Also on sale are vintage deadstock fabrics custom-made into lampshades.

A large part of Shades of Retro is dedicated to vintage audio equipment such as record players, speakers and accessories from Bang and Olufsen—pieces that not only sound spectacular but also make pretty decorative items in a room. A music-lover himself, Boy sets the mood in his shop with his own collection of records playing a great mix of classic jazz and rock from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

“Everything I sell here I repair and restore myself,” assures Boy. “Everything from the phones, the clocks, the audio-equipment to the refrigerators actually works.”

Behind the counter is a shelf lined with liquor bottles and a large handwritten chalkboard menu showcasing the cocktails and beer on hand (B60-90 for beer, B120-150 for cocktails, B300 for a pitcher) and a short but concise coffee menu (B45-65). The coffee here is something that Boy particularly prides himself on. “Anyone looking for a good shot of espresso should come here.”

When asked about future plans for the store, Boy mentions that he might start providing home decorating services or rent the third floor out as a mini guest house. Food is the one idea Boy remains iffy about. “I really want to control the style and atmosphere of this place as much as possible, and not have it stray too far from what I originally intended it to be.”