About Us
Rusty Hinges
We have new things, we have old things — we have new things, made from old things.
Rusty Hinges is a rustic and reclaimed home décor shop. It is also Halifax’s only Stockist of Annie Sloan’s Chalk paint, making it a DIY and restoration lover’s paradise. It is home to curated, and reloved items as well as treasures built and crafted from architectural salvage. To compliment the treasures of years past, you will find many new and exciting things for your homes and yourselves.
The idea for this creative space was born in a chicken coop 22 years ago by original owner Saundra MacKenzie on her family’s farm in New Brunswick. When life brought the MacKenzie’s to Halifax, Rusty Hinges came along for the ride, eventually settling into its new home in the picturesque Hydrostone Market.
Enter Amy Bragg. Amy quickly became a customer and fan of Saundra’s work, filling her home with these unique pieces, and the two forged a fast connection over their mutual love of DIY and restoration projects. Amy always joked with Saundra that if she ever wanted to sell the space, Amy would take it off her hands.
The sale went up, and the rest is history.
Hydrostone Market
As a designated federal heritage site and bustling neighbourhood, the Hydrostone district in the north end of Halifax provides visitors and residents an opportunity to experience an exciting mix of the new and old.
Constructed in 1920 in the aftermath of the Halifax explosion, the Hydrostone neighbourhood was built as a place of refuge for those displaced during the disaster of 1917. The decision was made to replace wood-framed homes with ones built of cinderblocks created from hydrostone in order to prevent the types of losses experienced by the explosion and subsequent fires. But as decades have passed the character of these buildings have created a unique landscape and a district worthy of the name of one of the top communities to live in Canada —in a rather appropriately named neighbourhood.
Rusty Hinges is excited to call the Hydrostone Market home for nearly the last decade. Located on the southern edge of the neighbourhood and touted as “Halifax’s European shopping experience,” the market features artisan boutiques, an art gallery, spa, butcher, bakery and variety of unique dining options. With patios galore, tree-lined streets and ample green space, the Hydrostone is the perfect place to wander for an afternoon.
Our Team
Amy
Amy is the owner of Rusty Hinges, having just taken ownership in June 2019. After two previous professional careers and raising her family, she is excited for this new creative chapter in her life. Amy loves colour, character and treasures with soul.
Ashley
Ashley joins our team with 8 years of retail experience and is loving working with the Chalk Paint, decorative paints by Annie Sloan. When it comes to painting, she’ll try anything twice. Ashley has never met a dog she doesn’t like and would like to remind everyone that our store is dog friendly!
Jacob
Jacob joins our team as he heads back to school seeking new wisdom. He is an old man trapped in a young man’s body, his beard game is strong and he loves craft beer.
Krista
Krista is a ceramic artist in Halifax, having received her BFA from NSCAD in 2018. She has a love for bold colour — especially as an element of interior design. Krista has a real talent and interest in making molds.