When people picture antiques, they often imagine fragile family heirlooms that have too much sentimental value to be used on a regular basis. Think: Grandma’s tea set, a loveseat that no one is actually allowed to sit on, or an embroidered tablecloth that you just can’t bear to throw away but wouldn’t dream of putting out for regular use.
We firmly believe that using antiques this way misses the point: just as they have stood the test of time, most antiques can withstand some dings (that just adds to their charm!). We want to share the stories behind 5 antiques incorporated into a variety of different designs (including Sara’s own house). By giving them a new coat of paint or modifying their purpose, these antiques look and feel perfectly at home..and they’ll help you and your guests feel that way too.
From Heirloom to Statement Piece
When you have something good, like these 18th-century Chippendale chairs that were passed down through the family, it’s hard to give them up. Luckily, sometimes a little glow up is all that’s necessary to make them feel fresh and modern. While the chairs held sentimental value, they weren’t necessarily loved aesthetically so we revived them with bright pink paint. This refresh allowed the clients to honor their history while giving the chairs a new and even more long-lasting life–they’ve since accompanied the family through three moves.
Windows Reimagined
This mirror went on a novel-worthy journey before finding its way to its current home in Sara’s house. Crafted from antique Parisian windows, it was discovered (and promptly acquired) during a trip to Round Top, Texas. We found a place for it in a dining room that combines antiques, classic pieces, natural flooring, and neutral wall colors–the perfect space to highlight its patina as well as the blend of European architectural history and the spirit of American collecting.
Aged to Perfection
Sourced from New Orleans, these antique doors flank the fireplace and immediately add texture and drama. Strong architectural elements like these break up walls and give a sense of place to the room. By resisting the urge to repaint and refurbish them, the doors make the space feel lived in and classic.
Curated with Care
The trick to a life well-designed and well-lived is to incorporate details that make even simple, quotidienne acts (like washing dishes) feel inspired. We hand collected Portuguese tiles, many of them one-of-a-kind, over almost an entire year. In order to avoid duplicates across the entire backsplash, the curation process was slow and careful, but ultimately worth the effort: the arrangement of fruits, vegetables, and animals feels playful yet intentional. The project was even featured in Southern Lady.
Globally Inspired
Travel is and will always be one of our foundational design inspirations, and we love when we can incorporate pieces found from afar into our clients’ current living spaces. This Howdah elephant saddle chair was acquired during the homeowners’ time abroad, and it carries personal memories along with a global sensibility. By anchoring the space with lived experience rather than passing trends, we ensure our clients reside with furnishings and accessories that honor their journey as well as celebrate the present.
Collected at the Expo
Last weekend, we had the pleasure of serving as a designer guest at the inaugural Virginia Antiques Expo. We designed an antique-forward booth centered around a charming Swedish desk, which became the heart of our “Designer’s Study.” Creating a space rooted in our love of antiques and celebrating alongside fellow collectors and dealers from across the East Coast was both inspiring and grounding. It was a reminder of why antiques continue to play such an important role in our work. They bring history, personality, and a sense of depth that cannot be replicated in new pieces alone.
In the end, good design is not just about how a space comes together. It is about the stories that live on within it, and the meaning those stories bring to the way we live today.
For those curious about incorporating antiques into their own homes, our Antique Sourcing Guide offers thoughtful tips and resources to help you begin.
