The perfect antique accessory can complete an interior, adding a touch of old-world charm to a new space. This week, we asked six designers—Emma Beryl Kemper, Elizabeth Bolognino, Michael Edward Moirano, Janet Morais, Jonathan Savage and Suzanne Tucker—how they go about sourcing vintage items.
Speak the Language
“It’s the ABCs—always be collecting and always be curious! I’m on the daily hunt for unique pieces wherever I might find them: well-known or unknown dealers, the major or obscure auction houses, estate sales, pop-ups, art and antiques fairs. You never know where the right piece will be, but I’m always looking for good bones and a delicious patina. I have had a passion for antiques since I was a child and have cultivated close relationships with dealers whom I cherish greatly. They are an enthusiastic and passionate bunch, wholly committed to their trade and exceptionally knowledgeable. My approach to collecting: Buy the best you can afford. And always ask questions, keep learning, keep educating yourself, and develop your eye. Also be sure to attend and support art and antiques shows: The Winter Show in New York, the Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville, Antiques at the Gardens in Birmingham, the Lauritzen Gardens Antiques Show in Omaha, The Newport Show, the Delaware Antiques Show, and of course always come to The San Francisco Fall Show! And then there are the fairs in London, Paris, Maastricht and beyond. I will travel anywhere, and it has proven to be an indispensable part of my creative process and a never-ending source of inspiration.” —Suzanne Tucker, Tucker & Marks, San Francisco
Open Mind
“While antique shopping, our best piece of advice is to keep an open mind. Sometimes, you find hidden gems that you didn’t know you were looking for—even if there is not a clear home in mind for them yet. We have fun scouring for treasures and love to bring our clients along too.” —Elizabeth Bolognino, Elizabeth Bolognino Interiors, New York
Oh Là Là!
“My favorite way of sourcing antiques is visiting France and the multitude of flea markets there. Some of my favorite finds have come from these. I also recommend building relationships with different dealers so that when they get something in that they feel would suit your style, they let you know. Sometimes my favorite finds have come from these friends in Paris while I’m at home in Nashville.” —Jonathan Savage, Savage Interior Design, Nashville
Study Abroad
“On the ground! My approach to sourcing antiques is deeply rooted in exploration and hands-on discovery. I make it a priority to visit the Paris Flea Market at least four times a year—it’s an unparalleled treasure trove of history and craftsmanship. Beyond that, traveling plays a pivotal role. Whether in Europe, Asia or the Americas, I always make time to seek out local flea markets and antique districts. These trips allow me to uncover unique pieces with character and provenance, while also gaining inspiration from the cultural context that surrounds them.” —Janet Morais, Koket, New York
See the Possibilities
When sourcing antiques, I always remember that these pieces have a past life, so I am expecting imperfections. I almost hope for imperfections of some sort to help make a newly designed space feel more lived-in. If I find a piece I like, I first try to visualize where in my space it will fit, and then I look for the dings and scratches and see what work, if any, will need to be done to fix it up. If it is minimal work or the price is just too good to beat, I will snatch it up. Always remember that upholstered pieces can be reupholstered, so look at the bones and the shape of the piece, not just fabric.” —Emma Beryl Kemper, Emma Beryl Interiors, New York
Use Your Network
“Always intent on making our client’s heart skip a beat, we are consistently scouring auctions from all over the world and refining our ever-growing resource list. Oftentimes we reach out to our favorite dealers and have them send what’s new and exciting; other times we scour social media for off-the-beaten-path dealers in Italy, Portugal, and even the Czech Republic. You might even find us digging through obscure Connecticut warehouses, finding one-off makers on Etsy and eBay, and shopping the fairs and the streets of Paris. We love the chase and can never get enough of it!” —Michael Edward Moirano, Evan Edward, New York
