9 things designers always look to buy at an estate sale

Interior designers often turn to flea markets to discover unique pieces that infuse personality and history into a home. These seasoned shoppers emphasize that the key to successful flea market shopping lies in knowing what treasures to seek out and what to avoid. The goal is to acquire items that are truly loved and contribute to the home's aesthetic, rather than simply purchasing something because it's a bargain. Several categories consistently catch the eye of design professionals. Vintage glassware is a top pick, with designers appreciating its ability to elevate a tablescape. Mally Skok, founder of Mally Skok Design, particularly favors delicate etched and colored pieces, suggesting a mix-and-match approach for a lively, informal feel. Anything with a compelling backstory is also highly valued. Lisa Shaffer, creative director of Lisa and Leroy, highlights how pieces that feel "found" and carry a sense of history can add significant character and serve as conversation starters. Artwork, from small framed watercolors and oil landscapes to more abstract pieces, is another favorite. Designers like Skok enjoy collecting smaller artworks to create charming wall displays, while Thea Bloch-Neal of Curated by Thea points out that unique, story-filled pieces can be incredibly affordable. Jugs and pitchers are sought after for their versatility, used for floral arrangements in guest rooms or as decorative elements on dining tables, often from English brands like Minton and Spode. Handmade ceramic pieces, encompassing both vintage and modern styles, are also highly utilized by designers such as Alex Yeske in their projects. Books are valued not just for reading but also for their textural contribution to bookshelves, with designers like Yeske often discovering interesting and inexpensive vintage titles at flea markets. Benches, especially unique wooden ones with distinct character, shape, and size, are another significant find. Bloch-Neal appreciates their sculptural quality, while Margaret Donaldson of MDI Luxury Design recounts finding a special bench with a fun backstory, illustrating how these items can become focal points. Conversely, designers are cautious about certain items. They advise against purchasing anything that requires significant repair or reupholstery, as the hidden costs can quickly negate any initial savings. Shaffer stresses the importance of calculating these potential expenses. Moreover, designers recommend passing on items that don't elicit a strong positive feeling. If a piece doesn't genuinely resonate, it's best to leave it behind and wait for something truly cherished. Finally, caution is urged when considering larger, more expensive furniture pieces. Russell Goldman of More Wow suggests that unless one is with a trusted buying partner, it can be difficult to assess quality or authenticity on the spot. He also advises against making rushed decisions, as reputable sellers understand that special pieces require thoughtful consideration. These guidelines help shoppers navigate flea markets effectively, ensuring their finds are valuable additions to their homes. #FleaMarketShopping #InteriorDesign #VintageDecor #HomeDecorating #SecondhandFinds #DesignTips #ArtworkCollecting #SustainableDesign

Garage sales offer a unique opportunity to find distinctive and affordable items that can elevate home decor, a practice embraced by interior designers for both personal spaces and high-end client projects. Designers frequently scour these sales for specific categories of items that provide character, history, and a curated aesthetic that mass-produced goods often lack. These finds are not just cost-effective but also enable the creation of personalized and sophisticated interiors. Vintage frames are a top recommendation from designers like Danielle Chiprut. These frames, especially gilded and carved wood ones, can instantly add character to a space. They can house new artwork, become part of a gallery wall, or even stand alone as sculptural elements. Chiprut emphasizes their role in seamlessly blending old and new elements in a thoughtful and refined manner, making them a staple for adding a touch of timeless elegance without a significant investment. Artwork is another highly sought-after item at garage sales. Natalie Papier highlights the ease of acquiring unique art pieces, while Noel Gatts advises choosing art that personally resonates, regardless of its perceived monetary value. Gatts also points out the potential to discover valuable, signed original pieces. Even if the art isn't perfect, designers note that elements like matting or framing can be easily updated, transforming a garage sale find into a cherished display piece. The personal connection to the art makes it invaluable for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ceramic vessels, encompassing pottery, ceramics, and bud vases, are favored for their ability to add warmth and patina to a room. Chiprut suggests using these items in various ways, such as bookshelf decor, filled with flowers on a coffee table, or as stylish catchalls. These unique pieces stand in contrast to generic, mass-produced decor, injecting a sense of individuality and history into a living space, contributing to a layered and interesting interior. Glassware, including depression glass, milk glass, or crystal pieces, is another category that designers like Gatts actively seek out. These items are often used to style cabinets, tables, and consoles, adding a delicate touch of vintage charm. Beyond decorative purposes, garage sales are excellent sources for utilitarian glassware, such as dessert plates, teacups, saucers, and mixing bowls, offering functional elegance at a fraction of the retail price. These pieces can be integrated into daily use, enhancing the dining experience and contributing to the home's overall aesthetic. Finally, vintage books are prized for both their content and their decorative potential. Gatts suggests selecting books based on their color palette to complement a room's design, using them to create attractive stacks on tabletops or to fill shelves, thereby adding character and a sense of erudition to a space. However, a practical consideration is to check for musty odors before purchasing, ensuring that these charming additions enhance rather than detract from the home environment. These five categories demonstrate how thoughtful thrifting can lead to sophisticated and personalized home interiors. #GarageSaleFinds #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #VintageFrames #Artwork #CeramicVessels #Glassware #VintageBooks #ThriftingTips

This article explores the strategies interior designers use to acquire high-end home decor pieces at discounted prices, thereby making luxury accessible while maintaining aesthetic standards. It focuses on five specific categories of items that designers, such as Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis and Jessica Holwick of Restart Renovation and Design, prioritize purchasing during sales events. The primary goal is to demonstrate how strategic shopping for these items can significantly enhance a home's elegance without incurring full retail costs. The first category highlighted is cloth napkins. Jessica Davis emphasizes their environmental benefits and their ability to introduce color and pattern to a dining table. She mentions that since she uses them daily, having a variety of sets is practical, making sales the opportune time to stock up. This strategy combines functionality with aesthetic appeal, proving that even everyday items can contribute to an elevated home environment. Artwork constitutes the second essential sale item. Jessica Holwick explains that finding the perfect piece of art is a challenge in itself, and when suitable pieces are found on sale, they are acquired, even if there isn't an immediate need for them. This proactive approach ensures that designers have a curated collection of art that can be integrated into various projects, reflecting clients' personal styles and adding character to spaces. The article suggests that art is a powerful tool for personalization and mood setting. Table vases are identified as the third item designers consistently seek on sale. Jessica Davis points out that one can never have too many vases, especially those with unique textures or glazes. These items are crucial for displaying fresh flowers, which can come from a home garden, and for adding a touch of natural beauty and sophistication to any room. Purchasing them on sale allows for a diverse collection suitable for various floral arrangements and decor schemes. Throws and towels form the fourth category. Jessica Davis expresses her fondness for cotton throws for their comfort and versatility in different temperatures, often keeping baskets of them in living spaces. Similarly, Jessica Holwick advises purchasing quality towels during sales, noting their dual purpose as functional items and decorative elements in bathrooms and kitchens. Decorative towels, in particular, can serve as subtle design statements, enhancing the overall decor. Finally, home accents are presented as the fifth critical category. Both designers actively search for unique accent pieces, often frequenting vintage and antique shops for one-of-a-kind finds. Holwick specifically mentions bowls, vases, trays, and planters as her go-to items. These accents are vital for curating a home that reflects personal style and creates a desired mood. The emphasis is on items that make a statement or add unexpected charm, demonstrating that thoughtful selection of accessories can profoundly impact a room's character. By focusing on these five types of items during sales, designers effectively elevate home aesthetics, illustrating that luxury and elegant design are achievable through smart, strategic purchasing. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #SaleShopping #DesignerTips #LuxuryOnABudget #HomeAccents #ArtisticExpression #SustainableLiving

When selecting artwork for a home, the process can initially seem overwhelming given the myriad of options, from prints and posters to original pieces. However, interior design experts emphasize that choosing art should be an enjoyable and straightforward experience. This guide distills professional advice into five key considerations, helping individuals make informed decisions regardless of their budget or prior experience with art acquisition. The first critical step involves reflecting on the desired ambiance of a room. Art is inherently subjective, meaning there is no right or wrong choice, as long as it resonates personally and evokes positive feelings. However, for those seeking direction, considering whether the space should feel sophisticated, cozy, dramatic, soothing, or perhaps evoke a specific geographic location, can guide art selection. Art serves as a powerful tool to establish or enhance a particular mood, transforming a room’s character. Secondly, the existing color palette of a room plays a significant role in determining suitable artwork. One approach is to select art that harmonizes with the present hues in the decor and furnishings, creating a cohesive look. Alternatively, for those aiming to create a focal point or a statement piece, consulting a color wheel to identify complementary colors can yield striking results, such as pairing orange with blue or red with green. This strategic use of color ensures the artwork integrates seamlessly or stands out purposefully within the overall design. Scale and positioning are paramount to how artwork is perceived in a space. It is crucial to choose pieces that are appropriately sized for their intended wall. A large piece on a small wall can make the space feel cramped, while small art on a large wall can appear lost and unanchored. Furthermore, proper positioning, especially considering sight lines, is essential for optimal visual impact. Thoughtful placement ensures the artwork is effectively showcased and contributes positively to the room's aesthetic flow. Budgetary considerations are another practical aspect. Artwork prices vary widely, and it is important to factor in potential hidden costs such as sales tax, shipping fees (particularly for out-of-state purchases), or auction house charges. Additionally, many pieces, regardless of their initial cost, will require custom framing, which can add substantially to the overall expense. Obtaining quotes from frame shops beforehand is advisable. For those on a tighter budget or just starting their collection, experts suggest beginning with smaller, original studies from favorite artists, which can be surprisingly affordable. Posters and prints also offer more budget-friendly options. When opting for prints, a strategy could be to acquire high-edition, lower-value prints from renowned artists, or low-edition, affordable prints from emerging artists. Finally, the practical aspect of hanging the art should not be overlooked. Once artwork is acquired, it should be framed and hung promptly. This not only protects the piece from potential damage but also allows it to immediately fulfill its decorative purpose. Utilizing sturdy art hanging hooks instead of simple nails is recommended to ensure stability and security. By adhering to these five guidelines, individuals can confidently approach the task of selecting and displaying artwork, transforming their living spaces with pieces that are both visually appealing and personally meaningful. #ArtworkSelection #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ArtBuyingTips #RoomAmbiance #ColorPalette #ScaleAndPositioning #ArtBudgeting #FramingArt

This article explores the favorite home items of various interior designers, offering insights into products they would repeatedly purchase and tips on how to incorporate them into personal living spaces. Kimberly Bevan from Bevan Interiors highlights the Design Within Reach Rice Paper Shade, praising its ambient glow, large-scale buoyancy despite its size, and versatility across modern and traditional settings, all at an accessible price point. She advises light feather dusting for maintenance. Emily Vaughan of Emily Vaughan Interiors recommends the BlueStar Range, a professional-grade appliance acquired during a 1952 home renovation. She values its open burners for even high-temperature cooking, easy-to-clean cast iron cooktop, and capacity for two full-size sheet pans, noting that colorful appliance options could enhance cohesion in a kitchen. Shelagh Conway from Triple Heart Design values the Maison Distressed Black Oak 4-Door Buffet Sideboard as a substantial dresser that provides a grounding element in her large bedroom, adapting to various design changes. She suggests embracing black in bedrooms for a calming effect, often mixing it with other wood tones for textural depth. Byron Risdon of Byron Risdon Interior Design Studio endorses West Elm Luxe Chenille Throws for their softness, luxury, and durability, making them suitable for both guests and daily use. He looks for comfort, softness, and durability in throws, suggesting a size that covers the body without being overly large. Ariel Richardson, lead designer at ASR Design Studio, praises the Miele Washer and Dryer for its compact, stackable design, efficient cleaning cartridges, and ventless drying technology, which allows for flexible placement. She emphasizes the environmental and clothing benefits of front-load washers. Tamara Honey of House of Honey finds the Disco Ball to be an instant mood transformer, recommending its placement near a window to enhance the magical effect of glimmering lights. Aimee Meisgeier from AM Interior Design favors the Beta Modular Sofa for its deep comfort, modular customization, and corduroy fabric, which is both cozy and practical for pet owners. She advises measuring the space and defining needs before purchasing a modular sofa. Linette Dai of Linette Dai Design cherishes the CB2 Muse Smoked Coupe Glass for its chic design and modern aesthetic, using it for both cocktails and sparkling water. She suggests pairing coupe glasses with bite-sized snacks in sculptural dishes. She also appreciates the CB2 Suspend Walnut & Marble Media Console for its natural elements, beautiful walnut veneer, marble top, and practical storage. She advocates for minimalist styling of console tops with essential, functional decor. Azali Kassum of Azali Kassum Design collects Victoria Morris's ceramics, specifically the Large Gourd Vase in Ivory, for its unique handmade flair and sculptural elegance. She advises hand-washing ceramics with gentle soap and air-drying in the sun. Gina Gutierrez from Gina Rachelle Design recommends the Joss & Main Tellis Marble Picture Frame for its classic and timeless appeal, versatility in size and finish, and ability to fill empty spaces. She applies the “rule of three” for styling. Sarah Rinehart Fleischer of SRF Interiors finds joy in Dana Bell's painting, “Dancing on Yellow, 2001,” for its bold colors and perfect fit in an awkward wall space. She suggests keeping room measurements handy for online art purchases. Lorna Gross, CEO of LORNA GROSS Interior Design, finds the Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Home Scented Candle to be a constant source of calm. She advises keeping candle lids on to prevent dust and burn marks, and lighting kitchen candles after meals. Nadia Watts of Nadia Watts Interior Design highlights the Kartell Pilastro Stool for its unique lines, interesting shape, and multi-functional use as a side table, footstool, or extra seating. She prefers furniture that is both artistic and functional. Brianna Untener of Brianna Scott Interiors loves the Serena & Lily Milo Alpaca Throw for its softness, luxury, and year-round coziness. She prefers displaying throws on chairs to visually unify a room. Shauna Glenn of Shauna Glenn Design trusts the Annie Selke Paint Chip Multi Hand Micro-Hooked Wool Rug for its durability in high-traffic areas and ease of cleaning. She emphasizes regular vacuuming and shaking of wool rugs. Joni Burden of J. Banks Design favors the Gabby Laura Swivel Chair for its timeless elegance, compact size, comfort, and versatility. She appreciates swivel chairs in family rooms for their adaptability. Isabel Ladd of Isabel Ladd Interiors consistently uses Palmer Green Paint by Benjamin Moore, describing it as a deep, rich green with yellow undertones that acts as a neutral in maximalist aesthetics. She recommends using tinted primer and considering the desired ambiance when choosing green paint. Ariel Richardson also champions Ruggable Rugs for their durability, washability, and stain-repelling properties, making them ideal for households with pets and children. She advises washing on a delicate cycle with cold water and low heat drying. Abby Gruman of Abby Leigh Designs chose the Artistic Frame Studio Side Chair for its cane and wood contrast, modern flair, and traditional essence, valuing it for family gatherings. She notes the current trend of cane in unexpected furniture pieces. Laetitia Laurent of Laure Nell Interiors transformed her family room with Phillip Jeffries 9190: Beat Wallpaper, creating a living mural that unifies the space and encourages creative endeavors. She suggests regular dusting and occasional wiping for wallpaper maintenance. Alex Yeske of Alex Yeske Interiors appreciates The Rush House Original Rug, a natural fiber seagrass rug, for its warmth, texture, softness, and customizable, replaceable squares. She recommends vacuuming on a lighter setting and blotting stains for natural fiber rugs. Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio values the Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine for its combination of functionality and quality, including an integrated burr grinder and steam wand. She suggests creating a dedicated coffee station. Paige Blodgett Scher of Paige Blodgett Interiors painted her entryway with Bancha Paint by Farrow & Ball to define and warm the small space, praising its yellow undertones and dramatic effect. She advises choosing darker shades to add depth to small areas. Cynthia Lananh of Cynthia Lananh treasures the Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle for its neutral, sophisticated scent and elevated packaging. She suggests pairing candles with design-savvy accessories. Brittany Hakimfar of Far Studio considers the Zip Water HydroTap Celsius All-in-One Water Filter Faucet her most beloved appliance for its instant still, sparkling, hot, and cold water delivery in luxurious finishes. She recommends classic chrome or matte black for contemporary kitchens and living brass for traditional ones. Finally, Lina Galvão of Curated Nest loves the Scout Design Studio Promenade Sofa for its approachable style, sculptural arms, comfort, and forgiving fabric. She notes that for modern, sculptural sofas, one might forgo pillows to let the shape shine. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignerPicks #HomeFurnishings #DecoratingTips #ApplianceRecommendations #Textiles #ArtAndAccessories #PaintColors