One of my favorite parts of interior design is “the hunt.” It’s the search for that perfectly imperfect chair to round out a too-symmetrical living room or unique accessories to jazz up a bar. It’s that $15 set of wine glasses that you end up using at Thanksgiving for decades to come, or a one-of-a-kind foyer rug that gets better with age. Whatever it is, I love looking for it. A recent trip through Staunton, VA was one of my favorite “hunts” yet. I’ve sifted through all the goodies and highlighted my favorites below. I bet it will leave you hungry for more…
Beautiful downtown Staunton
My advice for perusing antiques is KEEP UP A STEADY PACE! I usually whiz through the entire place quickly, noting any favorites, then take a second lap to hone in on anything special I missed. This avoids getting bogged down with all the visual noise, leaving you better able to narrow down favorites. This method has served me well for years; the more you do it the more you’ll find it works. Practice (even in shopping) makes perfect!
FURNITURE is a major category in antique hunting. Here are some of my favorites…
This bench has classic lines and is a great size for a smaller bedroom or as an accent in a foyer. While sofas + armchairs and other heavily used furniture are best bought new, an infrequently used “perch” such as this is an ideal way to incorporate antiques. All it needs is some fresh new fabric; it will make a big impact without breaking the bank.
This miniature Windsor chair would be precious in a child’s room.
Another mini chair! Wicker is always cute in little girls’ rooms.
A “funky” chair takes any room from OK to WOW. This chair, one of a set of four, would be fabulous around a more traditional round breakfast table. Recover the seats in an updated indoor/outdoor fabric and you’re set!
This stately desk would be handsome in a home office or set against a wall to anchor artwork in a larger living room.
ACCESSORIES are so important to any room. Here are some that caught my eye…
Whenever I see anything blue+white I immediately snag it. This gorgeous plate was only $12 and will be a beautiful addition to a living room side table or diplayed on a plate stand in a builtin bookcase.
A blue and white classic.
I want to weep when clients don’t have enough books for decorating. Ideally, collect ones you love and are meaningful over the years, but if you’re in a bind, buy some cheap ones at an antique store!
Skip overpriced glassware at popular chain stores and pick some up at your local antique shop. They will bring sparkle and a unique shape to any bar set-up or holiday gathering.
This rattan screen would be incredibly chic in a sunroom or larger living area needing a division. Texture such as this is a necessary detail for any room.
This mirror was CHEAP yet heavy, well-made, and with a beautiful beveled edge detail. It just needed a little TLC or paint job to be a winning addition to any room.
Love the colors in this Dhurrie- a quick way to add some color in a foyer, sunroom, or kid’s room. I also love them layered over larger natural fiber rugs. The more layers in a room the better!
Just like blue + white accessories, simply white objects are always a welcome addition to bookcases, side tables, or to set on top of coffee table books. I love this shape (and the price, $27!)
FOR THE BORED HUSBANDS…
I am lucky to be married to a patient, kind, understanding antique-loving man (can you tell we have an anniversary coming up? Promise I’m not trying to suck up…). I realize how lucky I am! He enjoyed the “hunt” right along with me, but some fun with a fox stole and a Steely Dan record find didn’t hurt. Chances are he’ll find something entertaining but if not, send him to the local coffee shop (or bar!)
Steely Dan record for the win.
Tres chic with that t-shirt, don’t you think?
We had such a fun day at the antique gallery, but it’s especially enjoyable to make a day of it and find the best local coffee shop or lunch spot nearby. We found both; the coffee shop had an added bonus of beautiful architectural details, and the pizza place had lovely local art hanging. You never know what you’re going to find on your next hunt, but I guarantee you’re always going to find something exciting, new (but old), different, and sometimes even humorous. Who’s up for the next trip?!
Loved the architectural details of the coffee shop.
Sweet local art at our pizza place. This isn’t Louvre material but would be great propped up on a mantle or bookcase.
More “pizza parlor” art. Would be so fun in a breakfast nook.
*Special thanks to Staunton Antiques Center for the great finds and hospitality, Reunion Bakery + Espresso for the Sydney-caliber coffee, and Shenandoah Pizza for the delicious pie.
