Atlanta! Atlanta was my first "big city" home and will always hold a special place in my heart. Atlanta is the best for all things design. It is the home of Bennett Street and Miami Circle, two wonderful streets dedicated to some of the best antique shops. I actually used to work on Miami Circle for a local designer and loved its array of shops and art galleries. Atlanta is also the spot for ADAC (Atlanta Decorative Arts Center) where all of the design field go to for to the trade resources. Scott Antique Market is my absolute favorite for one of a kind treasures. This market is held the second weekend of every month in Atlanta in two big expo centers. If I am on the hunt for something special, this is my go to spot. I have found everything from textiles to pillows to antiques to upholstery here. This is worth the trip!
JuJu hats at Scotts in Atlanta.
Framed African textile found on one of my trips to Scott Antique Market. I bought the textile as one piece and then made two pieces of art!
Great pair of mirrors. In the background you can also see some great antique buffets.
Antique rug now in a client's master bedroom found at Scott Antique Market.
Fun fabrics found at ADAC.
Fun fabrics found at ADAC.
Charlotte! This has been my home base for almost three years (still can't believe how fast time flies) and is home to so many fun stores and shops. I feel like Charlotte is the best spot for vintage finds. I can always count on finding something unique here. To highlight my favorite stops, Slate Interiors and Sleepy Poet Antiques are hands down the best. Charlotte caters to small businesses and I find that there is a real sense of being an entrepreneur and standing out in this city. Not only is Charlotte a great spot, but NC is a hot bed for furniture and design. Go check out the High Point Market if you are ever in the area. This market is for design professionals but during this time many of the antique and furniture showrooms will open up to the public.
Finds at Slate Interiors. So in love with this table and chairs. Still kicking myself that I didn't purchase them!
More Slate goodies. There chairs pictured here were actually found at Sleepy Poet and I painted and reupholstered them for sale in my space at Slate.
Another one of my fab finds at an estate sale in Charlotte that was sold at my booth at Slate. Estate sales and Craigslist are a hot bed for great furniture at reasonable prices.
Brass and glass etagere found at Sleep Poet.
Asheville! Asheville has so many eclectic and fun shops, but one of my favorites is called The Screen Door. I have found a great lucite cocktail table here for a steal and lots of great accessories. You have to be ready to dig but if you are,you can rack up on goodies to take home! There are also many locally owned antique stores along Biltmore Avenue and Lexington Avenue to name a few. I have found chandeliers, waterford glasses and great mid century modern pieces just wandering through these shops.
Milo Baughman acrylic cocktail table found at Screen Door.
Savannah! Savannah just screams antiques. With all of the beautiful architecture, oak lined streets and mystery, this place makes me want to get a good glass of wine and hunt for treasures all day. In Savannah there is no open container law so you can definitely pursue your favorite shops with a tasty drink in hand. The last time I visited Savannah, I discovered a new shop called Clutter. Clutter is a high end consignment store where I scored the most fabulous, vintage dining table for a client. Go often because inventory turns quick here. Another great spot is Cohan's Retreat. This is a spot where multiple vendors sell their wares. You can find everything from fabric to unique accessories. There is also a restaurant located here so grab lunch while you are at it!
This table found at Clutter and now looks great in a client's beach house in Florida.
Mobile and Birmingham! I have to throw in these two southern cities as well. Not only have a I lived in both places but they also have some great shops that are must sees if you are ever in the area. I will start with Birmingham. First stop is Soho Retro This shop is in Homewood and when I lived there I would stop in at least once a week to see if they had gotten new furniture. They had the best mix of vintage and mid century modern furniture and accessories. Circa Antiques and Interiors is next on my list and then the great shops at Interiors at Pepper Place. In Mobile, you must go to Atchisons and Charles Philips.
Sorry for the fuzzy pics, but these show you a bit more about what you can find at Charles Philip and Atchisons.
Other tips and tricks to finding goodies:
- Haunt your favorite places! If you like a store and there are multiple vendors, go often. Inventory changes quickly and if there is something you like you better snag it fast!
- Check out estate sales and craigslist. Also become friends with real estate agents who might be flipping a house and trying to get rid of lighting fixtures, ect.
- Go off the beaten path! Many of my favorite finds have been from going into antique stores in small towns. These usually get overlooked and can be hiding some great treasures. I usually will ride past one, hit the brakes and go back in.
- Read other blogs and visit online marketplaces. One great resource, Invaluable, offers collectibles on line. Go read their tips and tricks on Summer Antiquing here.
A light fixture I bought from a team flipping a house. Not sure where I will use it yet, but I had to have it!
I bought this cabinet at Slate but I store all my glass treasures here. I have some brass I bought at Sleepy Poet, crystal I found in Asheville and pieces that have been handed down from family. Always have a place to show off your treasures!
So what are your tips and tricks to finding your treasures? My best piece of advice is to buy things that speak to you. There is nothing better than a collected home!
XO,
