Q: Can you start by walking us through your typical day abroad?

A: A typical day would start early in the morning. We would wake up and be at the antique fair by 8 a.m., whether it was in Avignon, Provence, Marseille, Bordeaux, Paris, or Florence. Our first task was to visit all the booths, racing to find the most sought-after items like Louis Philippe chests and commodes, especially bleached ones or those with marble tops. It was quite a frantic search!

Once we selected an item, we would gather descriptions, take pictures, and note all the necessary details. After the morning rush, we would look for a nearby place to have lunch, which was always a delightful break. To get there, we would either hop in a car or sometimes take a train, with the car rides or train journeys often lasting 2-3 hours to reach our next destination.

If we were short on time, we would grab Cokes and candy to tide us over during the drives. In the evenings, we enjoyed some nice dinners in special spots, savoring the local cuisine. We would typically arrive at our next destination either in the late afternoon or at night, ready to repeat the process the following day.

Q: How would you characterize your product curation ethos?

A: I love to curate a blend of treasured antiques or heirlooms with contemporary pieces. Mixing things up is my passion! I believe more is more; I love to collect and appreciate a variety of items. Certain pieces are investments and hold great value. It’s special to think about their origins, previous owners, and their past uses. I often sit in my home, admiring my antique collections and pondering the stories they hold.

I always incorporate a touch of the contemporary into my curation. I’m particularly drawn to natural wood, architectural pieces with iron, and contemporary materials like acrylic. To add warmth and softness, I include elements like throw blankets and cozy pillows. My ethos is all about creating a harmonious blend of old and new, with each piece contributing to the overall narrative and aesthetic of the space.

Q: Are there any particular antiques you feel most proud of? What about them feels so special to you? 

A: Fortunately, we have our talented product curator, Leigh Ann Harris, who is exceptional at sourcing incredible items. It was a joy to work alongside her! The whole crew—Chris, Whitney, Leigh Ann, and I—played vital roles in assembling the collection of antiques we brought back.

It’s honestly hard to pick a favorite piece, but there was a bleached sideboard that the three of us adored, and it has already sold! We also fell in love with a Louis Philippe chest with charming feet. Another standout find was a beautiful leather bucket with so much character, likely holding countless stories—it’s truly a treasure!

Seeing all the antiques now displayed in the store and sharing their stories with our customers is incredibly fun and exciting for me. Each piece has a unique history and charm, making them all very special to me.

Q: Do you remember what first drew you to antique curation? 

A: Haha! This is an easy one! When Leigh Ann texted me asking, “Do you have a passport?” that certainly sparked my interest in antique curation! But on a more serious note, my journey began in college when I started out majoring in art history, which I loved, but later switched to interior design.

The real reason I feel drawn to antique curation is my mom and grandmother. I grew up around it! They owned a store on 18th Street that was both an interior design firm and an antique store, with a workroom in the back. I would join them on buying trips and worked at the store on and off throughout my life. Being surrounded by antiques from such a young age influenced me deeply, and I’ve inherited many pieces they passed on to me.

When I was younger, I wasn’t particularly interested in antiques—I was kind of dragged around and had to hear all about them because my mom loved them so much. I would think, “Yeah, they’re pretty, but whatever!” But now, I deeply love and appreciate every piece I’ve inherited.

Q: How would you describe your European treasure hunt in 3 words?

A: Fabulous, beautiful, adventure!