The Designer’s Little Black Book: Hidden Antique Havens
- Nashville, Tennessee: Mary Kathryn Wells, founder of her namesake design firm, swears by Gas Lamp and Patina for gleaming treasures. Proudly recalling snagging a game table for just a few hundred dollars, she insists, “Look at the legs on that baby!” Not far away, Laura Lubin of Ellerslie Interiors shops at Preservation Station, sourcing everything from antique mantels to door hardware. Just ask about the 150-year-old reclaimed mantel that elevated her client’s study.
- Lebanon & Cookeville, Tennessee: Kristin Keyes of Kristin Keyes Interiors journeys east of Nashville for American antique wooden finds—many handmade. Lebanon delivered a 1920s clawfoot pedestal table “for a song,” now beloved (possibly haunted) in her client’s dining nook. In Cookeville, where prices dip, Keyes secured a hand-knotted Bokara rug from a retired professor, with dreams of other basement treasures still lingering.
- Brunswick, Georgia: While working near St. Simons Island, Sarah Storms of Styled by Storms frequents Brunswick’s thrift and salvage stores. With so many resorts nearby, she’s unearthed pairs of Henredon inlay end tables for $75 each and a brass art deco peacock fireplace screen for just $60. Her pro tip? Bring a sharp eye and a vivid imagination to see past dust and dim lighting.
- Round Top, Texas: This town is practically a pilgrimage for antique enthusiasts during its semiannual shows. Will Hunt Lewis of Hunt & Bloom calls Round Top “unique” for hosting every type of exhibitor, from $1 trinkets to priceless furniture. His best find? A dozen French ceramic plates for just $2—the whole stack! Blackberry Farm Design’s Christine Carney praises Round Top for offering everything from 19th-century English antiques to midcentury modern delights. Her hint: arrive early—good things don’t wait for latecomers.
Stylish Stops and Regional Rarities
- Denver, Colorado: Designer Nadia Watts makes South Broadway her regular haunt for bargain hunting, loving its mix of thrift and antique stores. Her favorite, Black Tulip Antiques (also on Chairish), delights with a diverse spread of European wares, lighting, and accessories. For grander shopping sprees, Eron Johnson Antiques offers 5,000 square feet of global treasures dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries, complete with peculiar finds.
- Palm Beach, Florida: Watts also explores Show Pony Palm Beach, describing its warehouse spaces “filled to the ceilings with treasures” spanning Victorian, Gothic, and midcentury styles—a true hunter’s paradise.
- Maine: Lauren Sullivan of Well x Design finds antiques dotting Maine’s scenic roads. To her, the York Antiques Gallery is a must, providing family memories as well as beautiful, heirloom-quality discoveries.
Tri-State Area Finds: New Jersey, Connecticut, and Upstate New York
- New Jersey & Connecticut: For Kerri Pilchik of Kerri Pilchik Design, three stops stand out: Town Home in Ridgewood (her “first stop”), the charming Big Green Barn in Morristown (“adorable,” especially for pottery and baskets), and the Fairfield County Antique and Design Center in Norwalk, with its endless assortment and price points for any hunter. Whether you crave vintage books or sparkly green bottles, you’re likely to find your heart’s desire here.
- Upstate New York: Alex Nino, recently relocated from Brooklyn to Connecticut, is devoted to Montage Antiques in Dutchess County. With a lively mix of traditional, country, and midcentury pieces—locally and internationally sourced—Nino’s standout find is an eleven-and-a-half-foot French dining table from a Normandy chateau. Don’t miss their quarterly container sales in nearby Salisbury, Connecticut.
Tips from the Pros
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate—sometimes the best finds come with a story and a price drop.
- Bring vision: The art of the hunt is seeing the beauty through dust, glare, or the odd spooky ambiance.
- Arrive early for big shows; the prime pieces rarely wait around.
- Support local businesses and connect with shop owners—they’re often treasure hunters themselves.
Next time you’re in the mood for treasure hunting, consider skipping the usual suspects. These designer-approved hidden spots are brimming with character, bargains, and once-in-a-lifetime stories—whether for your own home or just for the thrill of the find. Just remember: if a table seems haunted, maybe that’s part of the charm.
With a discerning eye for exceptional craftsmanship and timeless beauty, Edward has dedicated his career to sourcing and curating fine antique furniture from across USA. His deep appreciation for historical design, from Georgian elegance to Art Deco sophistication, guides collectors and enthusiasts in discovering pieces that tell stories of bygone eras. Through his expertise and genuine passion, he helps preserve the artistry of master cabinetmakers while bringing distinguished character into contemporary homes.
