Uncovering Unconventional Haven's for Decor: A Designer's Perspective
As a homes editor at Southern Living, I dive deep into beautifully decorated homes, always eager to know where the designers source their finds. You might think it's all high-end trade shows and Parisian boutiques, but you'd be surprised. Designers have a knack for uncovering hidden gems in places you wouldn't expect.
Vintage Stores and Antique Malls
Local antique shops and malls are a decorator's treasure trove, according to Atlanta decorator Laura Jenkins. The unique pieces you can find in these spots often come at a lower cost due to the diverse clientele they cater to.
Estate Sales
Designers love a good hunt, and estate sales are the perfect place for it. From old globes to upcycled furniture, these sales are a goldmine for creatives like Isabel Ladd, a Lexington, Kentucky, designer.
Garden Shops
Don't overlook your local garden shop! Many, like Charlotte, North Carolina, decorator Gray Walker's go-to spot in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, offer small goods alongside plants and flowers. Abide A While, for instance, boasts unique stone sculptural pieces that can fit in any home.
Social Media
Instagram is more than just a platform for scrolling through photos. It's also a source for vintage and antique finds. Atlanta decorator Laura Jenkins has discovered and connected with numerous sellers on the app, expanding her decorating horizons beyond her local area.
Big Box Stores
Affordability and convenience are essential factors in decorating a home. Margaret Evans, a Covington, Louisiana, designer, has had good luck sourcing home decor items from big-name retailers like Target, Amazon, and Home Depot. Even high-end designs can blend seamlessly into spaces decorated with these finds.
Artisan Marketplaces
Supporting small makers is essential to maintaining the charm of a unique space. Austin decorator Kristen Nix recommends shopping on Etsy and Wescover for artisan-made items that add a personal touch to any home.
Museum Shops
Don't ignore museum gift shops for home decor. They often feature one-of-a-kind finds, from art to books and home goods, presenting a perfect opportunity to snag something truly unique.
Texas Treasures
From resourceful Dallas spots to treasure-littered Round Top markets, the Lone Star State has something for every designer seeking playful and sophisticated finds.
Unexpected Sources
Rise No 1, a souffle restaurant in Dallas, offers unexpected finds like kitchenware and tea towels. And don't discount a traditional flea market – you may stumble upon handmade goods or unique pieces waiting to be reimagined.
Designers find inspiration in the most unlikely places, from vintage stores to antique malls, and sometimes even a souffle restaurant. So, keep an open mind and your eyes peeled – the perfect decor find could be just around the corner!
Incorporating antique pieces into home decor can be achieved through visiting local antique shops and malls, as noted by Atlanta decorator Laura Jenkins. Many of these hidden gems offer unique, affordable finds due to their diverse clientele.
Home decor ideas can also be sourced from prestigious magazines like Southern Living, where homes editors delve into beautifully decorated homes, discovering designer secrets and unconventional source locations.
