Objects with a Past
I’ve always believed the magic of a home is in the mix. Pairing antique and vintage pieces with newer finds creates a space that feels timeless, collected, and uniquely personal. A weighty piece of pottery, a linen softened by decades—these details add the warmth, depth, and quiet character that make a house feel like home.
A little piece of Crete, now at home.
When I travel, I can’t resist picking up pottery, kitchen items, and small decor pieces like carved wooden boxes. In Crete, I found two of my favorite treasures — an oversized woven hat and a trio of painted horse pottery — in a small boutique called Vendemma. The shop was charming and full of character, with one side offering clothing and accessories mixed with pottery, and the other side filled with vintage treasures, from small objects to larger pieces of furniture.
At home, I often bring vintage linens into my projects. I source handkerchiefs and cocktail napkins from antique shops and then embroider them with small designs — a coastal palm, an olive branch — tiny details that make them feel both old and new.
I find that having homes that inspire you — whether it’s a friend’s, one you’ve seen in a magazine, or a celebrity’s — can help you narrow down the types of objects you might want to source for your own home. Two that always inspire me are Kendall Jenner’s Spanish Revival home in Los Angeles and the former Beverly Hills abode of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (once owned by Jenni Kayne). Very different people, but their homes share one thing in common: a thoughtful mix of antiques with clean, modern elements.
Helpful Hints for Antiquing
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few habits that make antiquing and sourcing vintage pieces more enjoyable — and more successful:
1. Go in with a vision — but stay open.
It’s helpful to have a mental shortlist of what you’re looking for (pottery, linens, wooden boxes, kitchen pieces), but the magic often comes from stumbling upon something unexpected.
Pottery from my travels in Greece.
2. Let inspiration guide you.
Think about the homes, spaces, and styles you admire. Using them as a reference point makes it easier to spot pieces that will work in your own home.
3. Look for quality materials.
Natural materials like solid wood, linen, cotton, or ceramic age beautifully and stand the test of time.
4. Embrace imperfections.
Small chips, worn edges, or a faded finish can add character and authenticity — just make sure the piece is structurally sound.
5. Ask about the story.
If you’re buying from a dealer or small shop, ask where the item came from. Even if the history isn’t fully documented, it can add meaning.
6. Consider how it will live in your home.
A vintage pitcher can hold fresh flowers, a carved box can store jewelry, and a vintage ashtray can corral matchbooks or small trinkets on a table. Embroidered linens can be used daily — don’t save beautiful things only for special occasions.
7. Plan for travel finds.
If you’re antiquing abroad, plan ahead for bringing your finds home. I like to pack light — or even take an empty suitcase to check on the return trip — so there’s room for treasures. For smaller pieces, a foldable tote or padded bag works well; for larger items, ask if the shop can wrap them securely or arrange shipping.
Vintage linen, modern thread.
For me, the beauty in vintage lies in its ability to bridge time. These objects — whether found in a tucked-away boutique in Crete, sourced from an antique store, or passed down through family — hold the patina of the past while seamlessly living in the present. They remind me that a home is not built in a day, but collected over a lifetime. When thoughtfully mixed with the new, they create an environment that feels deeply personal and quietly luxurious — a place where every detail has a story worth telling.
