HOMES & GARDENS FEATURE: 9 THINGS DESIGNERS ALWAYS LOOK TO BUY AT AN ESTATE SALE
We’re honored to be featured in Homes and Gardens as part of their findings on what designers search for at estate sales. Our focus behind every project is that your home feels like you and represents your story. By curating and collecting pieces–mixing and matching textures, patina, and finishes–your home will neither feel outdated or brand new but simply like you and a life well-lived. Below is what we look for when sourcing unique finds.
No. 029 Breakfast Nook featuring unique find chairs
When working on this Cape-Cod-style home, we wanted to modernize the space while still respecting its traditional architecture. The key to achieving this balance was incorporating unique finds—pieces sourced from estate sales that add warmth, character, and a sense of history. While we introduced fresh elements, we made sure the home still felt anchored in its roots by layering in vintage and antique pieces. Estate sales are an essential resource for us when designing homes like this, and we always have a plan when we go. We leave space in our designs for unique finds, ensuring that when we source them, we already know the dimensions, style, and function of what we’re looking for which is how we found the perfect pieces for No. 029.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR AT ESTATE SALES
Traditional case goods – Well-made dressers, cabinets, and tables that bring craftsmanship and warmth to a space.
Vintage seating – Chairs and stools with strong frames that can be revitalized with quality upholstery.
Oversized decorative elements – Large pots, vessels, or sculptures that make a statement and add texture.
One-of-a-kind accent pieces – Items with patina and history that bring soul to a space.
No. 029 Front Parlor featuring unique finds surrounding the fireplace
For this project, we intentionally left the spaces on either side of the fireplace open for unique finds. We knew we needed traditional dressers, and once we found the right pieces at an estate sale, they fit seamlessly into the design. Other standout finds include:
A green wooden stool in the front parlor, a simple but charming addition that adds color and character
A large metal pot in the front parlor—crafted from brass, with a weight and patina that simply can’t be replicated in modern pieces
A round table with chairs in the entryway, which immediately set the tone for a welcoming, collected-over-time aesthetic
A set of vintage breakfast nook chairs which we reupholstered in a soft, green mohair, blending their classic shape with a fresh, refined finish
This approach ensures that while the home embraces modern updates, it never loses the richness of its history. These are the kinds of pieces that cannot be reproduced—their craftsmanship, materials, and patina make them treasures that add authenticity to a home.
