antiques Archives – McKenzie Interior Design

Large but oddly trapezoid shaped island looks like it would be great but…it wasn’t! The flow is pretty good on this side. Opposite the island and there was a dance floor of empty space in-between! Inviting and invigorated kitchen island |photo by Christina Wedge Photography Not only updated but added storage and warming drawer. Love that furniture leg detail! |
photo by Christina Wedge Photography Eating area view of kitchen | photography by Christina Wedge Photography Entry to Thomasville Antiques Show by Steve McKenzie Exploring downtown on our weekend trip to Thomasville Stately architecture of this magnificent Georgia Belle Jill and Steve McKenzie outside Pebble Hill Plantation Who can resist the taxidermy store? https://www.cowtan.comSteve adding the final floral touches with simple magnolia branches. A vintage Christmas postcard is given a new life in a new frame

After 35 years of exploring flea markets, estate sales, junk stores together, Steve and I have developed a strategy.  There are the categories we’re always drawn to, pretty linens, dishes (yes, I know we don’t need anymore), ephemera (see postcard above), and small pretty ashtrays or saucers for Steve’s paint brushes.  You’ll find you gravitate to the same types of pieces as you explore.  Then we’ll hunt for any specific pieces for ourselves or design projects.

Score! Keep your eyes open for that perfect gift while thrifting.

Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.  Touch stuff, turn it over, get out your flashlight to examine the nooks and crannies.  Pack a small flashlight to examine any marks or repairs, and tape measure.  You know the old saying, measure twice…

Flea market finds~rulers, classic bust, gold frame~incorporated on Steve’s desk

Next, look under the tables, inside the boxes, inside the baskets (another fav category).  Sometimes the best stuff hasn’t been unpacked yet.  Thrifting is a responsible way to shop too, as you are recycling old pieces into a new life.

Can it be repurposed?  These vintage chairs got a thorough inspection for stability and reimagined with a fresh finish and updated steve mckenzie’s fabric.

Thrifting score! Updated these chairs with new fabric and finish.

Make a pile, walk around another loop, then give everything a second look.  Does it speak to you?  What else can you do with it?  Check for any damage and repairs that might rule it out.  When ready to purchase, be prepared to pay cash as sometimes cash sales get an extra discount.

Don’t know where to go?  Besides Scott’s Antique Market, check out this listing of Atlanta’s best flea markets on Yelp.  Another treasure trove are the Goodwill stores.  Keep your eyes open for neighborhood garage sales and estate sales.  *Bonus Tip* Sundays are usually 1/2 price day at estate sales.

Show us what you find on Instagram or Facebook with the tag #stevemckenziesfinds and go have FUN!  As always, thank you in advance for the follows, likes and sharing this blog post with your friends.

Happy Saturday!  Your honey-do list may be a mile long, but if you can, treat your senses to a stop at The 2018 Cathedral Antiques Show and Flower Festival.  Get ready for breathtaking art, antiques, and florals featuring over 25 highly-regarded dealers from around the country.  Take a peek at some favorite bright spots gathered from my Thursday tour.

Stunning roses, eucalyptus, ferns and more And Jewelry Gustave Klimt artwork Antique cork screws

Today is the last day!  The address is Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305.

Did I mention FLOWERS?! Breath in this breath of fresh, spring air. Happy Weekend!

Maypole Floral

Another successful and exciting High Point Market has wrapped up, with colorful new launches and additions.  Our hearts and eyes were dancing with this collaboration of Cotton + quill fabric on a Dunes and Duchess glossy bench, against the backdrop of the dramatic Copacabana Cotton + quill textile.

Cotton + quill Pendant/Capri color way on a Chappy Bench in New England Oyster Roast from Dunes and Duchess New Libeco Bedding – All the colors play well together, and Belgian linens are a delight for restful sleeping. The Old Wood Co. does it again.  Our Asheville maker knocks it out of the park with this Iron Buff finish. Kannoa outdoor furniture is well-designed and functional, plus offers a full range of fabric colors and patterns so you can customize your space.  This aquamarine Congo Side Table can be used for seating too. This is outdoor? You bet it is, from Laurie Bell and Kannoa.

We spent more time in the Antique & Design Center of High Point, scoring some terrific finds!  The dealers ranged from classic art to art deco to textiles to eclectic vendors like Box Road.

Box Road Antiques – everything from delicate Flow Blue plates to a fascinating flashlight collection and face jug.  Made me very happy…

Now it’s time to get our Halloween costumes pulled together, and then start the countdown to Christmas! To ease the stress, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite holiday tips on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Periscope.  Enjoy the warm fall colors!