4 interior designers talk about their favorite antique shops from New York to Paris – Robb Report
Robert M. Luckey
5 min read
Buying a new collection of furniture can be done with the swipe of a finger, but finding vintage pieces takes some legwork. We asked four interior designers to name their favorite antique shops in their hometowns of London, Paris, New York and Los Angeles.
London: Francois Sultane
Francis Sultana (top left) and London’s Gallery 25.
Courtesy of Francis Sultana and Galerie 25
Christopher Butterworth Belgravia
“It’s a cave of pieces of Aladdin – I never know what I’m going to find, which makes visits here exhilarating. Will it be an 18th century torchiere or a pair of contemporary French lamps?
Gallery 25 Pimilco
“I like this gallery for its quirky eye. I found some great Art Deco items here and some interesting pieces from the 1960s and 1970s that I had never seen before, such as great Gio Ponti.”
Rising Pimlico
“This London essential specializes in fire surrounds, mantels and grilles, as well as large architectural lighting. When I draw in a period house, it’s my first stop if I need to work on the fireplaces. Will Fisher, the owner, is incredibly knowledgeable.
Portuondo Gallery Pimlico
“I like two eras of the 20th century: the Art Deco period and the 1970s. This gallery, owned by boredom Hugo and Diego Portuondo, often offers gems through furniture, objects and lighting. The Spanish connection with their family still in Madrid means they have some fantastic European pieces.
Ronald Phillips Mayfair
“For the very best in fine 18th century English furniture, there really is none better than Simon Phillips. The family business places provenance and authenticity at the heart of every sale. So it’s no surprise that she regularly works with museums and royalty around the world.
Betting: Elliott Barnes
Elliott Barnes (top left) and Galerie Patrick Fourtin in Paris.
Courtesy of Elliott Barnes and Galerie Patrick Fourtin
Deco Fountain 1st district
“It’s been around since 1740. As well as having a large selection of traditional decorative hardware, it also offers Ruhlmann and Puiforcat models created specifically for the store. The level of detail Deco brings to the works he creates is unparalleled. I love going to the store sometimes just to wander around the spaces.
Patrick Fourtin Gallery 1st district
“It’s one of the best 20th century furniture and decorative arts galleries in Paris. Patrick has an incredible eye for exceptional pieces. His talent has found works that have found their way into private collections and fine museums. Of course, the selection changes often. More recently, I chose a beautiful wooden and bronze bench by Sido and François Thevenin.
The Pathfinder 1st district
“I discovered L’Eclaireur 30 years ago, when they were mainly promoting young, emerging designers, such as Dries Van Noten and Dolce & Gabbana, alongside works by Fornasetti. A true connoisseur of the “out of the ordinary”, the founder, Armand Hadida, has a unique talent for erasing boundaries. This destination store is tucked away on rue Hérold, has no storefront and is accessible by ringing the buzzer.
New York: Jamie Drake
Jamie Drake (top right) and Bernd Goeckler of Manhattan.
Courtesy of Jamie Drake and Bernd Goeckler
Bernd Goeckler Greenwich Village
“I’ve been shopping here since the day it opened, as it’s right next to Il Cantinori, my favorite restaurant. It’s a shop full of treasures, filled with European antiques mixed with contemporary design. In addition to having purchased many, many sensational pieces for clients over the years, I have found a memorable and exaggerated 19th century Venetian chandelier.
Eric Appel Upper East Side
“Funky and chic, the selection here is totally up to date, even if everything is old. Preponderantly French pieces, there are also those from Italy, America and elsewhere. The common thread is the sophisticated eye of the owner. I shop for light fixtures, furniture, and accessories in the sun-drenched showroom on the top floor.
Courbet Workshops chelsea
“A highly curated selection of artisans is what the dealer Melanie Courbet gets excited. One of my favorites is Pierre Speliopoulos, a famous fashion designer turned master ceramicist. His recent exhibition of pots and urns, chthonicwere contemporary interpretations of traditional wheel-turned forms of antiquity.
Seidenberg Antiques Greenwich Village
“This vast shop is located in what was once an area filled with antique shops. It is filled to the (very high) ceiling with amazing china, bronze, glass and pottery. Vases, urns, dinnerware sets, sculptures, trivets and candelabras abound.I recently found a large group of iridescent glass circa 1900 for a client’s study – instant collection!And don’t miss the basement.”
SJ shrub sole Upper East Side
“Tucked away in space, Shrubsole is known for providing the finest antique silver. One block from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, its wares can rival those in the museum’s collection. A recent purchase for a client was a chance find : a champagne bucket of mixed metals on silver, made by Tiffany & Co. in 1881 for a commodore of the Yacht Club of New York. As the client is an avid sailor, he had an additional connection.
Los Angeles: Kishani Perera
Kishani Perera (top right) and the interior of Midcentury LA.
Courtesy of Kishani Perera and Midcentury LA
Laurent de La Brea West Hollywood
“Filled to the rafters with stunning antique and vintage rugs from around the world, this showroom offers a wide variety of rugs in every style and color, from priceless antique rugs to reasonably priced modern masterpieces You can get lost for hours, feel like you’ve traveled the world.
mid century LA North Hollywood
“The owner personally travels several European cities to source and curate a unique and well-priced high-end collection. Plus, a wide selection of their pieces can be customized to your liking, with finishing and upholstery included in the price. I’ve purchased many rare and interesting pieces from MCLA that still cause a stir – most recently a sculptural sofa: the Yang sofa by Line Rosetwhich our customers are absolutely in love with, as it immediately inspires conversation and curiosity, just like the rest of the inventory.
Obsolete City of Culver
“Obsolete has a cultured and moody collection of antiques, artwork, furniture and unique finds that always charm and intrigue my customers. From contemporary artwork to rare antiques, like the clock from 1920s English train station which I recently purchased for a client, this showroom is a haven of treasures, filled with beauty and often a bit of surprise and whimsy.
Renaissance Antiquities West Hollywood
“Reborn offers beautiful antique, vintage, and custom lighting. Not only do they manufacture light fixtures, but they are also experts in repairing and restoring any light fixture.
