What types of items are you drawn to when shopping at an auction?

I am drawn to unique pieces that tell a story. Whether it’s the inlay, or the carving, or the stitching, or the gilding. The more detail, the better. The more ornate, the better. Each of these details tell a story of the craftsmanship, the time period in which it was made, and the materials used. I find most items created today are lacking in that detail. So I lean heavily into antiques to create that depth in the room, creating a unique vignette and sense of history.

What are some of your tips for finding antiques and vintage pieces to create unique interiors?

I always look for the piece unlike anything I’ve seen before. I love sourcing items that have metal, like a patinaed brass, an interesting shape, or an incredible detail. Sometimes you find all three! The great thing about antiques is that they’re truly one of a kind. Let it be the stand-out piece in your space. If you keep it to one out of every 4 or 5 pieces, then it doesn’t feel like a museum. It feels collected and interesting. Think of it as the jewellery to your room.

How do you incorporate antiques and interesting finds into your projects?

I incorporate antiques into every room of every project. While they are always unique, they’re not always practical. So I like to keep those unique pieces to less than 5 pieces per room. This allows your room to feel layered without feeling stuffy. It allows your eye to rest on the interesting item without being overwhelming. It’s a delicate balance. And often a high/low balance or larger and smaller items. The antique is usually an investment in the room. So make it stand out from the crowd.

How important do you think it is to mix antique and vintage pieces when designing a home versus buying everything brand new?

It’s the entire ethos of my brand. And thus, I think it’s wildly important. I don’t want the spaces I design to feel like a catalogue. I want them to feel like someone lives there. A very chic, unique, well-lived person lives there. I like my spaces to feel collected over time; layered. Antiques allow you to do that. Even if it’s a recent score from Dreweatts', it can be the piece that tells a story and sets the stage for the rest of the home. What’s most important, however, is that they stand the test of time. Investing in an antique is like investing in a diamond. And something that can be passed down generationally. I love to think of these items being used by your kids now, and one day for their kids to lovingly enjoy it as well.

The Parnham Park auction has many special and unique natural history highlights including a mammoth skeleton, ammonites, corals and a large amethyst cluster. What are some thoughtful ways to integrate historically significant pieces into a space with more contemporary design elements? What are some creative ways to incorporate natural elements into an interior?

The mix of old and new is the most important thing you can do to keep a space fresh. Mixing these more unique items against a contemporary backdrop can create interest and pause in a room. It creates tension. And tension is key to a well-designed space. I suggest making a piece like this the stand-out moment. They’re often larger in stature, so make that the largest thing in the room or centre it on an entry table. If smaller in stature, mix it in your built-ins against traditional books to feel like a collection gathered over your travels. These items often make for a great story, so set them near a place you gather for cocktails so you can entertain your guests with its history.

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Auction Details

Auction: Tuesday 13 May, 10.30am BST
Auction venue: Dreweatts Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE, England
Viewing venue: Parnham Park, Beaminster, Dorset DT8 3LZ, England

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VIEWING: Viewing at Parnham Park, Dorset | Entrance with catalogue only (admits two)

Friday 9 May: 10.30am-5pm
Saturday 10 May: 10.30am-5pm
Sunday 11 May: 10.30am-5pm
Monday 12 May: 10.30am-5pm

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