There is a distinct rhythm to a European buying trip. It is usually a fast paced itinerary with a deliberate pursuit through the French countryside, bustling markets in Paris, and the quiet hidden shops and warehouses in Belgium. For those of us who live and breathe antiques, design, and history, these journeys are a masterclass in patience. You aren't just looking for new items, you are searching for pieces with soul.
A great buying trip demands getting your hands dirty and looking beyond the obvious. Whether scouring rustic stalls in France or exploring the hidden gems of Belgium, every turn reveals craftsmanship from a bygone era.
There is an undeniable thrill in inspecting the rugged construction of wooden stool or the fine grain of a tabletop and imagining the hands that shaped it decades or centuries ago. From striking geometric wood paneled mirrors to sculptural sideboards with organic lines, the pieces that catch my eye share a common thread: authenticity, weight, patina and timeless design.
Amidst the endless scouting and antique hunting, I try to find time to take in an exhibition or museum and enjoy a few nice meals at a good local restaurant. This trip, I took a brief yet much needed pause to step into the world of Alberto Giacometti. Visiting spaces that celebrate his iconic, elongated figures and textured surfaces offers a profound shift in perspective.
Standing among those haunting, expressive plaster sculptures and textured walls is a reminder that art isn't just about decoration, it is about raw human presence and emotion. That momentary escape from the bustling flea markets into the quiet intensity of Giacometti’s studio space reminded me why we surround ourselves with objects of enduring substance.
As the Parisian street lamps flicker on and the final crates are sealed for their transatlantic journey, it is time to bid a temporary farewell to the cobblestone streets, the quiet studios, and the endless warehouse discoveries.
Back at, home sorting through the crates in an arriving shipping container is always just as exhilarating. Each piece carries the chill of a crisp European morning, the dust of a storied French warehouse, and the unmistakable charm of the hunt!
Stay tuned as our finds make their way onto our showroom floor, into our shop in Montecito or take up temporary residence in our warehouse.
