There is a new trend developing in the design world which is embracing imperfection and patina. There’s a certain desirability in objects that have lived before us, that tell a story. At Vivianne Metzger Antiques in Cashiers, Vivianne, her daughter Cherie, son-in-law Bill and son Dave welcome visitors into a world where every antique tells a story.
If the past decade prized neutral minimalism, the next is seeing a shift toward the soulful and imperfect: homes that feel storied, rooms that whisper craftsmanship, and a new guard of collectors who prize personality over perfection.
There are several exciting trends defining antiques today. The first is antique furniture. We in the antique business have often cringed when our stock has been referred to as “Brown Furniture.”
This category is here to stay so learn how to love it and wisely acquire it. Mixing the warmth of English oak, mahogany or walnut woods with pine or painted furniture is having a resurgence. Collectors and designers seem to be drawn to the swirling grain and craftsmanship of solid walnut, elm burr, and flame mahogany. People are realizing they want sustainable, beautiful, and built-to-last pieces.
Cherie and Bill Tibbetts
Second is the return of the plate wall. The taste for antiques is rising and you can start with accessories. Once the domain of English country dining rooms, the plate wall is making a comeback. Traditional transferware and majolica displayed on walls to add color to classically decorated homes or cream-colored studio pottery in more modern settings, creates a work of art in its own right.
Third is the use of antique textiles. Long overlooked, collectors are gravitating toward antique fabrics, rugs, and needlepoint. Gray is out and color is back. A beautiful set of antique needlepoint chairs can bring warmth, depth and authenticity to contemporary rooms, adding the timeworn soul that makes a space feel truly lived-in. Buyers are interested in provenance more than ever. They want pieces with stories and soul.
Vivianne Metzger Antiques is a place you will want to visit to search for treasures and stories to add to your home. They have been direct importers from Europe for almost 30 years. Come visit Vivianne, Cherie, Bill and Dave at their shop and warehouse located at 31 Canoe Point off Valley Road in Cashiers. Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. from May to Thanksgiving.
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