-By Mollie Magill-
Armed with nothing more than a tape measure, a camera and a cute pair of ballet flats, Elizabeth Bauer begins “the hunt.” For this charismatic interior designer, the hunt refers to scouring antique shops and flea markets around the globe, in search of one-of-a-kind vintage and modern pieces for clients and for Elizabeth Bauer Design retail locations in New York City and Nantucket, Massachusetts.
Photo by David Lewis Taylor
Elizabeth Bauer delights in vintage shopping: “The fun is in seeing the potential of a piece.”
For a mid-century design aficionado, browsing one of Bauer’s shops is rather like a child exploring Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Refurbished antiques in a variety of shapes are mixed with bright modern artworks; art deco chandeliers mix harmoniously with mid-century mirrors, and a smattering of home accessories range from Lucite candlesticks to vintage ceramic bookends. Bauer blends colors, patterns and textures and designs from different periods in a way that only a courageous imagination can conjure.
Bauer’s love for the hunt was born at young age when her mother brought her along to yard sales. After college, she worked at Oprah’s Home Magazine and Vogue, career moves that are reflected in her ability to juxtapose everyday items with high-end, couture accessories.
Few are lucky enough to accompany Bauer on these shopping excursions—she prefers to shop alone so that she doesn’t feel rushed or influenced—so we asked the queen of mix-and-match to share her vintage shopping secrets with VandM readers, just in time for the holiday season.
If you do this, there will always be a common thread; somehow it always works. For instance, in my stores I dont ever plan for pieces to specifically work together. I buy from different time periods and mix color and pattern. But by buying what I like, my design aesthetic comes through; it always seems to work.
I have been collecting Staffordshire china for the past ten years. I have a great collection of purple polychrome plates. In decorating my cottage in Nantucket I plan to display them on the living room wall.
A piece of furniture may have old and tattered upholstery, however, if the shape and scale are right, fresh new fabric can transform the piece into a stunning blend of old and new. I love imagining how pieces might be transformed and I love the challenge of refurbishing a piece of furniture to add a fresh, modern twist.
If I am shopping for a client, I am usually looking for something very specific, so in that situation the pieces are mostly predetermined. I liken shopping for myself to shopping for the perfect black dress: You often dont find exactly what you want when you’re looking for it. With vintage shopping, I am often pleasantly surprised by what I come across.
Paris is definitely at the top of my list. The best vintage find I’ve ever had was a beautiful anchor side table at the Paris flea market. It is such a unique piece of furniture and perfect for my store in Nantucket. In the states, I have had some great finds in Palm Beach, Florida, and Brimfield, Massachusetts. Estate sales and auctions are often good places for great vintage finds as well. Vintage shopping can be hit or miss, so I don’t think it is affected by the time of year.
I love walking through a flea market and snatching up whatever catches my eye. I don’t like to spend too much time in one place—if a piece is right I will know right away. If I find myself mulling over something for an extending period of time, it is probably not for me.
Do your research and educate yourself on what pieces are worth. If you’re in a flea market setting and you come across a piece of furniture you think you could get a better deal on, go ahead and bargain! What do you have to lose? On the other hand, if you are in a small antique/vintage shop they may not be able to go down in price—but it never hurts to ask.
It is all about finding a great shape. Something that is unique but ultimately something that you love and you believe can bring character to your home. At the end of the day, I love the satisfaction of finding at least one item that will add personality to my home. This year I found a beautiful Kilim rug that I am now scheming my living room around in my Nantucket cottage.
Nantucket Location
44 Centre Street
Nantucket, MA 02554
508-228-4460
Photo by Jeffrey Allen
Bauer cites Paris as one of her top cities for vintage finds. Two favorites are an anchor side table, (rear) and a pair of anchor andirons displayed in her Nantucket shop.
Photo by Jeffrey Allen
With its mix of vintage and modern furnishings in a riot of colors and textures, Elizabeth Bauer’s Nantucket shop is a delight for the senses.
Photo by Jeffrey Allen
Reupholstered in a playful striped fabric, this sofa in Bauer’s Nantucket shop is a striking blend of the old and the new.
Photo by Laura Moss
Expertly mixing patterns, colors and periods is an Elizabeth Bauer trademark. In her New York City storefront, pattern reigns supreme.
