Now that summer’s over, I’m excited to spend weekends back in the city and that always includes a trip to the flea market. This was one of the best tables of the day with boxes of beautiful mother-of-pearl and shell buttons, all salvaged from old embellishment factories.

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At the Hell’s Kitchen Annex, a collection of vintage art in old, wooden frames caught my eye.

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This pair of French side chairs I thought were beautiful. They have such a great shape to them, but you just have to look past the fabric and imagine them in a new way! This dresser, too, would be great in the country with a sink dropped into it. I’d do a blue and white hexagon tile floor and tea towel curtains in the windows.

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I loved the weighty handle on this Sheffield silverplate crumber I found.

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It was originally used to clean tables between courses, but wouldn’t it be an elegant way to serve grilled salmon steak as well?

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Check out these beautiful 1920s mirrored sconces. I think the scalloped edge is so pretty, don’t you? They would be perfect in a powder room or hallway. 

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This hotel silver dish I picked up would be great in a bathroom filled with beautiful French milled soaps.

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Toast racks make great desk accessories for holding stationary and note cards. This Swedish porcelain one I thought was quite nice.

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The holidays are just around the corner, so now’s the time to keep an eye out for beautiful antique ribbon. It makes even the most mundane gift look magnificent!

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So much of my inspiration comes from old books and photographs. I love seeing the way people used to decorate and entertain over a hundred years ago. It always seemed so elegant, and that’s what I love to do as well—but always with a modern twist!

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Boxes like these may look like a pile of junk, but they’re often the ones with the most hidden treasures. That fork on the right would make a beautiful hostess gift come holiday time!

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This antique brown paper bag I loved for its simple shape and graphic. I’m already getting inspired for my online store to come, The Butler’s Pantry NYC!

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After a horrendous day of rain from hurricane Hannah that kept me indoors much too long, the flea market was just the thing I needed!      

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