and a modern painting, adding aged character to the entrance hall. Photo by Emily Followill. Alcottinteriors.com.
Antiquing with Carolyn Kendall
Words by Ellen Jones
When she’s not working with her team designing sumptuous interiors for the Plateau’s most exclusive homes, interior designer Carolyn Kendall is combing Parisian flea markets for one-of-a-kind finds or lifting her paddle at auction houses.
As the creative powerhouse behind residential design firm Alcott Interiors, Kendall infuses her projects with a signature blend of elegance, sophistication, and timeless charm. Through her lens of meticulous attention to detail, color, character, and texture all align in harmony. The result is interiors that are grand yet utterly livable. Traditional yet modern.
Based in Nashville but always on the roam, Kendall’s globe-trotting adventures have rendered her an expert in sourcing unique treasures. Extensive travels across Europe have not only broadened Kendall’s horizons but served as a wellspring of inspiration for her design philosophy.
19th-century French farm table paired with a modern chandelier and dining chairs. Design by Alcott Interiors in Chattooga Club. Photo by Courtney Snyder. Alcottinteriors.com.
“Traveling to places like France, Italy, and England has always been so inspiring to me,” she explains. “I have been importing containers of home furnishings for many years and there is something so exciting about finding a beautiful antique that may have lived in an Italian villa showing up in the North Carolina mountains to its new home with all the aged patina and character from its life over the pond. The depth of character an antique piece brings to a room is very special.”
Indeed, in the realm of interiors, Louis XIV’s writing desk or a Rococo armchair can make a statement unlike any other. Heritage pieces, steeped in history and craftsmanship, serve as more than just furnishings — they are gateways to another era, inviting us to immerse ourselves in the elegance and opulence of centuries past.
Kendall agrees. “The narrative woven into each vintage or antique piece we acquire often spans the history of its maker, previous owners, or the captivating tale of its discovery. One unforgettable journey in Parma led me to acquire a pair of secretaries from a dealer based in Florence. Later, I had the opportunity to trace their origins and witness the spaces they once adorned before embarking on their voyage to America. My favorite dealer managed to procure pieces from George Clooney’s Lake Como residence, bringing them to Nashville, where they found a new home and purpose.”
Incorporating antiques into interiors is a well-honed skill that creates a layered space that transcends time. After all, the desired result is a chic abode rather than an austere museum. How does Kendall master the artful juxtaposition of integrating antiques in a way that remains current? “First and foremost, creating an eclectic mix in a house is what I love most,” she enthuses. “By mixing diverse types of antiques in a room, such as porcelain, artwork, furnishings, and lighting with new upholstery, I create looks that are fresh.”
Carved antique panels at Sagee Manor in Highlands. Photo by Courtney Snyder.
“The starting point of a project is always the client and their hopes for the house. Sometimes, a family heirloom or a significant architectural feature will be the focal point. When a house is a new-build, we find the perfect thing to anchor the room, be it an antique tapestry or a modern painting juxtaposed in a period gilt frame.”
Reworking how pieces were originally purposed is another way Kendall puts a modern spin on antiquing. “I am intrigued with how antique pieces were originally used and I embrace changing the uses for contemporary needs. For instance, an Oriental carpet that was originally a wall hanging or table covering we will use as a carpet on the floor.”
And as for those best-kept secrets. Where does she source her treasures? “I enjoy shopping at the markets and street fairs in Paris, Rome, and Milan. I often get out into the countryside to shop in smaller French villages and towns like Avignon, Beziers, and Montpellier, as well as Italian jaunts around Bologna. I often supplement my buying trips by purchasing from my favorite dealer friends in the States when their containers arrive from other countries such as Spain and Belgium.”
This masculine bar area is anchored by wool plaid draperies, an antique English table with drop leaves on the side, and brass hardware. Design by Alcott Interiors. Photo by Isabella Kendall. Alcottinteriors.com.
Finding extraordinary antiques doesn’t always mean going to their country of origin. Kendall is a huge fan of auctions, from legendary houses to local auctioneers. “I love the classic auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s but also like ones closer to home such as Northgate Gallery or Clements in Tennessee.”
With the majority of today’s auction houses offering sales both in-person and online, which does she prefer? “When possible, I do prefer to be there in person to get a feel for the proportions, patina, and to check the condition thoroughly. That said, I recently bought a painting at auction painted by artist Constantin Kluge that hit me when I saw it and it did not disappoint when it arrived.”
“Online auctions are great as they offer access to antiques to a wider market who cannot get there in person or don’t want to sit through and bid.”
From craftsmanship to counterfeits, when it comes to quality and authenticity, Kendall explains these are the tell-tale hallmarks she always looks out for. “Details like dovetail or Knapp joints on drawers, and even hand-forged nails can help determine age. I also keep an eye out for multiple wood species. Often, finer woods like walnut and mahogany can be paired with pine or less expensive woods on drawer bottoms. The wood species can also indicate where something was made. Of course, signatures and maker’s marks will reveal a piece’s age and offer a way to research similarly sold items by the same artist or craftsmen for an idea of value.”
A mix of vintage breakfast room chairs, an antique English table, and a modern chandelier. Design by Alcott Interiors in Chattooga Club. Photo by Courtney Snyder. Alcottinteriors.com.
For those wanting to explore the world of antique collecting themselves, what does Kendall recommend when it comes to securing a good price? “When bringing items to the US, always inquire, ‘Is this your best price for export?’ Additionally, when purchasing multiple items from the same dealer, consider asking if there’s a potential cost break. Dealers often accommodate such requests.”
“When I buy antiques at markets and fairs, I tend to ask for pricing on many more things than I buy. Don’t feel bad about asking if you know you’ll be actually buying something. Also, once you get to know certain dealers, you’ll know what their price range tends to be. Finding your desired aesthetic at a specific price point is part of the hunt and so exciting when you find just the right piece!”
Starting or enriching your own antique collection is a thrilling journey filled with discovery, history, and the joy of finding that perfect piece to add a splash of character to your home. Here, Carolyn Kendall reveals her top tips for antiquing like a pro collector.
Carolyn Kendall’s Top Antiquing Tips
Nail Your Aesthetic
Consider what provenance and styles will complement your home and existing furnishings. Don’t be afraid to mix antique pieces with different aesthetics into your space.
Get Inspired by Travel
Explore the world’s diverse cultures and design aesthetics through exciting trips to places like France, Italy, England, and Morocco. Traveling allows you to absorb the unique cultural influences, history, and design aesthetics of each location.
Hunt for Treasures
Dive into the bustling markets, street fairs, and hidden gems of smaller villages and towns in Europe. Don’t forget to check out trusted dealers Stateside who import treasures from across the globe.
Seek Authenticity
Trustworthy dealers and importers are your best allies in ensuring you’re bringing home genuine pieces with rich histories. By forging relationships with trusted sources, you gain invaluable guides offering their expertise and insight to help you navigate the world of antiquities.
Plan Ahead
When shopping in person, come prepared with measurements and photos of your living space. This ensures that the pieces you choose will seamlessly integrate into your home in terms of size and style.
Negotiation Tactics
Always inquire about the best price for export when bringing items to the US. When purchasing multiple items from the same dealer, ask if there’s a possibility of a cost break.
Strategic Pricing
Request pricing on several items even if you don’t intend to buy them all. Get to know dealers’ price ranges and tailor your negotiation approach accordingly.
Know Your Stuff
Learn the difference between “antique” (100 years or older) and “vintage” (between 20 and 100 years) and train your eye to spot craftsmanship clues like joinery techniques and maker’s marks.
Auction Adventures
Keep the thrill alive by checking out both in-person and online auctions for unique finds. If possible, nothing beats the excitement of inspecting items first-hand.
Enjoy the Hunt
Enjoy the process of finding the perfect piece at the right price. The excitement of discovering treasures adds to the experience.
Navigate Importing
If your heart’s set on something overseas, be sure to navigate the ins and outs of shipping and customs, especially for those big-ticket items. A small purchase can often be FedExed, but arranging a container or partial container with a reputable importer is the right decision for larger, expensive items.
Embrace the Stories
Each piece has its own fascinating tale to tell, whether it’s about its maker, previous owners, or the adventure of how you found it.
Share your favorite antique piece and use #NCLFavoriteFind. To learn more about Alcott Interiors, visit Alcottinteriors.com.