“This is not your typical Market showroom experience,” said Shaulis. “All 75 dealers are focused on creating perfectly styled vignettes that are constantly changing. As pieces sell, they move them around. They buy from each other to ensure their spaces always sparkle. They also hold back inventory to sell later in the week. One of my most memorable purchases was a double-sided 4.5 ft by 7 ft unsigned painting with different subject matter on each side. My clients were captivated by the energy and movement of this unique piece. I installed it in their Brooklyn penthouse and traveled with it to reinstall in two different homes in London.”
“I’m a sucker for vintage jewelry,” said Katie Wozniak, owner of Katherine Elizabeth Designs in Barrington, Illinois. “Those glass cases drew me in, and the enthusiasm and wisdom of the vendors keeps me coming back. I tell younger colleagues, ‘Design a room with all new items. Then place one or two antiques. You’ll feel the energy change immediately with another layer of complexity and personality.’ Introducing pieces with a story brings new meaning and life to a home. My favorite was a stone carved hitching post I found for a grateful client. Next Market, I’ll buy for our firm’s new showroom – bringing more vintage pieces and antiques from the ADC to the Chicago area!”
“I came by my love of antiques early,” said District of Columbia designer Christian Daw. “My grandmother and stepmother owned several shops. I quickly learned that the story is the soul of the space, and reproductions just can’t have the same impact. Unfortunately, many young designers think antiques and vintage pieces are too expensive to consider or fear they will have to brave stuffy flea market type stores to search for potential treasures. I encourage them, and anyone else with these misperceptions, to visit the ADC. I don’t think there’s anyplace else where you can receive such a valuable education or one-of-a-kind experience – whether your budget is $50 or $50,000.”