Beyond the Big Box: Aussie Designers Spill Their Secrets for Unearthing Unique Vintage Treasures
Creating a home that truly speaks to your individual style and personality is an art form that extends far beyond the polished aisles of mainstream retailers. It’s about cultivating an instinct for uncovering the hidden allure of forgotten objects and thoughtfully weaving them into your space to tell your unique narrative. When striving for a home that feels intrinsically you, relying solely on popular stores for every piece simply won’t cut it. This is precisely why vintage and antique emporiums have become veritable meccas for interior designers and stylists alike. After all, where else can you unearth such an extraordinary collection of one-of-a-kind finds?
To discover the best spots for sourcing these vintage gems, we’ve tapped into the expertise of some of Australia’s leading interior designers. We asked them about their go-to destinations for hunting down vintage furniture, antique pieces, and unique decor for their own homes. Here’s a curated list of their favourite haunts, offering a glimpse into where true design magic happens.
The Allure of the Imperfect and the Stories They Tell
For many designers, the appeal of vintage lies in its inherent character. The wear, the slight imperfections, and the patina of age all contribute to a piece’s narrative, making it far more compelling than something straight off the production line.
Richard Misso from The Stylesmiths confesses a deep affection for vintage finds that bear the marks of time. “I’m obsessed with vintage finds that are worn, imperfect and full of character,” he shares. His top pick for a truly immersive treasure hunt is The Vintage Shed. “It’s brilliant for accessories, bookshelves and everything from Art Deco through to the 1970s – it’s truly a treasure hunt in a big shed,” he enthuses.
Another essential stop for Misso is Castorina in Fitzroy. “It’s always a great mix of mostly European vintage lighting, sofas, coffee tables, lamps, accessories and artwork,” he explains. “I love popping in because you never know what you’ll find.” For those seeking “incredible cool vintage pieces,” Nicholas & Alistair also makes his list.
A Warehouse of Wonders and Unexpected Delights
Jacinta Woods of Woods & Warner highlights the captivating experience of discovering hidden gems within a seemingly unassuming location. She describes The Merchants Warehouse in Annandale as a place that “quietly reels you in and then completely sweeps you away.”
Her initial visit, a spontaneous detour during a project, led to an unexpected delight. “When I first wandered in… I wasn’t expecting much. But within minutes I found myself grinning like a kid in a treasure cavern,” she recalls. The space itself is an adventure, with each corner revealing a new cluster of vintage stores brimming with personality. “There’s something genuinely fun about the way the space unfolds. Each corner reveals another cluster of vintage stores overflowing with personality: mid-century pieces that beg to be adopted, old-school lights with stories etched into their enamel, quirky art that stops you mid-stride, and fashion racks brimming with fabulous one-offs.”
The unexpected finds extend to the realm of textiles. “And just when I thought I’d seen it all, I stumbled across rolls of leftover upholstery fabrics – from Designers Guild to Westbury and Ralph Lauren – lined up like a decorator’s dream,” Woods adds. This felt like “a lucky dip for grown-ups who adore beautiful things.” She concludes, “Honestly, browsing through those stores didn’t feel like shopping at all. It felt playful, surprising, and wonderfully absorbing – exactly the kind of place where you wander in “just for a look” and suddenly you’ve spent an hour smiling your way through rooms full of character and charm.”
Specialising in European Charm and Eclectic Finds
For those with a penchant for a particular aesthetic, certain stores offer a more curated experience. Emma Blomfield of EB Studio points to Rue de France in Botany for those on the hunt for specific, hard-to-find items. “Rue de France in Botany is by appointment only, but if you’re hunting for vintage Champagne buckets (and I’m talking, seriously old and seriously cool) along with other treasures like Louis Vuitton vintage trunks, copper jelly molds and French bread boards, then make a time to visit!” she advises.
For a touch of aspirational European vintage, Blomfield recommends Parterre Gardens in the East. “Over in the East, Parterre Gardens is a favourite where I like to dream about the house I’ll own one day and fill with European vintage finds from their store!”
Marylou Sobel of Marylou Sobel Interior Design prioritises spaces that evoke a strong sense of history. “When I’m sourcing vintage and antique pieces, I’m drawn to places with a real sense of history and discovery,” she states. For “museum-worthy furniture and objects that instantly add gravitas to a room,” Graham Geddes Antiques in Melbourne is her top recommendation.
For those seeking romantic French pieces and exquisite garden finds, Lydie du Bray Antiques in Bowral and Maison et Jardin in Double Bay are consistently favoured. Sobel also finds inspiration for lighting and mirrors with personality at Tamsin Johnson’s showroom, noting its “eclectic designs.”
The Enduring Appeal of Pre-Loved Pieces and Online Discoveries
Lauren Egan of Lauren Egan Design views vintage pieces as particularly precious. “Vintage pieces are perhaps my most treasured,” she says. “Not only do they tend to be enduring (having survived thus far), but they carry with them a story of being loved and a sense of custodianship rather than ownership.”
Egan emphasizes the importance of a discerning eye and knowing where to look. “It again takes a good eye to curate from all the noise that’s out there, so knowing where to go puts you in good stead to finding your own treasures.”
For a comprehensive vintage experience in Melbourne’s Fitzroy and Collingwood precincts, Egan suggests starting at Ma House Supply Store. “For the full Fitzroy/Collingwood vintage experience warm up at Ma House Supply Store where Ben has curated a wonderful mix of homeware curio. His store is a visual feast and you’ll find it hard to walk away empty handed.”
Continuing the journey, Smith St Bazaar offers a mix of homewares and high-quality modern design furniture. Then, it’s a hop to Angelucci 20th Century for “European mid-century wonders.” For “the ultimate in European luxury vintage furniture,” Egan points to Castorina on Gertrude Street.
Beyond physical stores, Egan also embraces the convenience of online platforms. “I also love to scour more online stores like CCSS and the weekly treasure chest of wares in the Leonard Joel weekly Auction Salon,” she notes. As a Melbourne resident unable to visit in person regularly, she also relies on Secondi and Cleo Collects, both of which source from European markets.
These insights from Australia’s design elite offer a roadmap for anyone looking to infuse their homes with character, history, and undeniable individuality. By venturing beyond the usual suspects and exploring the rich landscape of vintage and antique stores, you too can uncover those special pieces that tell your story.
