It's an exciting time to shop antiques. Whether you're a collector or a new devotee, there's a renewed energy in the industry and an explosion of interest as online auctions give all the convenience of mass-produced decor without the environmental impact. The benefits of decorating with antiques are almost endless. Antiques bring presence, even grandeur, while reflecting your personal style. They ground spaces, imbue a sense of timelessness and serve as a conversation starter. Plus, there’s an endless amount of availability with no wait times). Whether you're looking to throw in a hero piece for a vavoom effect, or to mix smaller items with contemporary furniture, we've outlined everything you need to know to find the right treasures for your home. Consider this your starting point to shopping for antiques, and mastering the deal-packed marketplace.
FIND THE MIDDLE GROUND
Auctions are often a middle ground between high-end antique retailers and more mass market stores. Thanks to sites such as Live Auctioneers and Invaluable, which partner with auction houses around the world, you can access hundreds of sales any hour of the day. These sales can be rich hunting grounds for vintage and antique furnishings, from majolica plates to well-made 19th century French farmhouse tables that sell for three times the price on designer retail sites like 1stDibs and Chairish. Online auctions, such as Lawsons, are the cheapest and easiest way to buy antiques with pictures and descriptions of items posted before each timed sale.
PERSONAL space
FIXED FEATURES DIDN'T HAMPER THIS ENSUITE DESIGN, WHICH HINTS AT ITS HARBOURSIDE LOCATION
STRIKING & stylish
AN AMBITION TO DO THE WORK ONCE AND DO IT RIGHT LED TO THIS SERIOUSLY SHOWSTOPPING ENSUITE
THE gardener's LOG
Each year, Ashley leaves his home garden to visit show gardens at Australia's most beloved horticultural festival-here, he digs up all the news, plus names to watch
SHOW STOPPER
THIS YEAR'S MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW CELEBRATED THE ESSENCE OF UNDERRATED GRACE AND CHARM
Kitchen masterclass LIGHT WORK
A CALMING PALETTE AND CONSIDERED DESIGN DETAILS ARE A JOY TO BEHOLD IN THIS KITCHEN
Buyer's guide THE BEST REST
GETTING A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP AND STAYING IN STYLE ARE EASY WITH HB'S GUIDE TO BEDS, FROM FRAMES TO MATTRESSES AND MORE
Sunrooms Let it SHINE
EVEN IN THE DEPTHS OF WINTER, A CLEVERLY DESIGNED AND STYLISH SUNROOM WILL ILLUMINATE YOUR HOME
Personality plus
BOWERBIRD INSTINCTS AND A LOVE OF COLOUR MAKE THIS COUPLE'S HOME A CELEBRATION OF VIBRANT DESIGN
MODERN MAGIC
WHEN EMBARKING ON THIS NEW BUILD IN TASMANIA, A FAMILY CREATED A HOME TO SUIT THEIR EVERY NEED
CLEAN & BRIGHT
While homeowners Catherine and Simon didn't immediately take to this Sydney property, a renovation transformed it into their forever home.