This episode turns our preconceived notion about Millennials and their choices in home decor on its head. In an interview with Susan Morrow (PR specialist by day, antique dealer by night), we are delightfully surprised to learn about the unexpected buying trends of this younger consumer. We also discuss an emerging trend of South African home design.

See Show Notes at www.hpdarch.com/ahh73. By the way, Holly, my co-host, was unavailable for this recording. She will be back on a future episode. :)

 

Old boxes are popular finds at antique shows

Solid wood tables with versatility and character are a hot commodity at antique shows

 
In this Episode
In Episode 73 of The Architecture Happy Hour Podcast, Laura interviews Susan Morrow of Morrow & Associates about her experience as a vendor at the Roundtop Antiques Show in Roundtop, Texas. Here's what we learned:

Antique trends mimic what we see in the design industry.
A surprising growing number of Millennials are attending and buying at antique shows.
A taste of nostalgia is driving younger buyers to connect with their memories of growing up.
Millennials are looking for simple, practical pieces that will endure.
Pieces must be useful in everyday living, such as toy boxes or decorative storage.
Buyers at the antique show are not looking for DIY pieces. They must be portable and ready to use.
Hot design trends include:

Architectural pieces for big impact on the wall
Quilts are popular as large, colorful wall hangings
Large signs with character (think restaurants, gas stations, rail yards)
The Tuscany look is still popular, even with trends towards minimalism
Buyers want a unique specimen antique piece to display against a clean, uncluttered space backdrop
South African trend represents a clean wall, less ornamentation, with colorful accessories



 

Architectural panels offer big impact and texture to large, hard-to-fill walls
Notable and Shareable Take Aways

The hunt and discovery of a special, antique piece of furniture is as much a part of the story as the piece itself
The years of wear on a farmhouse table give it character and invite the new owner to be part of its legacy
In a culture of quick media, digital interactions, and disposable furniture, antiques fill a void for younger buyers who want a connection with something that lasts
The emerging home design trend of South African design combines the restraint of minimalism and the personality of natural materials and color

 

Quilts and textiles work well as wall hangings (photo credit Roundtop Antiques)

 

South African design is growing in popularity, combining clean, contemporary architecture with natural materials, and colorful accents

 

South African design encourages use of light, high ceilings, clean white walls, and interesting accents in metal and wood

Resources and Links

Roundtop, Texas Antiques Fall Show October 1-6, 2018
Southwestern Elegance, Ingram, Texas
For more about the Roundtop Antique Show trends, visit this blog post on hpdarch.com.

https://www.hpdarch.com/decorating-trends-revealed-original-round-top-antiques-fair/

Check out this article showing an example of South African architecture and interior design. Gorgeous!

https://www.dezeen.com/2017/06/02/house-iiia-fold-architects-cape-town-south-africa-pink/?li_source=LI&li_medium=bottom_block_1

 

 
About Your Hosts
hpd architecture + interiors principals Laura Davis and Holly Hall are both registered architects and interior designers in Dallas, Texas specializing in residential design. Laura and Holly co-host the popular podcast, The Architecture Happy Hour, where they share their thoughts and tips on architecture and interior design, from helping owners select the right architect to never being too late to begin a career in architecture.

Each month, Laura and Holly organize the successful, monthly,