Ep. 402: Antique Hunting Tips & Tricks with Debbie Mathews

Caroline, Taryn, and Liz welcome back Debbie Mathews to the show, an antiques expert & dealer with over 30 years of experience running her showroom and design business in Nashville, Tennessee. Debbie shares her valuable insights on selecting timeless antique pieces that can seamlessly integrate into any home.

Debbie also addresses essential pieces for newcomers to the antique world, provides practical advice on what to look for when buying and caring for antiques, along with tips for identifying current trends in the antique market. This week's episode is packed with expert tips and fundamental knowledge essential for anyone interested in antiques or looking to enhance their home decor. Join us for a delightful conversation filled with practical insights and a lively discussion on antiques!

Watch this week's episode in video format on Ballard Designs' YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZEyirzhTWWg

What You’ll Hear On This Episode:

• 00:00 Introduction to the How to Decorate Podcast Podcast
• 00:35 Welcoming Antiques Expert Debbie Mathews
• 01:22 Key Pieces for Young Antique Collectors
• 02:41 Versatile Antique Furniture Recommendations
• 13:11 Shopping for Antiques: Tips and Tricks
• 24:26 Understanding Antique Pricing and Value
• 41:04 Dealing with Infestations in Antique Furniture
• 42:35 Exploring Antique Lighting Design
• 44:36 Collecting Vintage Lamps and Mirrors
• 48:23 Challenges of Rewiring Antique Fixtures
• 55:41 Trends in Antique Furniture
• 59:49 Solving Kitchen Seating Dilemmas
• 01:10:08 Conclusion and Farewell

Decorating Dilemma:

Hi Jess,

The hosts empathize with your kitchen seating dilemma, highlighting the cozy nook as a beautiful feature in your home. Debbie offers several insightful suggestions to improve your space.

First, she emphasizes the importance of comfort, noting that the current banquette seat depth is insufficient for enjoyable dining. Debbie recommends either rebuilding the banquette to provide a deeper seat or removing it altogether and incorporating a standalone table and chairs, allowing for greater flexibility in the space.

For the table, she suggests considering an oval design, which can enhance movement around the area and better accommodate the flow of your kitchen. Debbie also addresses your lighting concerns, recommending that you either center the existing fixture or consider using a ceiling medallion to create a polished look while covering any patch jobs.

Ultimately, Debbie encourages you to trust your instincts and make the changes that best suit your comfort and style, ensuring that the space serves your needs.

Best of luck with your kitchen updates! We hope these tips help bring a fresh approach to your seating area.

- How to Decorate

Also Mentioned:

• Shop Ballard Designs | Website
• DebbieMathews.com | Website
• @debbiemathewsdesigns | Instagram
• Debbie Mathews Antiques | Instagram
• Debbie Mathews Antique & Design Shop | Chairish
• Ep. 177: Debbie Mathews | Prior Appearance on Podcast

Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it’ll automatically download to your phone.

Happy Decorating!