Elizabeth Cook
How would you define your home's style?
My home is collected, layered, and a continual work in progress! I relish storied objects with history and personality which is probably why those with a second, third, or sometimes fourth life are often times that much more intriguing to me. A friend of mine, @LilseMcKenna, recently noted that “your home should reflect as much of you as possible: where you’ve been, where you are, where you hope to be” and I couldn’t agree with this more.
How did you get into "hunting" vintage and antique treasures?
I stumbled across my first estate sale in Atlanta’s Tuxedo Park years ago and bought an upholstered club chair in Quadrille’s Island Ikat fabric on the spot. My now husband and I had just moved into our first home that needed a lot of furnishing. Once I realized the price and quality difference, I was hooked and have been working to continually educate myself on both in-person estate sales and online auctions since. The “hunt” is truly my version of “therapy” and love that you never know what you will find!
What is your favorite find to date?
My current favorite find is an old box of fabric bolts from Jayne Wrightsman’s estate via STAIR galleries. Jayne oozed style, charisma (even added a “y” to the spelling of her name for some extra flair) and had a beautiful life-long collection of one-of-a-kind antiques and insatiable upholstery. Her family auctioned off “lots” of her leftover fabric that was originally sourced by Henri Samuel. There were several “lots” I was interested in but I set a price limit for myself ahead of the sale and ended up “winning” one that was filled with over 50 yards of Pierre Frey’s Plumettes patten along with corresponding Samuel & Sons trim. I had no idea where the fabric would go then or who had made it but I had a new home that I knew needed a lot of upholstery down the road and that I was getting a great deal! I am so glad that I took the plunge that day and bid on the fabric. If I had purchased (with my designer’s license) from our local decorating center, ADAC, it would have cost me around 85% more. The fabric is so much nicer than what I ever would have bought and is going to make such a fun statement in a room in our home that I am completely covering in the pattern. It is currently with our upholster but I am really excited to see the end result.
What do you collect?
I hoard all sorts of interesting home accessories that I score at bargain basement prices. With the way I shop, I honestly purchase what I love that is cost affordable for me and usually find a place for it later. In particular, I am always looking for unique vessels for my bookshelves, candlestick holders for tablescapes, and fabric for future upholstery!
Is there a collection that you aspire to start?
I have a few Christopher Spitzmiller marbleized plates that I purchased from my favorite NYC thrift store, Housing Works, years ago. I would love to grow my collection for a fun gallery wall or a beautiful Clover Brook Farm look-a-like dinner party spread one day. I also always keep my eyes peeled for his lamps via online auctions and have his name saved to my account so it alerts me anytime his name pops up in a sale across the country. Of note, this is a small setting change in your Live Auctioneers account that will help with your “hunting” immensely. If you’re interested, update your settings so every time a particular item or designer you’ve been eyeing goes up for sale and you are notified. I probably have 100 saved searches and it is so helpful to know when these items are online, whether they’re in my backyard or across the country. A few examples of my current saved searches include, but are not limited to Charles Edward London, Christopher Spitzmiller, hand-painted furniture, John Fowler, Vaughn lighting, Bunny Williams, etc.
Do you have a piece that you regret not buying… essentially, the one that got away?
Similar to my favorite find being a part of the Jayne Wrightsman sale, I should have tried to purchase more in that particular auction. I still go back and look at what a few of the “lots” I admired ended up selling for and kick myself.
In addition, there was an amazing in-person estate sale in Atlanta years ago. Zuber panels in the entry sort of good! I recognized the quality of the sale but I was young, poor, and didn’t have much room left in my then apartment to store pieces for my future home! lol.
In the beginning, you think there will be other sales similar. Although this is true, it may not happen for years which is why if you see something you love at an estate sale - you should grab it! Sometimes I still dream about being back at the sale and what I would have grabbed today. Shoulda, woulda, coulda!
On the flip side, is there a piece that you regret purchasing?
Oh a ton. I’ve learned though that I can always sell later if needed! However, I’d also say some of those pieces I thought were major misses ended up being some of our favorite finds down the road. If I were more practical and paid full-price, I would maybe concentrate on the items I really need for spaces but my dream finds are those that I love and are at an insane price. If I love the piece or pieces, I figure I’ll find a place for them. Collected > 100% together any day in my book!
A few years ago, I impulsively purchased a bunch of pieces from an auction in Palm Beach. Due to the price tag to ship, my sweet husband agreed to hop in a uhaul with me and make it into a fun getaway. When we got to the auction house, it turned out that I had completely missed the mark. A mirror I thought would go in our guest bathroom was literally the size of a wall and chairs I admired were sized for children. He was mad and I felt so silly for not measuring ahead of bidding! But we ultimately did end up with a few great pieces and that trip is probably our favorite to date. It made it so memorable and the pieces in our home from that trip always make me smile as it reminds me of that spur-of-the-moment trip!
Preferred place to "hunt" for vintage and antique pieces... Auctions? Flea Markets? Estate Sales? Antique Stores? Facebook Marketplace? Craiglist? Local Thrift Stores? Specific Websites?
I spend the most time “hunting” online via Live Auctioneers. I recently relocated to my hometown of Columbus, Georgia, and there just aren’t many estate sales esp. quality ones nearby. As such, I have really switched my focus to primarily online and it is amazing the pieces with storied pasts that come available. For example, I was bidding just yesterday in a home sale that was completely decorated by the late Albert Hadley, spying pieces for pennies on the dollar that once belonged to Jeffrey Epstein (don’t worry, I didn’t bid on any upholstery!). It truly is amazing what you can find and today these sales get me the most excited. Plus, I can search while in the comfort of my home without needing to travel.
Do you prefer to "hunt" alone or with the company of others?
I really like to do both. If I am by myself, I am much more focused and I would consider it as “me time” where I could really recharge. If I am hunting with others, I usually always suggest we take two cars in case one of us scores big and needs the trunk space. It also allows us to sort of go at our own pace without one party feeling like they are constantly waiting on the other. If you are with a friend who you know would appreciate the sale and has a good design eye, then it can be that much more fun, but you have to have the right one with you.
What essentials do you pack in your purse when you're out treasure hunting?
I bring a tape measure, cell phone with a list of measurements of select pieces that I know I need in my notes app, checkbook to negotiate, and usually a diet coke or water.
Any tips for negotiating or securing a better deal?
While some may suggest to go on the first day to a physical estate sale to get the “best stuff”, I personally prefer to go on the last day to get the best deals. If an estate sale has multiple days, it usually automatically means that the pricing will decrease a % every day of the sale. Often times the items I am most interested in are still there and I have a lot more negotiation power. This is one of the many benefits of being #offtrend in my book!
On the last day, the organizers of the sale are even more inclined to just move product and will be open to cutting you a deal off the lowest price listed. Out of the courtesy to the sale organizers, I usually do not negotiate until the last day unless I am purchasing a fair amount of loot. Due to my friendly relationship with Atlanta sale organizers, they tend to keep me in the loop with notable sales and cut me deals when it makes sense on the last day if there is a piece I’m interested in.
If you’re hoping to negotiate, I would be sure to bring cash or your checkbook to make the process easier for all parties. Plus, you save on the credit card processing fees!
In addition, you can use the weather and season to your advantage! For example, if it’s off-season in Palm Beach or downpour raining at your local physical estate sale--the better chance you have to score for less because you have less competition. Darwin's theory applies to just about everything in life but esp. to thrifting. The less people shopping, the more anxious the sale organizers may be to sell items to you for less than originally planned.
Are you an impulsive shopper and buy pieces that you don't have a spot for, or do you primarily stick to your list?
Impulsive, 100%. You have to be in the right mood sometimes to truly treasure hunt.
What mistakes do you think people make while shopping for vintage and antique pieces?
I believe people often mistake vintage for antique.
When shopping second-hand they believe they are getting a great deal just because a piece is used. This is not always the case! My best tip for pricing is education. If you have your phone on you, do a quick google search to see the market value and/or what a similar item may have sold for in the past (you can also look at the past sales tab via Live Auctioneers to gauge). I have also learned that cost and worth are two different things. If something is available to you now with no shipping cost, that is an added advantage and may be worth the extra dollars to you personally. It just completely depends!
Lastly, a common misconception about estate sales is that they are thrown when someone dies by their family. Although this happens frequently, it is not always the case. Some of the best estate sales I’ve been to are when someone living is moving and doesn’t want to deal with their previous home belongings.
What is the wildest experience you've had while pursuing an antique or vintage item?
I have had a lot of comical experiences but I am not sure what the wildest would be. I’ll have to keep you posted!
Do you have any advice for someone who is just getting started with Auctions, Flea Markets, Estate Sales, Antique Stores, etc.?
Download the LiveAuctioneers app and head straight to the site on your browser to create an account. For reference, Live Auctioneers is the leading curator of estate sales and auctions around the world. There are other similar online sources such as Invaluable and BidSquare but I personally prefer LiveAuctioneers.
Use the “find auctions” drop down to find sales near you. It is helpful to know about those around you for two reasons: you will have the ability to “preview” the sites up for sale if you choose and you can escape any cross-country moving expenses.
Use specific search terms on the website’s browser. Play around with your queries by searching not only by designer, but by decade, material, color, or print to find the most interesting things to you. For example, you can search “Bunny Williams” and all items Bunny has dropped off to the auction house to sell as well as those from homes designed by her team will populate.
Be aware of manufacturing centers or large warehouses near you for future sample sales. I usually sign-up for their newsletters to alert me when these are or pitch the idea of a sample sale to them if it seems to make sense.
Download the EstateSales.net app to your phone. Input the best zip code in your city to be aware of what sales are happening when and where. The majority of sales are posted on Tuesday.
Favorite Instagram accounts pertaining to vintage or antique items?
@thrillsofthehunt, of course. I also adore @jennybrowndesigns and really enjoy following @notallbeige.
Elizabeth has a background in publishing and lifestyle public relations in New York City, combined with a successful history as an entrepreneur. Her first business, Elizabeth Heard, a line of carefully crafted hair accessories for women to find their finishing touch by adding a dose of flair to the hair, led her to be named a 2017 Forbes Magazine 30 Under 30 finalist. The brand was later acquired and you can read on the company sale, here.
While working on her first business, Elizabeth founded Domino Media Group in the Spring of 2016. Domino Media Group is a nationally-recognized public relations and brand strategy firm specializing in the growth of lifestyle-based businesses. The firm was established with the belief that access to the right tools and team will create a Domino effect for your brand. As such, Domino offers resources for everyday businesses to build their buzz and work as a strategic partner for those under their umbrella by providing fresh out of the box strategies to successfully generate a national presence. While president of Domino, Elizabeth, represented dozens of home decor e-commerce clients from San Francisco based home décor brand Hudson Grace to Weezie Towels to local Atlanta businesses from The St. Regis Atlanta to Jamestown Properties’ Ponce City Market. In February 2021, Elizabeth left her role at Domino to pursue other creative passions.
Today, Elizabeth lives in Columbus, Georgia with her husband, Travis, and toddler, Louisa. She self describes as a solution-oriented, curious creative, with a love for elevating businesses and brands. In her spare time, she loves to hunt for unsuspecting gems online via Live Auctioneers or in-person at local estate sales.
Follow along at @elizabeth.w.cook and check out www.elizabethwcook.com
Photos and content provided by Elizabeth Cook. Professional photography by Kelli Boyd.
