Madeline Blair Brown
How would you define your home's style?
Curated, collected, and comfortable! Our home is a reflection of my husband and I : adventures we’ve been on, things we cherish that are passed down from our families, and treasures we’ve found. It all represents who we are and what we love and I hope it tells our story! Although it’s filled primarily with antique finds, I try to style them in fresh and sometimes unexpected ways so our house feels lived in and welcoming while still feeling refreshing and fun. If my house was a person I would want it to be the life of the party who is fabulous, yet friendly and approachable to all. It’s a hard balance to strike and something I’m always working on!
How did you get into "hunting" vintage and antique treasures?
I got into the “hunt” at a very young age! My Mother, Grandmother, and Aunt all love to go antiquing and would take me with them ever since I can remember. These women have shaped my love for interior design and antique and vintage finds, and I’m so thankful!
What is your favorite find to date?
This is a tough one! A forever favorite find is a large antique brass set of hooks set with a horse head at each end. It grabs your attention in our front entryway and is a pretty place to hang coats or hats. It’s unlacquered brass (my fav) so it has aged with a lovely patina and the details on the horse heads are stunning! I’m envisioning using it next as a towel hooks in a bathroom for an unexpected take on bathroom storage!
What do you collect?
I collect dishes, serve-ware, and glassware. We love to entertain and I love to plan a tablescape around vintage pieces. I can never say no to a beautiful set of plates or glasses because I know I’ll use them! Aside from using these sets to entertain, I love to use them every day because dinner for two on the patio should be celebrated too! I also never turn down a good vintage scarf or vintage matchboxes!
Is there a collection that you aspire to start?
My husband recently picked up polo and I would love to start collecting vintage polo mallets to fashion up on a wall in our home in a cool way! Unique and unexpected art! I also have a few antique oyster plates that I love and I would like to start a collection of those!
Do you have a piece that you regret not buying… essentially, the one that got away?
Oh goodness, If this tells you anything, I have a whole camera roll titled “antique finds I left behind”. It’s where I chronicle any good ones that got away in case something similar shows up somewhere in the future ( luckily it usually does!) I refer to it often! The one that haunts me the most is a vintage marble basin that would have made the most beautiful sink. Keeping my eyes peeled in the future for a similar one!!
On the flip side, is there a piece that you regret purchasing?
If something speaks to me, and I really love it, the rule is I will buy it (within reason of course!) If I like it, but I’m not 100% sure, and I think there is a chance it will still be there, I will take a picture of it and sleep on it. If I’m still thinking about it the next day, I’ll go back for it ( at an estate sale many times for a lower price!). Following this little rule has helped a lot, so no regrets so far when it comes to finds!
Preferred place to "hunt" for vintage and antique pieces... Auctions? Flea Markets? Estate Sales? Antique Stores? Facebook Marketplace? Craiglist? Local Thrift Stores? Specific Websites?
Oh goodness, all of them! I love to see and feel the pieces I’m thrifting in person and so I tend to prefer flea markets, antique stores, and of course an estate sale! With where I live in Lexington, KY I am lucky to have so many awesome local antique and vintage stores in the surrounding area! Estate Sales are so fun because you are seeing how the pieces have lived in their past life before going to new homes. I learn so much walking through these homes that many times are history chronicled. I even pick up design inspiration from some of these homes! This past year I started shopping more on online estate sales and Facebook marketplace. You can’t beat some of the gems you can find on those sources as well!
Do you prefer to "hunt" alone or with the company of others?
My favorite partner to “hunt” with is my mama! It’s something we try to do once a weekend, a favorite tradition of mine! I also have a lot of fun hunting with my husband. When I’m planning date night it usually involves a stop at an antique mall or thrift store.
What essentials do you pack in your purse when you're out treasure hunting?
My phone (to take photos and refer to previous finds), a tape measure, and an open mind! You never know what gems you might find!
Any tips for negotiating or securing a better deal?
I always try to ask about pricing in a way that is respectful and I usually don’t throw out a specific number at first. I just ask if the seller is willing to take any less for something , usually they are! I’ve learned that it never hurts to ask!
Are you an impulsive shopper and buy pieces that you don't have a spot for, or do you primarily stick to your list?
I think I fall in the middle here. I have a list of things I’m on the lookout for, but many times I find something I was never even looking for that I love! Granted, I don’t always have a spot for it, but the good pieces will always end up where they were meant to be in your home!
What mistakes do you think people make while shopping for vintage and antique pieces?
I think possibly the biggest mistake people may make is thinking that antique has to mean stuffy or dated. The pieces I find that are vintage and antique bring such new life to a home and are what truly make a space interesting.
What is the wildest experience you've had while pursuing an antique or vintage item?
I’m not sure if I’ve necessarily had a wild experience, but my husband and I have heard so many awesome stories about items and their history. We have even made friends through some of my Facebook Marketplace finds
Do you have any advice for someone who is just getting started with Auctions, Flea Markets, Estate Sales, Antique Stores, etc.?
My biggest piece of advice would be to just have fun with it! If you are buying what you love and it’s bringing you joy to decorate with it in your home or style an outfit with it ( for those vintage clothing and accessory pieces) that is all that matters!
Favorite Instagram accounts pertaining to vintage or antique items?
Instagram is one of my go-to’s for inspiration! I love following along with @thrillsofthehunt (of course!), @michelle_adams_ , @thriftandtell , @themakerista, @elizabeth.w.cook, @coco.kelley , @gadabout, @whitneymcgregor, @kristenellenmartin, and @lizdamrich. I love watching others on the hunt on these accounts and I love to see how they style vintage and antique pieces in their own homes or homes they decorate for clients!
Madeline was born and raised in Lexington, KY and it’s where she now resides on a cattle farm with her husband 2 pups, 6 chickens, and a few cows! She works in cancer research as a Program Manager full time, but she loves to spend her free time hunting for antiques and vintage, decorating her home and styling pieces, as well as helping clients do the same. She credits her love for all things antique and vintage from the Southern women in her family who inspire her style in so many ways and have always encouraged her design creativity. She is passionate about supporting small and local businesses both where she lives and on her travels. Her and her husband are big foodies and aside from trying new places they love to grill out on the patio, set and fun tablescape, and entertain friends and family!
Follow along at @mb_inthehouse
Photos and content provided by Madeline Blair Brown
