Mary Everard
How would you define your home's style?
My friends often find things and say that is so Mary. Our home is made up of a handful of whimsy, plenty of color and a touch of practicality. It often includes something that can’t be bought and typically has a DIY element to it.
How did you get into "hunting" vintage and antique treasures?
My love began seven years ago when trying to find affordable ways to furnish and decorate my daughter’s nursery. I loved the idea of refinishing a piece of vintage furniture and giving it new life that she’d enjoy for years to come. It's slowly evolved over the years but with the same purpose of bringing something needed into our home that we can use for decades to come.
What is your favorite find to date?
My 1950s Dorothy Draper Espana bunching chest. I found it while scrolling on Craigslist late one night while up with my newborn 5 years ago. It had been painted green by the previous owner and the seller got cold feet but I was able to convince him to let it go. I just finally got the courage up to refinish it… something I had been wanting to tackle for years. I like to joke that if the house was ever on fire I’d grab the kids and then go back for my Dorothy Draper.
What do you collect?
In addition to mid-century furniture, I love love love vintage glassware. I started a collection during the pandemic and it's been hard to stop. Once I have my mind set on a piece it eventually makes its way into our home.
Is there a collection that you aspire to start?
I've had my eye on portieux vallerysthal glassware for some time and just recently acquired a set of 8 blue wine glasses. I have a few other mismatched pieces and would love to expand my collection over the years. It's so beautiful and timeless.
Do you have a piece that you regret not buying… essentially, the one that got away?
Oh yes! I was recently scouring estate sales and spotted an 8 piece set of impossible to find pink opaline portieux vallerysthal goblets. I called the seller immediately and made an appointment to come by. I missed them by about 15 minutes and was told they had sold the set for $60. TOTAL. Those glasses will forever be on my wish list. If you’re unfamiliar with the glasses, the set would easily sell for over a thousand dollars.
On the flip side, is there a piece that you regret purchasing?
Ah, yes. There are certainly a few pieces of furniture that have been more work than I've bargained for. It's harder dealing with broken drawer gliders and hardware given that it can't be as easily replaced as with newer furniture.
Preferred place to "hunt" for vintage and antique pieces... Auctions? Flea Markets? Estate Sales? Antique Stores? Facebook Marketplace? Craiglist? Local Thrift Stores? Specific Websites?
Everywhere! I think each place has its purpose. Antique stores are nice because a bit of the work has been done for you but you pay a premium. Thrift stores give me the biggest joy and thrill because you really never know what you're going to find. Flea markets are SO fun and it's a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Especially with a girlfriend! Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are wonderful because you can really hone in what you're looking for with specific keywords. I'll also occasionally use eBay or Etsy if there is something specific I'm looking for and am willing to pay a little more for the item or shipping. With three little ones I haven't had too much free time to dive into estate sales but I think they are a great place to find treasures at a really fair price.
Do you prefer to "hunt" alone or with the company of others?
I think I prefer to hunt alone so I can hop in and out quickly. But I do love bringing a friend and showing them the ropes!
What essentials do you pack in your purse when you're out treasure hunting?
Definitely cash and a measuring tape. Possibly a few fabric swatches if necessary.
Any tips for negotiating or securing a better deal?
Know the market and how much things are worth. I will always start with an aggressive offer unless I am 100% not willing to walk away. I think vendors are usually eager to sell and if you start a bit lower you can usually end up somewhere in the middle. I also often pop into the same stores and know how long something has been on the shelf for and can gauge how willing the seller is to drop the price.
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 wouldn't say that I have a list but I always have an intended purpose for what I buy.
What mistakes do you think people make while shopping for vintage and antique pieces?
Not knowing the worth of an item and spending too much. And also buying the first thing they see and feeling the need to act quickly and maybe regretting it later on when they see a better option down the road.
What is the wildest experience you've had while pursuing an antique or vintage item?
Definitely purchasing the Dorothy Draper chest! Our second child was only a week old when I came across it. I was tip-toeing around the owner trying to restrain my excitement while also making sure I was able to secure it. I also just so happened to have scheduled newborn photos five minutes away from where the dresser was located so I remember scrambling to get the dresser, squeeze it in the back of our trunk, appease our one year old while nursing a baby and taking newborn photos. But I think that's what makes the piece so special now.
Do you have any advice for someone who is just getting started with Auctions, Flea Markets, Estate Sales, Antique Stores, etc.?
I think it's great to follow a few accounts on Instagram that have a love for the hunt and share tips and tricks. It's certainly important to know what you're looking for and how much it should really cost.
Favorite Instagram accounts pertaining to vintage or antique items?
Definitely @themakerista. She has an eye like no other and is so educated on thrifting and what to look for. I also love @theresplendentcrow for all of her furniture makeovers. She's the best out there!
Mary has a background in engineering, finance and athletics. She recently went through treatment for breast cancer while raising three young children during the pandemic. She found joy in antiquing, thrifting & refinishing furniture during the quiet days of the pandemic and now shares beauty through her lens via @maryandcrew. Mary works with high profile brands on marketing campaigns and product styling. She lives outside of Los Angeles and is married to Hollywood Producer, Ben Everard, who recently produced YES DAY on Netflix. A concept that Mary helped push forward and became the number one family movie on the Netflix platform.
Be sure to check out Mary & Crew for Breck & Grier here! The collaboration features a unique collection of five hand-woven totes from Marrakech, Morocco. Each tote features a hand-embroidered phrase or image with sisal handles wrapped in corresponding Liberty® fabric. A portion of proceeds from the Mary & Crew for Breck & Grier collection will be donated to The Breast Cancer Alliance to help fund research, education, and outreach.
P.S. Soon you’ll be able to shop some of Mary’s finds at Palm Spring’s design shop, Pink Cactus Palm Springs.
Follow along at @maryandcrew and maryandcrew.com
Photos and content featured above provided by Mary Everard.
here’s my mini grapefruit tote from the Mary & Crew for Breck & Grier collection.
