Molly Blankenship
How would you define your home's style?
My husband always says our home style is “cozy” which I tend to agree with.
How did you get into "hunting" vintage and antique treasures?
Every time I had to move to a new apartment in NYC, I never found exactly what I was looking for, and wouldn't settle until I found “THE” one; the right table, the right chair, etc. I was consistently searching on any platform to find the best deals, which in turn became this side hobby of @notallbeige.
What is your favorite find to date?
It’s so hard to pick one! A 19th century antique bowfront chest that commands a presence in our entryway. And a 1936 Swedish landscape painting that hangs in our dining area. I think to anyone else, it’s probably not that special but it was love at first sight for me.
What do you collect?
I don’t consider myself an “arty” person but art seems to be what I keep buying. That saying of “buy what you love and you’ll find a place for it” always seems to ring true with art. Embarrassingly, I have pieces on the floor leaned up against the walls because I’ve run out of wall space.
Is there a collection that you aspire to start?
Vintage cocktail napkins might be a collection I need in my life. Easy to ship, easy to store, and so many unique vintage sets out there waiting to be found! It certainly makes cocktail hour a lot more fun!
Do you have a piece that you regret not buying… essentially, the one that got away?
So many! It’s weird how those lost pieces haunt you even years later. I can’t shake the 18th-century French bleached wood chest I didn’t snatch up a few years back. Luckily something else always seems to come around to lust after.
On the flip side, is there a piece that you regret purchasing?
I bought a pair of Brunschwig & Fils slipper chairs from an auction a few years ago. They were a beautiful beige color (shocker) and when I got them I realized the auction house had not properly labeled the dimensions (as in WIDTH x DEPTH x HEIGHT). The dimensions were just described out in numbers. I actually think the same happened with whoever had them made originally. So when I received them they were unusually small and short. I have since sold them but I was VERY clear in selling them that the dimensions were a bit off. They were beautiful chairs but it was a very good lesson in knowing to ask those questions upfront!
Preferred place to "hunt" for vintage and antique pieces... Auctions? Flea Markets? Estate Sales? Antique Stores? Facebook Marketplace? Craiglist? Local Thrift Stores? Specific Websites?
If I could, I’d hit up flea markets more (Brimfield, Roundtop, Paris, etc.) but it’s tough to set aside the time. Luckily so much is done online; I’m loving online estate sales and FB Marketplace!
Do you prefer to "hunt" alone or with the company of others?
Either alone or with my mom. I get into a zone mentality and it could be easy for someone else to get bored very quickly.
What essentials do you pack in your purse when you're out treasure hunting?
Comfortable shoes and a tape measure.
Any tips for negotiating or securing a better deal?
I love seeing if I can get a lower (within reason) price on something. I never want to insult a seller by offering something too low so I just say “would you be willing to take $XXX for this?” or “are you flexible on pricing?” It’s always worth asking!
Are you an impulsive shopper and buy pieces that you don't have a spot for, or do you primarily stick to your list?
In an NYC apartment, it’s so hard to be impulsive since we have such limited space but when I see something I love, I jump for it.
What mistakes do you think people make while shopping for vintage and antique pieces?
Just because something says it’s “antique” doesn’t necessarily mean it is. Asking a lot of questions beforehand can ensure you know exactly what you’re getting. I also think TONS of people fail to measure properly, including professionals! Measuring is so essential in ensuring you don’t make a huge, costly mistake.
What is the wildest experience you've had while pursuing an antique or vintage item?
Nothing too wild here but wild in how it worked out… I had been bidding on a plaster tortoise shell at auction that I ultimately lost. I was so distraught over losing the item, that I emailed the auction house and said “please let me know if the item is not paid for or something happens with the buyer.” Well lo and behold, they emailed about a week later saying the buyer never purchased the item so I won! I guess it really goes to show that it never hurts to ask!
Do you have any advice for someone who is just getting started with Auctions, Flea Markets, Estate Sales, Antique Stores, etc.?
I think browsing through items to get a feel for what you like can be the best part. Once you’re ready to purchase something, you have to act fast but responsibly. Ask for any additional condition details (Do you know the age of this item? Are the legs wobbly? Are there surface scratches? Do you have additional photos?) are all helpful when purchasing online. Next, measure everywhere this item will be traveling ie. the trunk of your car, the hallways, doorways, and then of course where the item will be going. For example if you’re purchasing a bedside table, you’ll need to measure the height of your bed, and the lamp height on the table etc. Lastly, if you can’t pick up the item yourself, you’ll need to price out shipping costs which is best to do before you commit to purchasing - shipping can be expensive!
Favorite Instagram accounts pertaining to vintage or antique items?
@thrillsofthehunt (of course!) @town.and.sea @alisabovino @foundbham @savannah_st_antiques @thelocalvault @_the_kscollection @gonegirlhome
Molly Blankenship is a design consultant based in New York City. Originally from South Carolina, she credits her Southern upbringing for appreciation of antiques and decor. After over a decade in the corporate world, she launched Not All Beige to showcase her findings from around the world. She works closely with designers and homeowners to source unique finds for their spaces. Molly lives on the Upper East Side with her husband, two daughters, and French Bulldog.
Follow along at @notallbeige and check out notallbeigehome.com
Photos and content provided by Molly Blankenship.
