What types of items are you drawn to when shopping at an auction?

When I am shopping at an auction I am always drawn to tortoise painted, bamboo, wicker, and always ceramics.

What are some of your tips for finding antiques and vintage pieces to create unique interiors?

Always buy what inspires you in the moment! You will find a home for it later. I look at antiques not for what they are, but what they can be. A vase can be made into a lamp or a cool textile can be made into a headboard.

How do you incorporate antiques and interesting finds into your projects?

Incorporating antiques is second nature to me. I love to find balance and harmony. Antiques bring balance to my maximalist style and help ground the space.

How important do you think it is to mix antique and vintage pieces when designing a home versus buying everything brand new?

It is extremely important for me to create spaces that feel curated and collected. Each design needs to tell a story through the pieces that have had a past life.

The Parnham Park auction has many special and unique natural history highlights including a mammoth skeleton, ammonites, corals and a large amethyst cluster. What are some thoughtful ways to integrate historically significant pieces into a space with more contemporary design elements? What are some creative ways to incorporate natural elements into an interior?

I love to integrate natural pieces from nature. I would display a collection of coral en masse. For example, I would put all of the shells and coral on brackets and use them on all four walls of the room. Think of this as a 3D wall covering. I also love the idea of taking clusters of amethyst groups under a piece of glass to make a unique cocktail table where the entire base is amethyst. A true conversation piece. 

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Auction Details

Auction: Tuesday 13 May, 10.30am BST
Auction venue: Dreweatts Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE, England
Viewing venue: Parnham Park, Beaminster, Dorset DT8 3LZ, England

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VIEWING: Viewing at Parnham Park, Dorset | Entrance with catalogue only (admits two)

Friday 9 May: 10.30am-5pm
Saturday 10 May: 10.30am-5pm
Sunday 11 May: 10.30am-5pm
Monday 12 May: 10.30am-5pm

CATALOGUE: To purchase a printed catalogue, please visit our Catalogue Subscriptions page. 

BIDDING: 
Bidding is available online, in person at Dreweatts, by telephone or you can leave commission (absentee) bids. To learn more including details on registering to bid, payment and shipping, click here. To register to bid, click here.

FURTHER INFORMATION: 
General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | housesales@dreweatts.com
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