Photo courtesy of Ables Antiques and Props Antiques
Bringing the Personality
Tony and Kitty (Ables Antiques of Ripley, Tennessee) are literally married to the business. They tied the knot in 1990, and after cutting the cake and toasting with everyone at their wedding, they set out on an antiquing adventure and haven’t looked back since. With decades of experience, they share these insights:
Photo courtesy of Ables Antiques and Props Antiques
“When we first went into business,” Kitty says, “I would hear many of our customers say ‘in this phase of life I am looking for this or that,’ and I truly didn’t grasp the total impact of this statement until several years ago. But I totally understand it now. Have you ever looked around and just said, ‘I love this piece, but it’s time for someone else to have it who loves it more.’ Well that is what collecting and decorating is all about. Our taste and personality changes with time. Everything changes – as we evolve with life we see things differently. So, I say, ‘Out with the old that isn’t quite you anymore.’ Let someone else love your past objects.”
Photo courtesy of Ables Antiques and Props Antiques
As for what we can expect at Market Hill, she says, “This fall our booth will be explosive with an assortment of items with lots of character. I think our homes, our workplaces – wherever we are spending lots of time – should reflect our personalities. Challenge yourself to think outside your box. That’s what is so fun about this business.”
“Hunt for a special piece of furniture or object that makes for new conversations with old friends and new ones as well. Accept the challenge, and come see us at Market Hill, and let us help you find the piece of furniture or the object that expresses where you are in life at this moment,” she says.
“We are bringing things like a mid-century mod couch that is going to leave you searching for words; several over-the-top signs (not going to give away any info on those), including a killer scoreboard; some high-end decorative pieces and, of course, some French finds. I never buy what I’m not moved by.”
Fresh Picks
Returning to Market Hill this fall is Props Antiques out of Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee. Owner Klint Griffin has been in the business for 14 years, and his wife, Cindy, for seven years. Props specializes in Americana acquired from roaming the backroads looking for old signs and décor.
“We are excited about the fresh picks we are bringing to Market Hill in the fall,” Klint says. “We’ve found some wonderful old hand-painted signs this time around as well as more excellent old neon signs. We’ve also collected more great mercantile tables and store counters.”
Photo courtesy of Ables Antiques and Props Antiques
Their first show at Market Hill was in the spring, and they are excited to come back. “The best of Round Top is under one roof,” Klint says. “We are looking forward to seeing returning guests, friends, and colleagues from around the world.”
Photo courtesy of Ables Antiques and Props Antiques
“There’s nothing better than the thrill of the hunt than connecting with someone who loves what we find just as much as we do.”
Follow them on Instagram @propsantiques.
Ables Antiques and Props Antiques share a booth space at Market Hill. Visit and shop their beautiful wares.
Photo courtesy of Ables Antiques and Props Antiques