Stephanie Wheeler

Photos courtesy of Stephanie Wheeler

On a January day, we visited Stephanie Wheeler at her Atlanta-based studio. Under a canopy of hundred-year-old oak trees, her charming studio is tucked away in a secluded neighborhood, just on the outskirts of the busy city.  

“I first saw this 1930s bungalow in 2002. The house with its keebler front door and dilapidated building in the back garden – I knew the potential immediately. It was the first and only house I saw that day with the real estate agent and the rest is history,” Stephanie says.

“Where I paint and create is so important to me. Having a peaceful surrounding, almost a sanctuary, is what I need to have to be able to do what I do. Add the combination of light and nature and it’s a great recipe.”

It is evident immediately that Stephanie is in the midst of preparing for the spring show at Market Hill. Through the arched garden gate, one can see many freshly gessoed canvases drying in the sunlight. Inside the studio, fresh layers of oils cover her canvases in all stages of completion. Her passion for color is another immediate takeaway as you glance around her studio.  

“Color is everything. It sets the overall mood for my pieces,” she says.

And, as for what drives her and her creative inspiration, she says, “Although nature and travel play a huge role in where I find my pleasure, as I get older I am less focused on inspiration and more interested in keeping my inner child alive. It’s that place that allows me the inspiration to create.”

Recent travels in Thailand and Vietnam bring a direct vibrancy to her color palette at this season’s spring show. Her canvas collection ranges from abstracts to landscapes along with works on paper and fascinating layered collage pieces.

It’s a beautiful and powerful experience to be in the presence of her works of art. Come enjoy what she has created for us at Market Hill.

Provenance Antiques

17th century Portuguese Solomonic columns, 18th century wine presses from Provence now as coffee tables, an 18th century Italian stump work embroidery altar facade, a 19th century marble top garden table from Provence and more. Photos courtesy of Provenance Antiques.

Provenance Antiques is Yarek, Artur, and Melissa. Provenance celebrates the exceptional, and their mission is just that – procuring the most exceptional and finest pieces possible and sharing them at Market Hill.

Exquisite chest of drawers from Spain, 19th Century.

Provenance Antiques is based just outside of Nice, France, where they have a warehouse facility, and in Atlanta, Georgia, where they have a 10,000-SF store. Twice a year, they call Market Hill their home away from home.

“What the Market Hill experience means to us is family,” Yarek says.

Provenance has been exhibiting in Round Top for well over 10 years now, and Yarek says, “We look forward to every show. Our business is always developing. We are travelling to Europe more and more frequently in search of the exceptional, to discover new resources in order to expand our market.”

“For those who are passionate about fine antiques, inspiration abounds everywhere,” he says. “No matter which day it is, when we receive a container it is like Christmas. There are fabulous pieces everywhere.

A very charming and primitive narrow cupboard from the south of France. Soundly constructed from walnut and chestnut with a shaped door panel, terrific hardware, sculpted apron and interior shelving, an outstanding and stunning 17th century Venetian wall-suspended console. The magnificent piece is constructed from polychrome wood with very fine carvings of putti heads.

An exceptional and grand scale 18th century northern Italian trestle table/dining table. Superbly constructed from stunning walnut and classical Lyre legs and wonderfully sculpted stretchers. Sensational patina and graining. A truly exquisite table.

Nomadic Trading Company

Photos courtesy of Nomadic Trading

Based in Durham, North Carolina, Nomadic Trading Company has been in business since 1995, selling handpicked home décor items from all over the world.

“We are importers of vintage furniture, accessories and hand-woven rugs,” says Demir Williford.

Over the years, Nomadic Trading Company has grown the business to include its own line of products.

“We have become more refined in our search of vintage furniture, specifically from France. We are also producing our own line of handmade rugs and pillows.”

On the recommendation of a colleague, they started coming to Round Top in 2009.

“Who doesn’t love a treasure hunt? The discovery of something new,” Demir says. “Our recent container from France is full of amazing vintage furniture, and definitely one of the most exciting things we are bring to the spring show.”

Their set-up at Market Hill is quite impressive with large rugs covering the walls and stacked in piles upon piles throughout their vendor space.

“Market Hill has created a wonderful canvas for us to be as creative as we can be.”

About the Market Hill experience, he says, “We love seeing customers coming back and, of course, we love meeting new ones.”

“That’s what keeps us inspired. We stay inspired by having passion for what we do.”

This kilim was hand woven in a village in western Turkey. It utilizes vintage reclaimed hemp and wool.

Beautiful Spanish oak table from late 19th century.

This rug is our own design hand-woven in Konya, Turkey.

Fabulous collection of benches upholstered with vintage fabrics.

Fantastic collection of antique marble sinks from old bath houses in Turkey.

Back Row Home

Photos courtesy of Back Row Home

Back Row Home is located in Houston, just outside the loop off of the Katy Freeway. Two well-known vendors, 2Lucy’s Antiques and Leighton Hall Antiques, own the beautiful 16,000-SF showroom on the “Back Row” of Memorial Design Center.

“Our motto is “We only buy what we love,” Kelly says.

Back Row Home specializes in antique American and European furniture, architectural and decorative pieces. It is also now a stocking dealer for Lee Industries, Bella Notte and Loloi as well as many others.

Owners Tracey Shingledecker and Kelly O’Donnell are always on the hunt for pieces to add to their collection of 18th and 19th century antiques.

“We love to travel and meet people from our antique buying trips. We’ve made so many friends and it’s nice to have those relationships” Tracey says. “We attend antique fairs in England, France, Belgium and Spain as well as the Atlanta, Dallas, New York and High Point markets.”

Their travels will soon bring them back to Round Top for the spring show where they make their home at Market Hill.

“We love Market Hill because it provides such a wide range of merchandise. And the restaurant is a bonus,” she says. “We love that the show goes on for three weeks, and it gives everyone the opportunity to get out there and do a little treasure hunting of their own.”

“We can’t share just yet what we are most excited to bring to Market Hill, because our inventory is always changing. We really won’t know until we begin loading the truck.”

So, you’ll just have to come see what’s in store at Back Row Home.

The Elephant Walk

Photography by Natalie Lacy Lange

The man behind The Elephant Walk, Ender Tasci, started his business 30 years ago in Orlando, Florida, and has been coming to Round Top for the last 25 years. Three years ago, he moved his business to Market Hill and he now buys in Europe and Florida for the spring and fall shows.

“I am very eclectic and love color and texture,” Ender says. “My favorite style is a great mix of old and new working harmoniously together, because I believe things can be wonderful whether they are a day old or 400 years old; age doesn't define quality.”

Working for so many years in the industry, Ender continues to find inspiration all around him.

“My inspiration comes from my trips and literature, sometimes it’s the color of a pillow or the leg of a table; sometimes simple rusty feed or oil barrels can be the inspiration for the next custom creation,” he says. “l am extremely happy about the changing trends toward modern and simple beauty with textures and color but yet very fluid simple shapes.”

 “We are in an industry selling beauty and dictating the trends of the future. We deal with very creative and affluent people who take what we saw in a piece and create their own magic. It's all about the passion we have for the industry that defines how successful we are. It’s all about the relatability. People need to be able to see your point of view, and it needs to be current,” he says.

Ender is excited about the pieces he’s showing at Market Hill this spring, especially some new modern lighting and mid-century modern upholstered pieces, but he says he’s most looking forward to seeing familiar faces.

“My favorite parts [of the show] are reuniting with old clients who have turned into lifelong friends, and meeting new ones. It’s those interactions that keep us motivated to do better and work harder to bring in the best products we possibly can,” he says.

“Market Hill has some of the industry’s best dealers under one roof. That keeps everyone inspired and motivated to do better which easily reflects on the best sales in the marketplace. With the infrastructure Market Hill provides, we are able to display our products at their best.”

Come see the best of the best at The Elephant Walk at Market Hill.

Gallery Auctions

Photos courtesy of Gallery Auctions

For some, antiques fill a room. For others, antiques fill a life. Vikki Vines is one of the latter. Vikki is the top female auctioneer in Texas and, arguably, one of the best in the nation. Vikki started Gallery Auctions more than 30 years ago and has created a worldwide buying experience under one roof.

A trip to Gallery Auctions holds the same excitement and passion that Vikki feels for the industry. Vikki has traveled to England, Belgium, Argentina, Spain and France as well as all corners of the U.S. Vikki knows a find when she sees one, and she has a penchant for large items. So much so that she recently moved Gallery Auctions into a bigger space where she has created the Southwest’s largest trade source. Vikki’s son, Jon Goodling, who has grown up in the world of antiques, now works full time at Gallery Auctions specializing in mid-century modern designs.

Along with auctions held every Monday, Gallery Auctions continues to grow and to offer new and exciting buying opportunities, including Market Hill.

“We are so excited to bring a fabulous mix of items to Market Hill,” Vikki says.

“Market Hill is such a welcoming environment with its wide breezy walkways, air conditioned shopping and dining,and the diverse dealers who are dedicated and committed to their business and bringing fabulous finds from all over the world.”

“Our collection for this show will include exciting mid-century modern furniture, an exceptional selection of French furniture, English leather sofas and chairs, and more. We are delighted that Kay Gilbreath Design will join us again with her jewelry and couture clothing. We have something for everyone. Whether it’s our customers or another dealer scoring a treasure, we’re always excited by the thrill of the find.”

Learn more at www.galleryauctions.com.

Hastening Design Studio

Photos courtesy of Hastening Design Studio

An antique dealer for more than 35 years, Louis Shields is also an interior designer, furniture maker and contemporary painter with his own gallery, Hastening Design Studio, in Middleburg, Virginia. His paintings complement his carefully curated antiques and original designs.

When it comes to picking pieces for Market Hill, Louis says, “I am always drawn to furniture that has a historical architectural inspiration, balanced structural elements, and, if it is wood, then the surface, color and patina are extremely important.”  

Louis shares with us a very special piece he’s bringing to the spring show.  

“A rare baroque 17th century Swiss “cabinet of curiosity.” These multi-drawer cabinets were fashionable with eccentric European collectors in the 17th century. There are paneled ends with hand wrought carrying handles, two paneled doors decorated in the 18th century with naïve painted figures hunting beside the lake with a castle in the Alps in the background concealing 23 molded drawers and a small pair of cupboard doors. Wonderful patinated surface retaining an extraordinary pale blue color with the original steel handles, locks and key. Mounted on a similarly decorated stand with turned legs and shaped stretchers. Made in Switzerland circa 1650. It is 54” high, 21” deep and 44” wide.”  

This is just one of the must-see piece at Hastening Design Studio at Market Hill.

Don & Marta Orwig Antiques

Photos courtesy of Don & Marta Orwig

When people ask what's unique about Market Hill and its vendors, advertising signs and country store antiques and Don & Marta Orwig come to mind.

Photos courtesy of Don & Marta Orwig

Located on the center cross-aisle near the food, Don and Marta always bring a huge amount of amazing Americana to Market Hill. "I usually have around 2,000  signs and country store antiques in inventory most of the time. Everything from gas and oil, grocery, farm and factory to great figural trade signs. I deal in about everything that advertises anything," says Don.  

New for the spring show will be a  collection of lighted arrows, bar signs and several flashing motel signs. "I've been in business since 1971,” stated Don. “Everybody has their own thing. Some people like toys or fancy crystal chandeliers, I like this old store stuff.”

Among the Americana he has amassed is a huge eight-foot-long hollow anvil-shaped trade sign that in its original life was on top of a three-story brick ironworks factory in Rhode Island.  Originally there was a 12-foot-tall mechanical man with a hammer in his hand that would strike the anvil. The man blew down in a hurricane in the 1950s but the anvil survived. Somebody needs to add a 12-foot oval glass top and a set of bar stools to this. You could name your game room ‘The Anvil Bar and Grill.’  You would be the only one with one like it,” Don adds.

As for how Don finds all this stuff, he says most are already in collections that resurface on the market. “We only keep these things for a while,” he states. As for his own collection, Don laments that his inventory is his collection. "I want to own a really large amount of things for a really short period of time. My wife Marta says I have a warped sense of humor, but I have this hope that if I'm fortunate enough to go to heaven when I die, I would love to see everything I've ever owned lying along the road as I pass up to the pearly gates and visit them just one more time."

In addition to Don and Marta and all those antiques, their friends Polly Hitt  from Tyler, Texas, and Gilda Metzler from San Antonio, Texas, will be set up at Market Hill. Gilda who owns Gilded Gardens will have her collection of garden furniture, garden urns and accessories and her amazing plants. Polly, a renowned jewelry designer, will have her "Neck Collections" line of repurposed big, bold and beautiful necklaces and wearable art.

Susan Horne Antiques

Photos courtesy of Susan Horne

Susan Horne Antiques was born out of friendship and a love for antiques.

Raised in southern Georgia, her love for antiques and southern hospitality was inherited from her parents. Her father, from Alabama, was an air traffic controller with the Air Force. Her mother, from Manchester, England, loved antiques and anything to do with England, like entertaining and enjoying a cup of hot tea.

Susan moved to Dallas and then to Houston with Omni Offices. She met her husband, Houston native Chip Horne, 28 years ago. They have two children, Meghan and Trey.  

“My girlfriends started bringing me to Round Top after I married Chip, and I fell in love with Round Top and shopping the fields.”

  Susan says her business has been successful because of the help and support of all her family and friends.  

Her son, Trey, is a senior at LSU in Baton Rouge, La., and is Susan's biggest encourager and cheerleader. He calls in at least once a week to ask about the business and how it’s going. When he is home on school breaks, she puts him to work at the Houston warehouse. On longer breaks, you can find him in Round Top working for Susan or sharing dinner with Armando at Manditos.

Her daughter Meghan joined her a few years ago and has been a wonderful addition to the business. “Meghan has given a youthful eye to our purchases. She knows what the younger generation wants and that is very helpful to me. I see the younger generation out here shopping and having a great time,” Susan says. Susan shares that she hopes that continues because they are the next generation to make the Round Top Show strong and successful.

Photo by Natalie Lacy Lange

“Meghan and I continue to travel to England several times a year to assemble an exceptional collection of antiques and one-of-a kind treasures.” They drive the countryside in hunt for these treasures. She says the days are long, and it’s hard work, but they have fun along the way. “I love England and the people we meet make us feel like family,” Susan says.

Her next container will be arriving for the Spring Show at Market Hill. Susan's gorgeous showroom at Market Hill is where she brings new life to these treasures. She mixes them with unique new pieces and creates a fresh, new modern look for which she is known.

"I really enjoy being at Market Hill. Paul Michael has created a wonderful venue with state-of-the-art amenities.” But more than the amenities, she talks more about the people.

“We have a top line of dealers and that draws a fabulous group of buyers. The relationships we build with all these people and the business we generate at Market Hill makes it worthwhile. The friendship and support means a great deal to me.”

One of the pieces they’ve curated for the spring show is an 18th century ship’s figurehead from Sicily. “It was made as a good luck charm for the ship. She is beautiful. You have to see her in person!”

When Susan is not in Round Top or England, you can find her at her Houston warehouse located at 9016 Ruland, #A3. Susan says come by for a cup of tea, "I always have the kettle on."

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Susan’s Favorite Finds

Arriving for Spring Show at Market Hill

18th century Carved Figure

Ship’s figurehead from Sicily, circa 1780. From the Bourbon empire when the French occupied Sicily. Stands approximately four feet high. Made as a good luck charm for the ship. She is very beautiful, curvaceous and wearing armor, ready for battle.

Transferware Copeland Spode Green and White  

40 pieces of pottery service from England, circa 1860.

Willy Guhl

A fabulous pair of square planters by the Swiss designer Willy Guhl. A grand selection of other Willy Guhl, including the diabolo, elephant ear and handkerchief planters.

Antique Butter Slabs

Antique English ironstone pure dairy display slab. These were used by grocers for selling bulk butter and margarine. Highly sought after rare collectibles in original condition – a must have!

Chesterfield Sofa

English chesterfield tufted sofa with elegant lines. A classic piece. Extra large and comfy.

Pottery Footbath

Florentine opaque blue and white pottery footbath, circa 1850, a great decorative piece.

Bamboo

A nice collection, including a rare red lacquer bamboo étagère from France, circa 1870.

Ebonized Furniture

Ebonized desk with beautiful brass hardware. Ebonizing is process for darkening wood, giving it the appearance of ebony.

100-year-old Bottles

Rare wine bottles from Italy, circa 1800, a great backdrop to any bar.

Draper’s Table

From France, circa 1885. Used by seamstresses in the 19th century.

Leftovers Antiques

Photos courtesy of Leftovers Antiques

It’s getting to be that time of year, when the tents start going up, vendors are hustling to set up, and the fields begin to fill with treasures as far as the eye can see.

Round Top is upon us once again. Whether you have lived in Texas all your life, are new to the area, or are just here for the 30 miles of antiques, and haven’t been to Leftovers Antiques, two miles north of Brenham on Highway 290, you are missing out on 17,000-SF of unexpected finds and memorable experiences.

Ed Fulkerson and Michael Breddin have been in the business for over 25 years. It is their passion for all things old and interesting that keeps people coming back to Leftovers. Ed and Michael make it seem effortless. It’s not just the uniqueness and grandeur of the antiques they carry, but also the way they keep bringing those elements of surprise and magic to all of their patrons. They mix hard with soft, old with modern, and simple with exotic to create interest, and it works!

When asked what they were most excited about for Market Hill, “Other than the food?” Ed said. “One of the pieces that we are really excited about is something totally different than our realm of the norm. It’s a 1950s original-finish foosball table. It’s absolutely stunning!”

“It’s funny, because it is so far from what we normally look for when we are shopping,” he said, “but it caught my eye, and I just stood there looking at it. I thought, ‘I kinda like that.’ I looked over at Michael and he was looking wide-eyed at it, too, and I realized that not only did we both like this table, we loved it!”

“This foosball table is amazing!” Michael added. “It has the original finish in fabulous condition, and corner metal ashtrays. The players are the original metal and have beautiful detail! It definitely takes you back in time.”

Another piece they found on their adventures is a Belgian carousel horse. “This is a 19th century original-paint, hand-carved carousel horse, and it is exquisite! It has hand-carved belts and saddle. The detail on this horse is amazing. It was an exciting find!,” Michael told us.

Along with the many gorgeous pieces of antiques that came from overseas – tables, stools, chairs, hutches, chests of drawers, lots of shiny copper – they also brought back a detailed set of youth general store fixtures. The small wooden store counter and back cupboard/shelving are 19th century, also from Belgium, with original paint and finish.

“It’s fun to imagine the children who got to play and pretend with this. It’s a precious set,” Ed said.

Make sure to stop in and meet Ed and Michael, and see their incredible collection at Market Hill or at Leftovers Antiques in Brenham.  

Sacred Heart Antiques

Jessica Fairbrother, creator of Sacred Heart Antiques, loves what she does. Spending several months each year in France with trips to Belgium and Italy, she is living her dream.

“It’s a treasure hunt, pure and simple, complete with racing pulse and surprises at every turn,” Jessica says.

“I want my customers to feel that excitement when they come to see my latest finds at Market Hill. I only buy things that move me on some level, things that I would want to live with. I am driven to bring back rare and beautiful treasures that whisper of history and tradition.”

“My desire is for people who walk into my shop to feel inspired. For me, home is a peaceful, sacred space – a refuge from the outside world. I hope to help my customers create that in their own homes.”

Vincent Peach

Photos courtesy of Vincent Peach

Tennessee native Vincent Peach is a jewelry designer and maker who works from his studio in historic Marathon Village, adjacent to his Vincent Peach boutique in downtown Nashville.

What results from his creative process is a unique brand of signature pieces containing a mix of Tahitian pearls, brilliant diamonds, precious metals, exotic leathers, antlers, tusks and other natural elements expertly combined in a wearable way. The interplay of vintage and modern, masculine and feminine, bohemian and baroque all works beautifully.  

1.65ct Churchill Downs Half-Coverage Diamond Earrings With Fresh Water Pearls in Sterling Silver

While each piece can be considered an heirloom to be passed down to future generations, these aren’t your grandmother’s pearls. They are wildly expressive conversation starters. Each piece is original and a bit out-there, intended for people who have something to say through their personal style. His cult following includes an outspoken lot, like Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Alice Cooper, Steven Tyler, Taylor Swift and Miranda Lambert, to name a few.     

Currently, the brand is expanding. Maris Collective and Four Seasons Resorts continue to be among the most faithful relationships, but Vincent Peach is building its cache of fine jewelry retailers and specialty stores worldwide.

Vincent always brings new pieces to Round Top. Come see what he’s got at Market Hill. It’s also a rare chance to meet the designer himself.

To view his collections, visit vincentpeach.com.   

Scoville Brown Cooperative

Photos by Natalie Lacy Lange for Market Hill

For Jim Braunscheidel, owner of Scoville Brown Cooperative, his art is architectural salvage, saving a piece of the old and turning it into something new.

The building that houses the Scoville Brown Warehouse in Wellsville, New York, is an example of this. From the 1800s until the 1940s, it was a bustling grocery wholesaler. Jim has given it new life with three floors of antiques, architectural finds and artwork.  

The “Hearts Delight” slogan is still visible on the north side of the brick interior, and it’s evident from talking to Jim that this is his heart’s delight.   

“Just to walk in, to get your hands on something original, something untouched, that’s what inspires me,” he says.  

Photos by Natalie Lacy Lange for Market Hill

On these jobs, the reality is, if he didn’t get his hands on it, it would all be thrown away, beautiful woodwork, ornate architectural detail, discarded forever. He not only sees the value in saving these artifacts but also in repurposing them.

“These works are my artistic expression and interpretation of where history, creativity and functionality meet,” he says.  

“Like anyone in their craft, my work has evolved over time. I began to see new, repurposed objects in the items I collected or salvaged. I combined what I learned as a young man building with what I learned through the antique business and started designing and building furniture, lighting and accessories.”

What Jim brings to Market Hill is a variety of antiques and architectural finds.

“Market Hill is amazing. As a contractor, I can say, structurally, it’s impressive, and as a vendor, it simplifies all of the little things that make it difficult to sell on your own. From the building to the breezeway to the air-conditioning – everything.”

Meet Jim at Market Hill, and be inspired by Scoville Brown Cooperative.  

For more information, visit, scovillebrown.com.

Lanny’s Antiques

Round Top veterans Lanny and Lonnie Lenzen began coming to Round Top 25 years ago.

“We heard so much about it from friends in the business. We had to see for ourselves what all the talk was about. Long story short, we went and we loved it. The following year, we were vendors out in the fields selling (and, of course) buying merchandise,” says Lanny.

Based in Red Oak, Texas, Lanny’s Antiques is known for farmhouse relics and folk art. And even after all these year, Lanny and Lonnie still get excited by the thrill of the find.

“The hunt of finding pieces that speak to me and bringing the pieces to the show for my customers. I love when customers come back and show me what they have done with a piece they purchased previously. I just love that connection,” Lanny says.

For the spring show at Market Hill, Lanny is bringing a fabulous collection of folk art windmill weights. Folk art windmill weights, also known as counterbalance windmill weights, were produced for the use on windmills from the late 1800s to the early 1920s. A few of the companies that produced the weights were Elgin, Dempster, Fairbury, Eclipse and more. A few of the popular cast-iron motifs were roosters, horses, bulls and letters. The weights were painted black, red, green and blue, depending on the manufacturer. These large weights have become part of the nation’s folk art heritage.

This is just part of what makes Market Hill special to Lanny, “You have great vendors who bring one-of-a-kind merchandise from all over the world. Plus, the Market Hill venue has the best amenities restrooms, food, entertainment, air conditioning, parking and on site shipping – all a person could want under one roof!”

Come meet Lanny and Lonnie, and see their windmill weights and other important farmhouse relics and pieces of folk art.

Architectural Anarchy

Photos courtesy of Architectural Anarchy

Newcomers to Market Hill, Architectural Anarchy will bring an interesting mix of midcentury modern finds, folk art, industrial and architectural pieces and an assortment of old signage to the spring show.

“The upcoming spring show will be our first show at Market Hill. We came in for the first time to see it last fall. We love the location, the showrooms, the beautiful collection of unique merchandise,” says co-owner Gosia Korsakowski.

Based in Chicago, she and partner William Rawski operate a 30,000-SF showroom filled with a remarkable collection of antiques from the U.S. and Western Europe.

Both veterans in the industry, Bill is best known for signs, art and décor he has amassed for Zap Antiques & Props, the Midwest’s largest prop house. Founded in 1987, Zap has been a part of almost every major production filmed in Chicago. It also offers interior design for retail and restaurant spaces and functions as a design studio and print shop.

Gosia has been long admired for her vintage home accessories. Growing up in Poland, Gosia spent summers traveling, experiencing different cultures and shopping at various antique stores and flea markets. She says it was always in her nature to be entrepreneurial. In college, she and a friend opened an art gallery and sold art work made by fellow students. She then worked in the fashion industry before getting married and moving to the States. She began collecting and selling glassware and, by 2007, eventually making glassware of her own designs.

It was in 2010 that she and Bill went into business together, opening up their warehouse in Chicago, allowing people to shop from their treasure trove of vintage and antique findings from around the world.

Now they’ll open it up to shoppers at Market Hill.

“It’s an eclectic mix. There’s variety in our inventory. We are looking forward to introducing our business in Texas and meeting new people.”

Be sure to give them a big Texas welcome.

Antica Collection

Lisa Strait Vanpoucke is a Houston native whose business was born from acquiring beautiful antiques for herself.

Photos courtesy of Antica Collection

“Being a collector first, it was always on my mind to find the oldest and finest furniture in original condition. I have always been drawn to great craftsmanship and original patina. Early on, I studied every detail on what I bought and constantly did research or asked questions to acquire knowledge. I still do! Although, I'm known for early period pieces, I pride myself on great quality of whatever I buy. I love mid-century Italian furniture and lighting, and am now fabricating my own furniture as well out of steel and stone.”

Her first show at Round Top was 2002, and she hasn’t missed one since.

“It is a great place for collectors and people in the industry to get a lot accomplished in one place,” she says. “My favorite part about the show is catching up with my dealer friends each evening after working all day.”

Lisa says, “Market Hill provides a good marriage for customer and dealer satisfaction. We work as a team. We are asked during each show how can we improve and we keep doing it. I love that! We really try our very best to ‘bring it’ every single time.”

Photos courtesy of Antica Collection

As for what shoppers can expect to find at the spring show, she says, “I'm excited about a pair of beautiful 18th century rococo Italian gilt mirrors and an original painted 17th century Tuscan sacristy buffet that's unusually small. The mirrors are from Italy. Their small size and original glass gave me chill bumps. I took them straight out of a villa ... lucky me!” and as for the sacristy, she says, “I have never seen a small sacristy chest/credenza like this. It was originally painted circa 1670s in Tuscany. It's about as yummy as it gets.”

Photos courtesy of Antica Collection

Her signature candles will also be at Market Hill again. “I've been working on launching my candle and furniture line for the last two years. I've just developed my ninth and final candle for the ‘Love Collection’ line. My daughter, Chanel, is my partner in the candle company. We will have a beautiful kiosk outside the entrance to my Antica Collection showroom, where she will be accepting wholesale orders. There will also be coffee tables and round and side tables that I've added to my furniture line. I even do custom sizes!”

As for where she draws her inspiration, Lisa says, “You know, I feel that I'm an artisan, and my eyes are always absorbing beauty. I love people, and I am honored when I find pieces that my clients are excited about. I adore Europe and for me to be able to continue to bring bits and pieces of it back to my friends and clients, that’s enough to keep this Texas gal in love!”

Ables Antiques & Props Antiques

Ables Antiques of Ripley, Tennessee, has been taking its show on the road to Round Top since 1990.

“We both grew up with the love of old and wonderful things,” says Kitty Ables. “Tony and I went into business together in 1987, and we tied the knot in 1990. After cutting the cake and toasting with everyone, we jumped into our van and tore out to Indiana for an antiques auction. We took all the wedding money people gave us for a microwave, bathroom towels and Tupperware and we spent it at the auction. We started doing antiques shows the following week and we have never looked back. We have some wild tales to tell. We invite you to come hear them at Market Hill.”

Based in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee, Props Antiques specializes in Americana, acquired from roaming the open roads for antique and vintage advertising, and unique décor like old country store and mercantile counters. Owner Klint Griffin has been in the business 14 years, his wife, Cindy, for seven years. This is their third year back at Round Top, and their first year at Market Hill.

“We have been curating a great collection of advertising, furniture and unique objects for this spring show at Market Hill,” Klint says. “There’s nothing better than enjoying a great shopping experience at Market Hill with its diverse offerings, open air walkways, air-conditioned spaces and lovely amenities. The dinners can’t be beat!”

Props Antiques will share a space with Ables Antiques.

Architect’s Daughter

Photos courtesy of Architect’s Daughter

Interior designer Michelle Cheatham is the owner of ARCHITECT’S DAUGHTER, a company based in Napa Valley and San Francisco discovers and locates focal pieces for the home and garden. ARCHITECT’S DAUGHTER sources unique, authentic objects from around the world, selling primarily to the design trade industry. Recently launched last fall, ARCHITECT’S DAUGHTER  is eclectic. Michelle relies on her keen eye, understated confidence and good taste to mix and select what is considered the best, one-of-a-kind finds with contemporary pieces. All original objects and accessories are investment pieces of unparalleled quality, hand-selected by Michelle herself.

“I love connecting people to unique pieces that they wouldn't have found otherwise. I love seeing the joy and contentment when designers discover their newly found treasures,” Michelle says. 

This will be her first time as a vendor at Market Hill.

“I am most excited to be a part of this community of likeminded individuals. I love Paul Michael, and I love Texans,” she says. “The fall show was my first Round Top experience, and I was hooked! Texans are so welcoming and are undeniably fun.”

As for what she’s looking forward to about the Market Hill experience, she says, “I look forward to the live music played after-hours. I love socializing and making new connections with new friends from everywhere.”

When asked about what special items we can expect to find at ARCHITECT’S DAUGHTER, Michelle describes a few key pieces. “A magnificent pair of early 19th century French wrought iron entrance gates from Dijon, France. All four beautifully crafted handles are original and replete with a variety of skillfully executed hand forged ironwork techniques.” She’s also bringing a pair of plant stand busts from 19th century France and a large iron crown from the late 18th century France that was said to be used as a cornet or bed crown in Marie Antoinette’s daughter, Sophie’s bedroom as well as an unusual and charming pair of iron and wood and linen-covered “crapuad” (toad) chairs from France circa 1860. 

            Be sure to extend a big Texas welcome to Michelle at ARCHITECT’S DAUGHTER at Market Hill. In the meantime, you can learn more at ArchitectsDaughter.com, follow Architect’s Daughter on Facebook and find her on Instagram @architects_daughter_sf.

Paul Michael Company - Where the Magic Happens

A craftsman at the Paul Michael Company creates a meticulously measured antler leg table by hand.

From Little Rock, it’s a two-hour drive to Lake Village, Arkansas, a farm town in southeast Arkansas that’s home to the Paul Michael Company. Photo by Ashlee Nobel

Paul and Salvador create a frame from an original piece of art. Photo by Ashlee Nobel

It’s a cold February day. The sky is gray, and the fields are flooded. A train cuts across the flat land, and we pass time talking about the graffiti on the train cars. We also wonder aloud what Paul Michael will show us on this trip. Maybe it’s a new painting or a few new Paul Michael Exclusives, original pieces of furniture handmade in his woodshop in Dermott, Arkansas. The woodshop is where we’re headed, but first we meet Paul for lunch at his favorite sandwich shop, the Amish & Country Store.

The sign out front says: Pecans Banana Bread Fried Pies. Inside, it smells like fresh baked bread. We order the Paul Michael Special and wait for him to arrive.

When he sits down at the table, there’s blue paint on his hands. He’s been working on something. Turns out, it could either be from a canvas or from a set of French Colonial doors, a special project for Vincent Peach, a vendor at Market Hill. At the fall show, Vincent produced a drawing of a showroom, like the true artist he is. Paul redrew it to accommodate the raw materials that were available to him, an example of his ability to create on command, taking inspiration from others.

Photo by Ashlee Nobel

Every stand is handmade to fit the crystal. Photo by Ashlee Nobel

“I went out that day and found the doors in Round Top,” Paul says. “Where else are you going to find 12 matching doors like that?”

“It’s magic. There is this happiness,” he says of Round Top. “It’s like a vacation for me. People come from all over the world ... [At Market Hill,] we have people from California, Santa Fe, New York, Chicago, Miami. If you have a high-end boutique, it’s where you go, but everybody leaves pretension at home.”   

Paul will return to Round Top next week, he tells us, to install Vincent Peach’s booth.

“My opinion of architecture is my opinion on design,” he says, “it has to be functional.”  

“So many times you see an interior, like in a design magazine, and you get the feeling, ‘It looks okay in the magazine, but would I want to live there? Can I put a cup of coffee on the coffee table?’ You get the feeling it’s for people who don’t know how to live. It’s the same conversation that relates to architecture, so many times the emphasis is on how it looks from the street, but, in reality, it’s built out of plywood and cheap carpet, and it doesn’t last. You have to ask, ‘Who are you trying to impress?’ The first person you want to impress is yourself,” he says.

On designing and building Market Hill, Paul says, “I wanted to impress the vendors. I wanted to keep them dry. Keep their merchandise dry. Give them a place to load and unload their stuff. If I have a facility that provides for their needs, I would have a chance to attract the very best vendors. Everybody wants the best vendors; why would they come to me? Because this building is functional.”

“I believe in what’s real. A place you can be inspired, relaxed, where you can entertain, eat, drink and rest.”

Beautiful natural crystal on a handmade base by the Paul Michael Company. Photo by Ashlee Nobel

As for what he is bringing to Market Hill, Paul says he spent six weeks on the road with trips to Dallas, Atlanta, Vegas and Tucson. In Tucson, he bought an entire lot of 52 slices of black petrified wood. He decided to make small tables with them, pairing the petrified wood with natural wood. He engineered a prototype but didn’t like it. He says they are reworking the design at the shop.

He tells us of large, spear-pointed crystals he also found. “From South America. Brazil. Phenomenal crystals on these metal bases that were ugly and unworthy of the crystals.” He describes his plan to remount them. With that, he says, “let’s go to the shop, so you can see them.” It’s just a few minutes’ drive to the woodshop where the shop cat, Paloma, greets us outside. We arrive to the sound of saws and smell of sawdust. In every corner of the shop, there is industry, purpose and focus with multiple projects happening all at once. This is where the magic happens.

Paul leads us to the crystals in the metal bases. It appears he bought the whole lot of them. There are rows upon rows of quartz crystals of all sizes on two long tables. His top welder and metal worker is in the act of hand-fitting each individual component to create new bases worthy of the crystals.  “Every piece has to be hand fit,” Paul says.

We walk through the shop and see additional projects underway, including Vincent Peach’s doors, 12 of them, some drying, some in the process of being painted “Cathedral Stone,” a pretty blueish gray.  

There’s a boulder atop Lucite. He calls it the “Flintstone table.” When asked where the rock comes from, he says, “northwest Arkansas” … and what kind of rock it is, “the kind that comes out of the side of a mountain,” he laughs. He tells us he was on his way to look at a deer camp when he saw the boulders and bought two truckloads of them.

Another piece Paul is proud to show us is an ottoman made of wood. “I was in the Apple Store, and I saw an ottoman I liked, and I thought I could make one better than that.” Like the inspiration piece, his version is essentially a wooden box with a slight indention on the seat and open in the middle. Inside, he stuffs a black sheep’s wool poof. “It’s for people without a lot of room. You pull it out, and now you have two seats instead of one,” he says.

For Paul, inspiration can come from anywhere. “I don’t think any artist came up with their own original idea. It was inspired by something. Creativity happens when you have collaboration and outside influences.”

And yet many of the pieces in the shop, Paul comes up with on the spot, and this is where the real magic happens. An example of this is a large clamshell from China, which Paul says he’s had for 12 years, and now has an idea for it. The clamshell, weighing some 300 pounds, is rolled out on a dolly. His son, Jake, and right-hand man Salvador lift it to its resting place atop two vertical slabs of reef from Indonesia. Paul stands back as the men adjust the piece to the precise angle, the proper form.

Boulder coffee table by the Paul Michael Company. Boulder harvested from Northwest Arkansas. Photo by Ashlee Nobel

“It’s all about form,” Paul says. “When something is in form, you know it. It’s natural to you. When it doesn’t look right, it’s wrong. A curious part, it’s almost a universal and uniform acceptance of what is right. When it’s wrong, everybody has an opinion of why it’s wrong, because you look at its various parts. Everybody agrees when it’s right, because you see it as a whole.” The piece is adjusted, just right, and he says, “That is powerful. This is what I live for.”   

When asked how he comes up with this stuff, Paul says, “Sal came up with a way to cut the bottom off of it. Without him, I probably wouldn’t have used it. Could I have done that without him? No. It was collaboration.”

Paul’s phone rings, and he takes the call. It’s his friend, Craig, and he says, “You better come down to the shop. We’re doing something pretty amazing.”

“We’re just like children,” he says. “Do you see the glee? This is what we do for fun.”

It is fun to be in the shop, to be in the presence of pure joy, creativity, hard work, imagination, experimentation and play. The magic comes from Paul and his team – the woodshop is where the magic happens as it goes from brain to build, draft to design. And Market Hill is where magic comes together, the people and the pieces, under one roof.

Leftovers Antiques

Traveling the world, finding fine and unique antiques, getting to bring an extensive array of gift items and home accessories to a 17,000-SF store for the residents of Texas and beyond, sounds like an epic adventure or like a wonderful dream.

Ed Fulkerson and Michael Breddin, owners of Leftovers Antiques, just west of Brenham, Texas, made their dream a reality in 2003, and haven’t looked back since. They have been coming to Round Top For over 25 years.

“Every day is an adventure when we are traveling. We love to explore the back roads of Europe, hunting for whatever might catch our fancy,” Michael says. “It is the thrill of the chase. And we get to experience that all of the time.”

“It’s what we love to do!” Ed says, “and to be able to share our passion for things –  “leftovers from prior generations” – with others, makes it all the more special.”

They have been preparing for the fall Round Top show since March of this year. They have been hard at work filling six containers to the top with treasures from all over Europe. Not only do they have to find homes for the pieces they discover, they have to find places for them first! Ed, Michael and their Leftovers crew have filled their warehouses, two storage buildings, and their Market Hill venue to overflowing capacity. While they are working long hours, sometimes 10-hour days in the Texas heat, they have great attitudes and senses of humor.

One of their fabulous finds this year is a collection of European copper pieces; mainly English and French 19th century from manor homes and estates. In fact, some of the pieces still have the estate markings on them. Many of the copper pieces have dovetail construction making it early to mid 19th century.

“Copper can lend a space warmth and depth, can make it feel modern or Old World. Either way you lean, copper can bring in the classic metal elements to a room. This collection is full of  great statement pieces, ” says Michael.

“I love the way you can display it, hang it, or even still use the copper,” says Ed.

But Ed and Michael don’t stop at antiques, their store is an enchanting, down-the-rabbit-hole vision of old and new. Their bedding collection is a luxurious example of this vision. It features graceful prints, fresh florals, and bold colors that you will gravitate toward. They can help you transform your bedroom into the ultimate retreat, making it comfortable, inspirational and personal.

It is the passion for things old and interesting that keeps bringing customers back to Leftovers Antiques time and time again. Leftovers is an antiques lover’s paradise packed with irresistible treasures and one-of-a-kind finds. At Leftovers Antiques they offer an unexpected and intriguing shopping experience in a store with an unwavering personality, much like the two men who bring the interest and grandeur of European antiques to Texas.