Hudson-based interior designer Liz Lipkin was originally introduced to the area only a few years back by one of her upstate clients. Enamored by all that the region offered, Liz made the exciting move from her Brooklyn apartment to the small town that would soon become a newfound source of creative energy, design inspiration, and community.
Liz’s on-the-job and off-the-job love for scouting unique furniture makes her one of our favorite sources for advice on blending different styles and eras cohesively within the architecture of your home. She is particularly in tune with creating authentic and charismatic spaces that utilize a mix of historic and modern furnishings - a delicate balance that can often feel challenging to achieve.
Ever generous with her tips and tricks, Liz shares with us a selection of her favorite decor resources in the Hudson Valley, tips to keep in mind before purchasing vintage and antique pieces, as well as her personal advice on how to make a rental feel more like home.
Why source vintage?
Liz: A room or a home without an element of vintage in it looks and feels flat to me. Vintage pieces add warmth and character to any space – they have patina and wear and a history. Each piece is one of a kind. Buying vintage is also environmentally friendly. Not only are you giving an old piece new life, but you’re also less likely to need to replace it later. Vintage and antiques were built to last, with higher quality materials and more attention to detail than most new furniture.
And how do you usually mix new and historic decor elements for your clients?
Liz: It depends on the home and the client; in a sleek new build, I make a point of bringing in vintage to add warmth. In an older home, I like to introduce some new elements and mix eras. It’s all about striking a balance and playing old off of new.
For some clients, incorporating vintage is adding art or accessories. For those that are open to more, I source vintage furniture for each room. I’ll pair a new bed with vintage side tables, or a new chair with an antique desk.
A few of Liz’s favorite vintage furnishings resources in the Hudson Valley:
For those who love the hunt
Liz: The Antique Warehouse in Hudson has over 40,000 square feet of space, so give yourself plenty of time to look, and leave a trail of breadcrumbs in case you get lost! The warehouse is an especially good source for large industrial and commercial pieces like work tables and display and storage cases, but there are also plenty of household items like bed frames, dressers, farm tables, chaises, lighting, rugs, art, etc. that won’t break the bank. While you’re in the building, be sure to check out the smaller dealer booths at Door 15.
Door 21 / 99 S Front Street,
Hudson, NY
For casual browsers
Liz: Beekman Arms Antiques, Rhinebeck. Tucked away in the parking lot behind the Beekman Arms Hotel, this unassuming little gallery hosts multiple dealers and plenty of vintage art and curiosities. If you like pre-loved fashion, head to the second floor, where several booths feature men’s and women’s vintage clothing and accessories in excellent condition.
42 W Market Street,
Rhinebeck, NY
For the renovators
Photo by Liz Lipkin
Liz: Hudson Valley House Parts in Newburgh sells architectural elements salvaged from old homes across the northeast. The store has anything and everything for a restoration or renovation project; marble mantles, light fixtures, mirrors, doors and knobs, clawfoot tubs, and sinks. With its rows and rows of beautiful artifacts, the space is like a somewhat dustier, disassembled version of the American period rooms at the Met.
159 Broadway,
Newburgh, NY
For those who like their vintage curated
Liz: Hammertown Barn effortlessly mixes old and new. Of the lifestyle store's three locations, Pine Plains is my favorite. The aesthetic in the cozy converted barn is refined rustic, and the vintage and new furniture is complemented by lifestyle offerings like lighting, bedding, pillows, and housewares.
3201 NY-199,
Pine Plains, NY
For mid-century lovers
Liz: Finch Hudson on Warren Street sources clean-lined modern design from around the globe, and receives regular shipments of standout American and Scandinavian pieces. In addition to mid-century, Finch carries 19th and early 20th century furniture and art and new tableware, books, and gift items.
555 Warren Street (and soon to be 427 Warren Street),
Hudson, NY
The Five Double-Five building, currently home to Finch Hudson, is on the market with the Lillie K. Team
Liz’s tips on...
Modifying a rental to your personal style:
I. Decorate as though you own it (within reason).
II. Focus on the small, inexpensive upgrades with big visual impacts.
III. Don’t settle for the default white walls - paint, hang art, install removable wallpaper.
A curated corner in Liz’s Hudson, NY rental. Photo by Liz Lipkin
IV. If it’s an option, try switching out your light fixtures and cabinet hardware.
V. When the lease is up, remember to take the personal, pricier pieces with you to your next home
...and what to look for when shopping at an antique or vintage wares store:
I. Put together a wish list and a dimensions list (don’t forget this one!) before you head out to the stores
II. Don’t be too rigid about your ideal style - the great aspect of shopping vintage is getting surprised by what you find and how it can add to your spaces at home.
III. Just because a furniture piece isn’t in perfect condition, that doesn’t mean that you should avoid it - there are plenty of local experts who could refurbish or reupholster the piece.
IV. Most important! If you see a piece you like, make sure to at least put it on hold - because, in vintage and antique shopping, you snooze, you lose!
Follow along with Liz’s interior design adventures in and around Hudson here.
