I have a love affair with European antiques. I love antiques in general, but the more rare the find, the more I am intrigued. I have a tendency to gravitate toward the unusual and unexpected. I think that’s why I am so drawn to the world of European antiques. The intricate beauty, the master craftsmanship, the level of history woven into the very foundations of each piece… it’s like holding onto and staring into a snippet of another world. It’s as if a moment in time was stamped into each piece and is just waiting to share its story with you. I wish I could fully describe the feeling. It’s like falling in love. When you know, you know.
That feeling of latching onto a piece of history is exhilarating. And the moment I came across one of my latest antiques, that is the exact way I felt. I had been searching for a unique, interesting piece of art to hang over my bed for quite some time. I’ve scoured antique stores, flea markets, and thrift shops. Nothing felt right to me. No piece of art was gripping enough. What my heart truly wanted was a canopy bed. It has been my dream bed since childhood. Why? It’s always felt a bit magical to me. Too many fairytales, perhaps. But I digress.
What I really needed in my space was something lively, textured, and unique that didn’t block the view of my television. Don’t judge me. So as an alternative, I decided an intricate tapestry would make the perfect compromise. And with that, my search began. I found so many pieces that I thought were beautiful. But something still felt off. What felt “off” was simply that they were all new. And none of them offered the character that an antique/vintage piece could. I’ve seen so many photographs of beautiful English manor homes adorned with stunning, elaborate tapestries. And a new one just couldn’t match that level of charm I was seeking. And one day during my search, I happened to come across an antique dealer who was selling the most exotic and jaw-dropping tapestry I had seen yet. And within minutes, that tapestry was mine.
This incredible tapestry was woven in Belgium and depicts an Arabian Bedouin market scene in such gorgeous detail. The Bedouins are a tribe who have historically lived in the desert regions in the Arabian Peninsula. And as someone who has always been drawn to the Middle East, this tapestry immediately spoke to me and piqued my interest.
My husband and I were set to travel throughout Egypt and Jordan this year for our anniversary. Due to the ongoing conflict currently overseas, our travel plans unfortunately had to be postponed. It is one of the greatest dreams of my life to visit these places… to wander through Middle Eastern bazaars and haggle with locals to find rare and captivating pieces I could find no where else in the world. And while those dreams have been placed on hold, this historical tapestry has become a hanging inspiration and reminder of the places I plan to one day explore. It felt like the perfect gift to hold me over while I await our grand adventure.
Now every evening when I snuggle up with my warm blanket and coffee in hand, I lay underneath the warmth of these aged colors, the comfort of the textured fabrics, and am surrounded by dreams of the future. Dreams of far away places and adventures waiting to happen. And to know this beautiful piece came all the way from Europe made it even more special to me. It combines multiple passions into one extraordinary find.
And this is why I love antiques so much. It’s why I love design so much. To envelop yourself in a home where your personality and passions thrive is magical. To turn every corner and see something you love makes home feel so special. And the more I lean into making my home a place where I see joy in every space I look, the more I feel the peace that home is meant to bring. Fill your home with what brings you the most joy. And live in the joy it brings you, even when it doesn’t make sense to others. Home is what we make it. Make it an adventure you’ll always cherish.
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