Guest Curation: AN x The Simple Sketchbook

Interior design lovers, meet this week’s AuctionNinja guest curator, Carrie Brock—Principal Designer of The Simple Sketchbook and a true champion of soulful, collected style. With a warm, refined approach, Carrie has a gift for uncovering timeless pieces that bring character and charm into a home. Her AuctionNinja picks reflect that same thoughtful eye, blending vintage beauty with everyday livability.

Carrie’s AuctionNinja Picks

From French chairs to celadon pottery, Carrie’s selections are rich in character and full of charm. Whether you’re shopping to fill a blank wall or add history to a modern corner, you’ll find something here to love.

1. Set of 6 Vintage French Chairs

2. Antique Oil Painting on Board

3. Vintage Wall Clock

4. Early 18th-Century Chinese Blue-Green Celadon Plate

5. Fine Pair of 19th-C. Painted Plaster Fawn Wall Mounts

6. 2-Drawer Cabriole Leg Console Table

7. Large Jade Green Ceramic Garden Vase

8. Vintage Celadon Crackle Glaze Table Lamp

9. Vintage French Upholstered Stool

Q&A with Carrie Brock

We sat down with Carrie to chat about her passion for secondhand design, her favorite finds, and what she’s always on the lookout for when shopping vintage.

What got you interested in secondhand, vintage and antique items?

I grew up surrounded by antiques—my mom had a real talent for uncovering treasures at what she called "some of the finer garages in all of Dallas" (aka garage sales). I guess you could say vintage tablecloths were my gateway drug. I’ve been hooked ever since. There’s something so satisfying about finding quality pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind.

What are the one or two things you always find yourself bidding on?

I’m always on the hunt for small vintage tables—they’re surprisingly hard to find and endlessly useful. I also gravitate toward original art, pottery, and beautifully crafted wood boxes. These are the kinds of pieces that make a space feel layered and personal.

Favorite item you’ve ever purchased at an estate sale or online auction?

That’s like picking a favorite child! But if I had to choose, I’d say vintage art. Good art elevates any room and always sparks conversation—it adds soul to a space in a way that few things can.

Any tips for online auction or estate sale newbies?

Keep a running list of what you're looking for and refer to it as you browse. It keeps you focused and helps streamline the search—especially when the options are endless (and tempting!).

Follow Along

Carrie’s thoughtful approach to interiors and vintage sourcing is a reminder that good design doesn’t have to be new—it just has to be meaningful. Follow along at @thesimplesketchbook for more of her design insights, behind-the-scenes sourcing, and home inspiration.

Ready to find your own vintage treasures? Tap through her picks and start bidding—because great style is timeless, and these pieces won’t last forever.

Written by:

Tam Tran

June 23, 2025     Updated 05:07 PM

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