Guest Curation: Achieving Elegance with Marie McDonald's Vintage Finds

Marie McDonald, a resident of a charming Victorian terraced house in a tranquil seaside town in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, has captured the hearts of many with her Instagram account, @charitybeginsat. Filled with secondhand, vintage, and mid-century gems, her home is a testament to the beauty and character that can be found in pre-loved treasures. 

We were fortunate enough to invite Marie to join our guest curation series, and she graciously agreed. In this blog post, we delve into Marie's passion for vintage finds, her favorite AuctionNinja discoveries, and her valuable advice for those venturing into the world of estate sales and online auctions.

Marie’s AuctionNinja Picks

1. Mid Century Sofa

2. Brass Cranes - Andrea by Sadek

3. Vintage Hand Carved Chinese Cork Diorama In A Black Lacquered Glass Frame

4. Mid Century Chrome Atomic Lamp

5. Jean Francois Cugnier (France, B.1949) Oil on Panel, Coastal Seascape with Cliffs

6. Stunning Danish MCM Chairs

7. Signed Pottery Bowl and Two Unique Planters

8. Picasso Ceramic Bowl Oiseau Au Soleil / Bird And Sun

9. Marc Chagall Art Attributed High Glaze Ceramics 14'' Plate Signed Very Rare

Q&A with Marie

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

I’ve been interested in collecting vintage and second hand items ever since I was a little girl. My mum brought me up on her own and was amazing at making a home and dressing us beautifully,  all from secondhand shops. 

Once I became a teenager I loved being able to find clothes that no one else could copy from jumble sales. Then when I got my own house I filled it with affordable great quality secondhand furniture that was better made and much more interesting than brand new. 

What are the one or two things that you always find yourself bidding on/looking for when shopping secondhand?   

I’m always drawn to anything mid century be it furniture, pottery, art or glass 

What's your absolute favorite item ever purchased at an estate sale or online auction?  

I’ve had so many great finds it’s impossible to choose but I recently found a couple of beautiful  fire screens. One is a vintage cane with hand painted flowers on a glass screen and the other is a fabulous brass peacock screen I’d been looking for for ages. Both look amazing in our fireplaces.

Any tips or advice for online auction or estate sale newbies?  

When it comes to estate sales, I recommend picking up and carrying anything that catches your eye. Items tend to vanish quickly, and if you hesitate and return later, you might find them gone!

Written by:

AuctionNinja Staff

September 18, 2023     Updated 06:09 PM

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