Guest Curation: Decorating across eras with Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon is no stranger to publications such as Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, Lonny, MyDomaine, and more, where her pieces range from interior design to travel, and other lifestyle topics. When she isn’t writing, Sarah works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots and of course, spends time decorating her own apartment which appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz, and Washingtonian.com. Her Dupont Circle apartment was featured in both the spring 2019 print edition of Small Space Decorating and the January 2019 print edition of Washingtonian Magazine.

Lucky for us, Sarah accepted our invitation to be this week’s guest curator. Sarah has selected a few hidden gems across our marketplace to help kick-start your secondhand shopping experience, along with sharing her tips to design and style across eras. Check it out!

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

Sarah: Growing up, my grandma was always scouring yard sales and vintage stores for cool treasures. She definitely got me excited about all of the neat things you can buy second hand. I've always been drawn to the thrill of the hunt -- not knowing what I'll find when I go antiquing gives me a rush, as does scoring that perfect piece! 

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

Sarah: I have a slight obsession with Greek bust sculptures, terracotta vessels, and artwork, specifically figure drawings, so those items are always on my list. 

Photography by Allie Provost

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

Sarah: I purchased a really cool piece of black and white art in an online auction and it adds a fun modern touch to my apartment while keeping in line with my eclectic style.

Photography by Allie Provost

AN: In your opinion, what's the most important thing to keep in mind when decorating across eras? 

Sarah: I think mixing new and vintage is key so that a space doesn't end up looking like an antique store! If you have a vintage dresser, for example, maybe spice it up with a contemporary lamp. Or you could even update a vintage lamp base by adding a more modern shade. I have a vintage desk in my living room that I use as my workspace, and I've paired it with a boucle chair from CB2. I love the mix of then and now, and the boucle brings in some great texture. 

Photography by Allie Provost

AN: Your seasonal designs are creative and eye-catching. How do you incorporate your outdoor seasonal decor on the inside of your home?

Sarah: Since I currently live in a small NYC apartment and don't have outdoor space, I have had to bring the festivity indoors! In December, this means draping a live garland on my fireplace mantel and hanging up beautiful wreaths (it's easy to attach them to mirrors or even just the walls using a Command hook). I'm admittedly not a major holiday decorator, but I find that small touches like these definitely help add some joy to my space leading up to Christmas. In the springtime, I love heading to one of the flower shops in my neighborhood to pick up flowering branches. Simply pop them into a tall vase, sit back, and enjoy!

Sarah’s AuctionNinja Picks:

1. Set of Six Chinese Chippendale Style Dining Chairs (Modern Day Auctions)

2. Pre Owned Gucci Tennis 1977 Sneakers Size 9 (We Empowerment)

3. Waterford Crystal Goblets (Waterbury Auction Gallery)

4. Lot of 6 Vintage Crystal Clear Fostoria Wine Glasses, American Cube Pattern (Vintique Estate Sales)

5. Emily James Signed Ancient Greek Column Print Framed (Estate Sales by Jesod)

6. Antique Walnut & Burl Wood 3 Drawer Dresser w/ Marble Top & Lion Head Pulls (Fairlight Estate Sales)

Other Picks Not to Miss:

1. A Chic Gold Bamboo Mirror (Modern Day Auctions)

2. 4 French Country Louis XV Style Cane & Walnut Dining Chairs (Trading Post Estate Sales)

Written by:

AuctionNinja Staff

March 2, 2022     Updated 03:06 PM

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