Guest Curation: Thisyunkyhouse x AuctionNinja

In this week’s edition of Collected Perspectives, we had the opportunity to talk to Zach from @thisyunkyhouse. Zach and his partner, Hugh, live in an 1860's mill-worker’s row home in the Manayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia. For the past three years, they restored their home’s historic features that were hidden by a prior renovation.  Throughout this process, secondhand shopping has accentuated the features of their home. Let’s find out what Zach & Hugh absolutely can’t miss when shopping estate sales & online auctions plus their tips for new bidders/secondhand shoppers.

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

Zach: Hugh and I were raised in very different settings: he grew up  in an 1812 farmhouse in Virginia, and I was raised in a standard suburban home in Texas. Hugh brought his taste for the colonial-farmhouse, while I found joy in the historic-yet-eclectic vibe of Philadelphia interiors. This led us to a passion for thrifting and antiquing.

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

Zach: More than I’d like to admit! I always have my eye on antique paintings somewhere in the online world. Collecting antique portraits, landscapes, and cityscapes has become a little bit of a hobby as of late, and rather than endlessly scavenging trendier thrift stores in the city, looking through online auctions and estate sales makes it easier to find what I’m looking for.

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

Zach: Over the years, we’ve had quite a bit of luck finding stellar pieces that we will never part with- at least we hope not. One is the antique accent chair in our living room. It perfectly blends the ornate Victorian style with a more simplistic, mid-century aesthetic and it could honestly fit in any room. Apart from that, we acquired a few early-American portrait paintings  from online auctions that are just fantastic.

AN: Any tips for online auction or estate sale newbies?

Zach: Go into online auctions with an idea of what you’re looking for and a budget. This will probably take a little upfront research–perhaps what you’re looking for is  pricier than you initially thought.  It’s good to have an upper limit in mind so you know when to walk away (believe me, we know what it’s like to get emotionally invested in something and overspend). But aside from that, it’s always okay to just browse! A lot of the time your best finds will be when you weren’t really on the hunt for anything at all.

Zach’s AuctionNinja Picks

1. Hand Knotted Persian Heriz Rug 135"x101" (Fine Oriental Rug Gallery)

2. Wooden Plant Stand (Clearing House Estate Sales)

3. A Pair of Vintage Louis XV Style Marble Top Nightstands (Clearing House Estate Sales)

4. Antique "The Docks" Oil on Canvas Framed Painting - Antique Gold Frame ( Lucky Rabbit Estate Sales)

5. Matching Pair Sofa Love Seats (Rowland Thomas Co.)

6. Primitive Antique Round Coffee Table (Auctions by Smith’s)

Other Picks Not to Miss:

1. Bar Cart on Wheels. Expandable Sides & Pull-out Tray Below (Treasured Tag Sales)

2. American Marine Painting on Board Signed Ships in The Harbor 1825 (Clearing House Estate Sales)

Written by:

AuctionNinja Staff

February 16, 2022     Updated 03:06 PM

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