Vintage Style Tips from the Expert Curator Behind Galerie Provenance

Rip & Tan: It’s safe to say interior experts everywhere are obsessed with your work and defined eye. Talk to us a bit about your journey with Galerie Provenance. What is it about vintage pieces that inspire you?

Sheila Bouttier: Galerie Provenance really is my professional act two. I worked in the television business as a producer and an executive for over two decades before founding Galerie Provenance. Prior to that, I studied and worked in fine art and advertising design. I think my love of storytelling combined with a passion for curating special things led me to vintage and antique furniture. I’m inspired by the stories these artifacts tell and the lives they have led, as well as their resilience and beauty.

Rip & Tan: From the bedroom’s chairs to the great room’s side tables, each vintage piece at the Jenni Kayne Ranch feels so unique and yet so at home. What was the process like sourcing these finds? Were there certain qualities of pieces that made them feel like the perfect fit for the property?

Sheila Bouttier: Jenni happens to be a friend and neighbor and she picked out each item for the Ranch herself. She has an amazing eye for timeless simple pieces that add texture and patina to her already beautiful environments. The pieces we curated for the Ranch all have a very organic texture, feel, and color palate. Each one could easily exist in nature and in the landscape of Santa Ynez.

Rip & Tan: Which piece or pieces are your favorite?

Sheila Bouttier: It is so hard to pick a favorite! I love the juxtaposition of the three refined Swedish 1950s ceramics with the primitive Swedish milking stool next to the lounge chair in the great room. The colors and the patina are so beautiful together. I also love the massive French wabi-sabi wooden bowl holding the wood by the fireplace. Such an inventive and smart way to use a large antique wood bowl.

Rip & Tan: When we attempt to find vintage pieces on our own, what are some quick tips we can keep at our disposal? Are there any specific finishes, periods, or styles we should keep an eye out for?

Sheila Bouttier: My first tip is to trust your gut and pursue pieces that speak to you personally and viscerally. It’s important to love each piece and find beauty as it will become part of your home and daily life. When I first discovered this passion I was a novice and knew very little except what attracted me.

I have had success following my instinct. I certainly have a soft spot for Swedish artifacts. From the early root bowls carved from the burl of the trees to the midcentury ceramics, they are all sophisticated and warm. I also love French midcentury design as well as the more primitive folk art pieces. Also, always ask questions. People who sell artifacts love to talk about their own personal passion and knowledge and will often share details that make the items even more special.

Rip & Tan: How do you know when vintage is worth the investment? Are there any tell-tale signs you should pass on a piece of furniture or decor?

Sheila Bouttier: While antique and vintage items can be an amazing investment, I still buy what I love and if it increases in value that’s icing on the cake. There are definitely a lot of fakes in the marketplace these days. I would try to only buy valuable pieces from a trusted and knowledgable source.

Rip & Tan: Subtle flaws and inconsistencies can make a vintage find feel truly special, but when does a flaw become something to pass on?

Sheila Bouttier: I think flawed artifacts are very appealing as the imperfections become part of the patina. That said, I only purchase pieces where the flaws are old and created by time and use. Some antiquities even have “old repairs” which are especially lovely. If you can see that the damage is more recent, walk away.

Sometimes pieces have been restored and it is hard to tell the age, which can be a challenge. Also, the idea of wabi-sabi or finding beauty in imperfection is very personal. It has to appeal to you and if the damage or flaw bothers you then that piece is not for you.

Rip & Tan: Does vintage have a place in every aesthetic? Are there any interior styles that are a struggle to style with vintage elements?

Sheila Bouttier: I do believe vintage and antique artifacts have a place in every home. Even very contemporary homes can be warmed up with older pieces. I always look for pieces that have a timeless beauty and a unique quality. Moderation is important, though, as you don’t want everything to look very new or very old. To me, beauty is in the mix.

Rip & Tan: For those truly new to vintage shopping, do you have any tips or tricks for getting started? Where should we go? What pieces should we look for first?

Sheila Bouttier: I think you can find great pieces anywhere, from the local antique store to eBay or Etsy. I have spent years curating very special sources in Europe and feel fortunate to have talented folks on the ground in France, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, Belgium, the UK, and more. I think vessels are a nice, easy place to start. Vases, bowls, and artifacts for shelves and tables can really add character to your environment. 

Rip & Tan: What are the top three things to look for when sourcing vintage or deciding if a piece is worth it?

Sheila Bouttier: In my opinion, the top consideration when looking for vintage is how you feel when you look at it in your space. If it brings you pleasure, then it is a great investment. There are many older pieces that are quite special and very valuable that are not to my personal taste so I avoid them. Your eye is your best tool. Collecting on trips, whether locally or abroad is very important because the pieces then also come with great memories. The third thing to remember is curating great pieces takes time. Lean in and enjoy the hunt!

Rip & Tan: How would you describe your vintage hunting approach? 

Sheila Bouttier: My approach to “artifact seeking” is finding pieces that are impossible to resist. There is a certain something that sparks emotion, like seeing a spectacular painting or even an especially chic pair of shoes, if that’s your thing. Of course, I prefer when pieces are rare and special and don’t look like everything else on the market. I try to avoid items that are available in bulk because that does exist out there. I love finding a unique piece I have never seen before. I often get asked if it is hard to part with things, and that is really a good litmus for finding amazing pieces. I know it’s great if I want to keep it for myself!

Rip & Tan: How can adding vintage elements to our homes inspire us to live better?

Sheila Bouttier: My personal belief is less but better. I would rather have a few really amazing and unique pieces than tons of more generic items I don’t really care about. At the end of the day, we live best when surrounded by the people we love, whether family or friends. Nothing is more important than that. But I do think that beauty inspires and having a home curated with special pieces that reflect your personality and bring you joy is another key to living well.