Posted by Caren – September 20, 2007 11:42 AM
Tags: antiques, interview, kitchen, renovation

One of the drawbacks to decorating with antiques is the price tag that often comes with them. Unless you've inherited pieces from your grandparents or parents, well-restored antiques can be just as expensive — if not more — than today's furniture. I have a sweet spot for rooms with an antique; like designer Shelly Riehl David says, every space should have something with history in it.

Aimee Boschet, owner of Garden Adornments in Northridge, Calif., proves that beautiful does not have to equal expensive. Aimee has been collecting antiques for 18 years, and started her business two years ago after a background in interior design. She's a triple threat: mom, antique hunter and refinisher, and contractor for her own Tudor home renovation. Above all, her passion is discovering old treasures and giving them new life — and new homes — for a reasonable price.

"These are my best find, yet! Italian, handpainted, handcarved side tables. I found them on Craigslist for $125.00 for the pair." — Aimee

"Cute, little iron nesting tables and vintage and reproduction wicker pieces that I came across." — Aimee

Aimee shared her thoughts with me on saving money when antiquing and renovating her romantic, Tudor kitchen.

Design Happens: How do you choose the antiques you refinish for your shop?

Aimee: I look at pieces, either furniture, accessories, architectural salvage or whatever it may be that I'm buying or contemplating on buying and the first thing I do is really think: Can I use this? Can I sell this? What condition is it in? Does it need cosmetic fixing or is the structure or form of the piece in disrepair? Of course, slight chipping or imperfections are what make many pieces so charming, but I don't want to buy anything for myself or my customers that will not last or is not safe or sturdy.

DH: What sets your refinished antiques apart from the rest?

Aimee: I see so many businesses that have amazing pieces, but their prices are so outrageous that it upsets me. There's a difference between making a profit and just ripping someone off. I know that in this city, people have a lot of money and some people don't care what something is priced at and will just buy it, but I don't feel comfortable pricing my pieces at ridiculously high prices. I am one of the rare ones out there who is actually refinishing and painting my own pieces. Most businesses send out their pieces to be refinished.

DH: How did you bring that sense of thriftiness to your kitchen renovation?

Aimee: We took what was a game room and transformed it into this amazing 15' x 30' kitchen. I designed it from the bottom up, literally. I laid out the plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, flooring, marble… every detail. I was the contractor for this house and have done that in the past as well, so I really have an advantage because I know all the details to look at.

I'll tell you what it cost us to put the entire kitchen together. No one believes me, except people that know me well. The whole kitchen was $22,000. That includes appliances, $4,000; marble, including installation $4,400; cabinets $1,500; and so forth.

DH: Wow!

Aimee: I know, it's unbelievable right? It's true though. I am a really good shopper and I just know where to shop. I swear, I get so irritated when I watch programs and they spend like $50,000 to do one room, and it's really tiny and there's not that much to be done. I'm like wait: Hire me, instead! For our entire house which is 4,000 sq. ft. we spent about $140,000 for everything — and we did everything to this house.

The dining room is one of my favorite rooms. We took an old stereo cabinet and turned it into the sideboard, and I found that beautiful dining room table on CraigsList.org. That's really a secret of mine that I try and keep quiet. Not a lot of people know what amazing stuff you can find there.

DH: What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Aimee: For me, the fun of putting a room together is the challenge of finding the right pieces that mix together in just the right way. I still can't believe I get to do what I love and make a profession out of it. And with two kids it's the perfect business for me. I get to work out of my home and spend time with my kids. What could be better than that?

Thanks, Aimee, for opening your home to us! You can browse all her current antique offerings on her website, including topiary, urns, furniture and home accessories.