Design isn’t just about putting furniture in a room — it’s about telling a story. A great space makes you feel something. It sparks conversation. It reflects who you are.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of designing homes across the country, each one with its own heartbeat, its own rhythm. And if you’ve ever looked at a finished space and thought, “Where did he find that piece?” — there’s a good chance the answer is simple:
Yes, that unassuming online or in-person treasure trove that most people overlook. But for me? It’s one of the most powerful tools in my designer’s toolkit — and I believe it should be in yours, too.
Let me share the story behind why.
✨ The Hunt That Changed Everything
Several years ago, I was designing a coastal retreat just outside Santa Barbara. The client wanted something that felt sophisticated but grounded, refined but not flashy. We needed history — not just furniture.
I was stuck on the entryway. It needed a centerpiece — something with presence. Not mass-produced. Not trendy. Something real.
And that’s when I found it: a 1960s travertine console table, up for auction from a historic Beverly Hills estate. Elegant lines. Timeless material. Lightly weathered — in a beautiful way.
💡 I won the piece for less than half its appraised value, and it became the anchor of the entire space.
That moment opened the door to a world of California auctions, and I’ve never looked back.
🛋️ Why Designers (and Design-Lovers) Should Use Auctions
California is a treasure chest when it comes to design. You have:
- Mid-century modern estates in Palm Springs
- Vintage Hollywood glam in Los Angeles
- Classic coastal elegance from Carmel to Malibu
- Eclectic, artisan touches from the Bay Area to Joshua Tree
And auctions are where those pieces go when homes are sold, renovated, or curated collections are passed on.
Unlike traditional retail, where inventory is driven by trends and supply chains, auctions are about stories. You’re not just buying a chair — you’re buying a piece of someone else’s life. And that energy translates directly into your space.
🧭 How to Make California Auctions Work for You
You don’t need to be a professional designer or collector to benefit from auctions. Here’s how I guide clients and friends who are just starting out:
1. Start With a Space in Mind
Whether it’s your entryway, dining room, or reading nook, define the space. What’s missing? A sculptural chair? A warm rug? A vintage credenza?
Having purpose will keep you focused — and help you spot the right item when it appears.
2. Know What Makes a “Good” Auction Piece
- Materials that last — solid wood, stone, metals, artisan fabrics
- Craftsmanship over branding — not everything needs a designer label
- Visual texture — patina, age, detail that adds depth to a room
Even minor wear can add character — especially in a clean, modern setting.
3. Don’t Be Intimidated by Bidding
Most California auction platforms are user-friendly. You can:
- View detailed photos
- Read item histories
- Set maximum bids to stay within budget
Many even offer previews or allow in-person inspections if you’re local.
4. Think Long-Term
Great design evolves. That dining table you win today could be reimagined in a future home, paired with different chairs, or handed down as an heirloom.
You’re not just shopping — you’re curating your life.
🏡 A Few of My Favorite Finds
Since that first console table, I’ve found:
- A hand-knotted Persian runner from a Sonoma auction (perfect for layering texture in a neutral hallway)
- A pair of 1970s chrome sconces from an architect’s estate in the Hollywood Hills (so chic against deep navy walls)
- A cerused oak armoire that completely transformed a guest bedroom into a serene retreat
Each piece not only saved thousands compared to retail — it made the space feel collected, not copied.
💬 Final Thoughts
I believe that great design should be personal, meaningful, and, yes — attainable. California auctions make that possible. They offer a chance to find beauty in unexpected places, to invest in pieces that hold value (aesthetically and emotionally), and to bring your space to life with intention.
So the next time you’re tempted to buy something mass-produced just to fill a corner, pause. Browse a California auction instead. You might just find the piece that turns your home into a masterpiece