Chairish's Sale with Tastemaker Anthony D’Argenzio is a Dream for Vintage Lovers
Anthony D’Argenzio, founder of the New York-based creative agency Zio and Sons, knows what it takes to acquire a thoughtful collection of vintage and antique decor items. After years of styling interiors and managing This Old Hudson—an early 1900s Craftsman-style home in Hudson, New York, that's available to rent for photography shoots—D’Argenzio is granting design enthusiasts everywhere access to his expertise.
D’Argenzio has teamed up with Chairish on a special sale, which features an impressive selection of vintage and antique art and home decor accents. Drawing inspiration from Old World textures and patinas, D’Argenzio personally sourced every piece included in the sale. In addition to finding artwork on trips overseas, the passionate collector visited a slew of flea markets and antique shops to pinpoint one-of-a-kind finds.
In an interview with Chairish, the creative opened up about his love of art, his appreciation for rustic minimalism, and the tile line he recently designed for Clé Tile. Read a portion of the interview below.
Your rooms, especially those designed for This Old Hudson, convey an elegant rustic minimalism. How did you develop this sensibility?
We live in an era where disposability is the norm and people tend to furnish and collect for the short term. Comparatively, I have been drawn to Old World objects all my life—I chalk it up to being an old soul—and my design instincts reflect that. I feel lucky to have been raised by people who instilled in me an appreciation for heritage and tradition and who taught me the value of hunting for treasure at garage sales. I suspect that’s why I might see beauty where someone else would see what they consider to be a flaw.
How does minimalism come into play in your design process?
I oscillate between maximalism and minimalism—honestly, regardless of how much stuff you have, I think the most beautiful spaces are the ones where you walk in and can tell everything in the room plays a part and has some meaning for its owner. To that end, my motto is: Shop with purpose. There is a big difference between clutter and a collection, and finding ways to showcase your special pieces can really make a space sing.
Are there any textures or materials that you find yourself turning to again and again when designing in This Old Hudson’s signature style?
Definitely, which is pretty obvious on my Instagram. I’m really into incorporating texture with finishes and materials like painted mill work, Venetian plaster, unlacquered brass, and antique furniture—I like materials that age and change with time. I am also besotted with tile, as you can tell from the Zio and Sons collection with Clé. My aim with that collaboration was to make gorgeous mosaic-style patterns inspired by traditional Morrocann designs that are easy to install and price conscious. I’m pleased to I am in love with the results!
Are there any patterns you particularly love?
I’m attracted to anything that looks like it might have been in a beautifully appointed hotel at the turn of the century but really just any and all vintage and antique motifs. My guiding principle is to go for the classics—patterns and styles that draw on designs that have stood the test of time. Subtlety is also key: Shiplap and vertical lines in beadboard are technically patterns but add a texture without overwhelming a space.
You recently designed a tile line for Clé Tile. What was your inspiration and how did you ensure your aesthetic came through in the tile you created?
That collection was so much fun to create: I traveled to Morocco to really learn about Zellige, the tile tradition that the collaboration took inspiration from. The look of the tiles dovetailed perfectly with my own design aesthetic and the effect is just so timeless and special—you really appreciate the handicraft and heritage once the natural, handmade mosaic patterns are installed.
What are some staple pieces that you think always embody rustic minimalist sophistication?
This is a tough one! One thing I recommend to anyone is really just evaluating the quality of a piece on its own—you might love a particular style or tradition, but you need to engage with the quality and craftsmanship of the individual piece. Details like vintage hardware can really make a big difference. Primitive cabinets like wooden cupboards are always a wonderful and pragmatic way to add visually appealing storage space. Oh, and if you see a beautiful old frame? Just buy it. Eventually you’ll find the perfect piece to put inside.
How do you approach flaws when designing old spaces?
It really all comes down to problem solving. When you work on and in old properties, you have to keep an open mind and accept certain things as they are. Plaster is not always going to be perfect. Door frames will not always be 100% level. Learning to embrace “flaws” can be a process. But at the end of the day, we choose older spaces because we value something about their uniqueness or history. My mindset is to honor that choice from beginning to end.
You Might Also Like
