Meet Jennifer Evans: The Creative Mind Behind Manor South

Jennifer Evans is the creative force behind Manor South interior design, a cozy boutique firm based in South Carolina. Her life is a vibrant mix of design brilliance, community spirit, culinary delights, travel adventures, and treasured family moments.

Jennifer's Top Picks: Celebrating Brown Wood Furniture

This week, Jennifer takes the stage as our guest curator, on a mission to handpick treasures from our current online auctions.

Her top choice? Brown furniture. These are the very pieces that prompt her to buy and bid at estate sales and auctions with unwavering passion.

Discover the charming brown furniture gems chosen carefully by Jennifer. Learn what draws her to these irresistible pieces.

1. Tiger oak barrister bookcase (item #: 267889), one of my favorites! And books – always collect books!

2. We love a huge dining table! This vintage mahogany double pedestal dining table (item #: 266967) also has ball and claw feet, which are beautiful features.

3. This elegant vintage mahogany vanity dressing table (item #: 267048) is stunning. The legs are gorgeous! Not only can you use it in a bedroom, but also in a bathroom!

4. This Sligh-Lowery leather and gilt tooled desk (item #: 267856) is a beautiful, leather top desk. Classic! You could use this as a desk in nearly any room.

5. We are big believers in always pulling out the silver or silver-plate! Grab this set of Poole silver plated Lancaster Rose teaware with large serving tray (item #: 267041)!

6. I love a good, brass lamp. I use brass in almost every one of my spaces! It's timeless and classic, and this Chr. Wagner Kobenhavn converted brass twin light table lamp (item #: 267849) is in GREAT shape!

7. This 19th century two-piece campaign chest (item #: 266964) is so versatile. Of course you can use it in a bedroom. But you can also put it in a hallway or side nook that needs extra storage, too!

8. Woven furniture has made a huge comeback! Imagine this sweet Wakefield-style woven and wrapped accent chair (item #: 266235) in a little girl's room.

9. Stunning sideboard! The natural space for these is a dining area, whether large or small! This handsome early 20th century Sheraton-style sideboard (item #: 266965) has great storage!

10. This vintage Hoosier kitchen cabinet (item #: 266219) is a real treasure for any kitchen enthusiast. It is a beloved classic, and this one comes with a unique twist—a built-in coffee grinder!

Jennifer's curated collection is a celebration of the enduring appeal of brown furniture. Each piece tells a story of craftsmanship and elegance that transcends fleeting trends.

Whether it is a mahogany dining table, a walnut sideboard, or a cozy leather top desk, “old brown wood” furniture remains a cornerstone of timeless design.

Q&A with Jennifer

How did you become interested in estate sales and online auctions?

I love the thrill of the hunt! I also love secondhand items that come with a story. Even if we don't know their story, just having these special pieces in our spaces makes the space that much better.

How do you describe your design style or aesthetic?

I sum-up my design style in three words: timeless, classic, Southern.

What are some things you always find yourself bidding upon in online auctions?

Brown furniture! It'll never go out of style for us.

What's your absolute favorite item ever purchased at an estate sale or estate auction?

My dining room chandelier. It's 5 feet tall by 4 feet wide, with a gold body and covered in crystals.

In order to transport it home, we had to hang it inside of an enclosed trailer. That's how big it is! It's my favorite find to date.

Any tips or advice for online auction or estate sale newbies?

Be patient, and spend time looking over the items available. Once you know what you're interested in, do a little research to see what they might be worth, or go elsewhere. But the biggest advice – just be patient. The hunt is worth the wait!

Brand ambassadors are always welcome.

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