In this edition of Complementary. Guest Curations, we are thrilled to introduce Andrea Cummins-Disbro, the visionary force behind Lost Orchid Interiors. With a penchant for vibrant maximalism and an eye for the extraordinary, Andrea brings a breath of fresh air to the world of luxury interior design.

If distill Andrea's design ethos into three words, they would be:

Radiant.

Opulent.

Sophistication.

These descriptors capture the essence of Andrea's design ethos.

As a fervent maximalist, she orchestrates spaces that pulsate with life, each corner adorned with a kaleidoscope of colors. From the serene elegance of blue and white to the bold vivacity of pink and green, Andrea's palette knows no bounds.

Yet, amidst this vibrant tapestry, there's a subtle nod to the exotic allure of chinoiserie, adding depth and intrigue to her creations.

Andrea Cummins-Disbro's Curated Collection

Join us as we delve into Andrea's world of maximalist design and uncover her hand-selected treasures from the auction scene. Welcome to the realm where color, luxury, and cultural motifs collide in a symphony!

1. A pop of color in a hand-knotted wool Afghan Oushak carpet always elevates a space.

2. I love all things chinoiserie and a 19th C. large scale Chinese elaborately carved display cabinet of this scale is a statement piece.

3. Because blue and white relief is timeless and adds instant sophistication to a space.

4. I love the softness of watercolor against a gilt frame with a patina.

5. A grand secretary desk should be a staple of any noteworthy home.

6. Chagall is a favorite artist and his ethereal work always creates imagination in a room.

7. I love antique books because of their artwork. The book itself is classic and it’s full of beautiful art that can be displayed.

Q&A with Andrea

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

I am personally drawn to the uniqueness of people and certainly in design. Estate sales are sources for curated one-of-a-kind items that come with a story and cannot be replicated. The sheer idea that a piece has lived a prior life is already the start of a great conversation in a home.

How do you describe your design style or aesthetic?

I am personally an eclectic maximalist with an affinity for all things chinoiserie. My design heroes are Mario Buatta, Dorothy Draper, and Ann Getty.

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

I absolutely adore large-scale Italian porcelain figurines. In that vein, I also love ornate and colorful tureens. I have an ever-growing collection. From there I focus on antique china sets, wall sconces, wildly unique lamps, and chairs with ornate legs and vintage fabric.

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

I won an old oil painting on canvas – that to me was in the style of Matisse. It was in such bad shape, but the art subject was exceptional. I had it restored, restretched and framed in an ornate frame.

While doing so, I learned the painter was actually an apprentice of Matisse and taught at the Barnes Foundation and Philadelphia Art Museum for over 60 years.

It now hangs proudly as the centerpiece of my gallery wall in the foyer.

Share a story about when you regretted not purchasing an item you saw at an estate sale – that missed opportunity that still lingers in your mind?

I still have intense regret over passing on a pair of ornate lamps with over-the-top velvet shades and bullion trim. They were lavish and rare and I’ll likely never find anything like them again.

What's the most unique or rare item you've encountered during your experiences with estate sales and online auctions?

The items that sold from the Tony Duquette estate auction. He spent his lifetime building sets in old Hollywood and his estate was a chinoiserie paradise of one-of-a-kind treasures.

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

Fight until you win. If it’s a special item, you won’t regret it.

About Lost Orchid Interiors

Lost Orchid Interiors is a full-service luxury interior design studio based in the Mainline of Greater Philadelphia and serves clients nationally. Their clients range from the modern sophisticate to the eclectic maximalist. The common thread with every client is they believe in the power of self-expression and want a boutique experience with exceptional project management execution.

Lost Orchid Interiors believes in helping clients live better lives filled with what they find beautiful and inspiring. Design has the power to delight and shape our mindset, and improve wellbeing is their philosophy. They believe that when you are authentically represented in your surroundings, you feel seen and known. You then take that confidence to all the places you go.

Lost Orchid Interiors tells each client’s unique story through a design lens and is trusted to elevate their clients’ quality of life. They are experts in the exclusive, the luxurious, and the custom – making it their mission to perpetually search for the nuanced and quality crafted.