In the quaint town of Cary, North Carolina, nestled amidst the serene landscapes, resides a haven for vintage enthusiasts – The Cary Cottage (@thecarycottage), owned and operated by the passionate curator, Sally Nicol. With an eye for all things vintage and a heart for sustainable living, Sally's small business blossomed into a treasure trove of hand-selected vintage and antique finds, each with its own story to tell.

Sally Nicol: The Storyteller Behind The Cary Cottage

Meet Sally Nicol, the creative force behind The Cary Cottage. Her journey into the world of vintage began in her childhood, where she roamed through yard sales and estate hunts with her family, uncovering treasures that sparked her imagination.

As she grew older, her fascination with the history and sentimentality behind each piece deepened, leading her to establish The Cary Cottage, a platform where vintage aficionados can discover unique gems for their homes.

Photography by Abigail Jackson Photo

At The Cary Cottage, Thursdays are eagerly awaited, as Sally unveils her latest curated collection through flash sales on Instagram.

From antique gesso mirrors to vintage lamp tables, each item is meticulously handpicked by Sally herself, sourced from local estates, auctions, and second-hand shops.

But beyond the transactions lies a deeper purpose – to inspire others to embrace the beauty of vintage décor and its sustainable ethos.

Sally's BRG Picks: A Glimpse into Timeless Elegance

As our guest curator for this edition of our Complementary. Guest Curations series, Sally brings her wealth of knowledge and discerning eye in order to handpick exquisite items available in a variety of online auctions. She offers insights into her world of timeless design and vintage treasures.

Sally's long standing relationship as a loyal customer of Black Rock Galleries provides her with many wins from auctions. As a result, she is uniquely positioned to add depth and context in her role as this week's guest curator.

Here are her curated picks:

1. Pretty Oushak Wool Rug (6'0" x 3'11")

2. Pair of Vintage Imperial Grand Rapids Round Mahogany Lamp Tables

3. 1970's Chinese Brass Centerpiece Bowl

4. Mario Sportelli "Sunrise on the Lake" Signed Lithograph

5. Pair of Vintage Alabaster Column Table Lamps

6. Vintage Walking Canes with Dog Head Handles

7. Antique Ashworth Brothers Large Ironstone Pheasant Platter

8. Pair of Staffordshire Porcelain Whippet Dogs

9. Antique Gesso & Wood Gilt & Carved Wall Mirror

10. Antique Chinese Ginger Jar Lamp

A Conversation with Sally

In an exclusive interview, Sally shares her insights and experiences as a curator of vintage decorative arts.

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

I was raised in a family of treasure hunters, so yard “hopping” or yard sales in my youth was second nature. As I matured, I ventured into estate sales by happenstance and found the history, stories and sentiments behind a lifetime of collecting to be so intriguing!

I love to see how people lived, what they collected and what was prized to them—even if I don’t purchase anything. It’s a unique peek into someone’s life that you don’t often get to see so intimately.

Some people think of estate sales as sad. I think how fabulous my own estate sale might be to someone one day! (But hopefully my children will keep and appreciate some of my items, too!) To me, it’s more of an appreciation of the earthly objects we can’t take with us.

How do you describe your design style or aesthetic?

My style is best described as collected. I’m always drawing inspiration from nature. Therefore, a lot of art and colors I gravitate towards is nature-influenced.

Think Audubon scenes, Asian-inspired landscapes, botanical studies and coastal imagery. I love layering textures and materials—natural wood, rattan, wool textiles, antique china and all things brass fill my home!

Photography by Abigail Jackson Photo

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

I can never pass up an older Persian rug! They have stories to tell. It’s like a piece of art for your floor.

Antique books also hold a similar space. Beautiful to display and peruse! Also, small scale original paintings are my weakness!

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

One of my very favorite estate sale finds is a tiger oak sideboard that was literally the last thing left on half price day. I couldn’t believe no one had claimed it. It’s a beautiful, functional antique piece that I use everyday! Nothing mass produced could compete with it.

What's your favorite Black Rock Galleries purchase?

One of my favorite BRG items that I have in my home is an original antique watercolor sketch, matted in the prettiest shade of blue! It has a wonderful historic quality to it.

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?

The saddest tale is when I purchased a marble topped chest of drawers at an estate sale that I couldn’t transport with me at the time of purchase. I came back the next day to collect my item only to find that it was accidentally resold! Since then, if I have to make arrangements to pick-up a sold piece at a later date, I always take a drawer, a sofa cushion, or something that would deem it ‘not for sale’ until I can get back to transport it!

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

The most unique item I came across is one I ended up purchasing! It was found at a local Habitat for Humanity ReStore. It’s a set of four large individually framed, hand-painted Japanese story panels! The colors and imagery just spoke to me and I knew they were coming home with me from the moment I laid eyes on them!

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

Online auctions can be tempting to go overboard on! I like to have an amount in mind that is my “do not cross” threshold and stick to that.

I also like to place my bids at the last minute! Oh, also set an alarm. I can’t tell you how many auctions I have just plain forgotten to bid on!

For estate sales, you can usually preview items online before the actual sale so you can determine which are the best ones to attend. I like to bring a large tote bag to gather small items as I shop the home.

Also, be sure to get some SOLD stickers and a Sharpie to fill in your info as you are waiting to get inside. Sometimes you have to be quick to claim larger items! Bring a checkbook and save on credit card fees, too.

Embrace the Journey of Vintage Discovery

As we delve into the world of vintage treasures with Sally Nicol, we're reminded of the beauty and charm that lies within each piece. From cherished acquisitions to missed opportunities, Sally's journey serves as a testament to the timeless allure of vintage décor. Join us as we embark on this journey of discovery, where the art of design meets the joy of the hunt for unique finds.