In this edition of Complementary. Guest Curations, we chat with Molly Blankenship, a design consultant based in New York city.

Originally from South Carolina, Molly credits her Southern upbringing for her appreciation of antiques and decor. After spending over a decade in the corporate world, she launched Not All Beige to showcase her findings from around the world. She currently works closely with designers and homeowners to source unique finds for their spaces.

“I've always had a craving for the hunt,” explains Molly. “There are so many unique pieces out there from individual sellers and small businesses just waiting to be found! I've often felt it's important that I share findings with people and thus Not All Beige was born.”

It's with that same passion that Molly joins us as our guest curator, as she selects and shares her favorite items currently available on the auction block. She also shares her styling tips. Let's discover more....

Complementary. Guest Curations by Molly Blankenship

Molly describes her personal design aesthetic as traditional, calm and cozy. To successfully decorate the home of her dreams, Molly can’t help but shop estate sales and online auctions to find antiques, vintage and contemporary elements.

“I wasn't able to find items I loved or items that represented my aesthetic in traditional retail stores, so I turned to estate sales. I became hooked on the hunt,” Molly shares

When decorating her home, Molly not only searches for favorite antiques and pieces that reflect her taste and style, she also seeks items that tell a story or have history. But that’s not the only reason she is passionate about vintage and antique items.

“I particularly love the sustainability aspect of reusing furniture and home decor items,” she mentions from her lovey home. She continues, “So many beautiful items get trashed. To be able to give new life to items is such a good feeling.”

Molly's Curation

Of all things she purchases through estate sales and online auctions, artwork is Molly’s absolute favorite. Molly explains,“I love that they are unique pieces that can't be found in the mainstream art world.”

She exemplifies her love of fine and decorative arts through her auction merchandise selections which include abstract art, oil paintings and fine art prints. Here are her top picks and tips:

1. Set of Four George Edwards Antique Copper Plate Bird Engravings (Item # 197033) -- I love a series of artwork. This classic set of birds would be great in an entryway or over a desk.

2. Thomas O’brien Longacre Table Lamp by Visual Comfort and Co. Model HOB3000HAB - MSRP $519 (Item #192487) -- Visual Comfort is always worth the investment. This brass lamp with a new shade could be great next to a sofa or on a bar.

3. Nordwall (American, 19th/20th Century) Oil on Canvas Depicting an Abstract Landscape (Item #193001) - Put this beautiful landscape above a bar, in a powder room, or above a desk.

4. Gene Charlton (American, B. 1909 - 1979) Abstract Work on Paper - Pink (Item #197561) -- These abstracts (this and another one in the auction) would really make a beautiful statement over a sofa.

5. Gene Charlton (American, B. 1909 - 1979) Abstract Work on Paper (Item # 196355) -- These abstracts (this and another one in the auction) would really make a beautiful statement over a sofa.

6. Persian Rug Sultanabad Hand Knotted Wool Carpet, 9'-4”W X 12'-4”L (Item # 195413) -- Make a statement in any room with this beautiful rug! Match it with one of the lamps from another auction.

7. 20th Century Console Table with Faux Suitcase on Iron Stand (Item #193436) -- Make an entry with this unique table! Pair it with a lamp and an abstract piece of artwork

8. William Alexander Drake (1891-1979) Oil on Masonite, Country Landscape at Dawn (Item #131294) -- A classic landscape painting. Pair it with a smaller abstract or drawing above and place in an entryway or in a small sitting area.

9. Large Sea Grass Woven Log Basket (Item #192538) -- You can never have too many baskets. Fill this with toys or magazines next to a sofa, or firewood next to a fireplace.

Advice for Newbies

Feel steamed up but are new to BRG? Molly has some advice for you too:

1. Use your imagination when you see an item. Ask yourself: Could a lamp use a new shade? Could a chair get new upholstery? Can a desk double as a bedside table? Can an armoire be used as a bar cabinet?

2. Be prepared for shipping logistics and cost! Doing research beforehand is key!

You can find a wonderful assortment of affordable abstract paintings, vintage furniture, and fine antiques at reasonable prices and in excellent condition through estate sale companies who offer online auctions, estate liquidations, estate sales.

For more unique finds and design ideas, follow Molly on Instagram @notallbeige.

We hope you enjoy this edition of Complementary. Guest Curations. If you would like to be a guest curator for Black Rock Galleries, let us know.

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