Tina Marguerite Sylvester shares her love of antiques with a sustainable twist.
The historic château in France Sylvester is currently working on
When designing a home in the 21st century, style and carbon footprint go hand-in-hand. Many factors create an environmentally conscious abode—for Tina Marguerite Sylvester of Marguerite Interiors (margueriteinteriors.com), antiques are top of mind. The local designer has always loved a piece of the past and is even working on a historic château in France filled, of course, with antiques. From Brimfield Antique Flea Markets to Landry & Arcari Rugs and Carpeting, 1stDibs and more, Sylvester scours the globe for the finest pieces to fit her client’s homes. Here, the antiquarian dishes on her love of the old and sustainable design.
The designer
Have you always loved antiques?
As I wear my 1920s engagement ring and my Nana’s earrings, a slew of memories come to mind, connecting me with my love for antiques at a young age. The generations before me instilled this resourcefulness and a sense of pride and honor in giving things a second (or third or fourth) life. There isn’t a roadside find we won’t slow down for, and my 1900s home is filled with them.
Why do you enjoy sourcing and working with antiques?
Antiques add a layer of depth that is unmatched. In my opinion, a space is most successful when it holds a bit of history or story to be told. People find comfort in precedent, which holds true in design. No matter the design concept, there will always be ways to use pieces in a fresh new way, but if there is history at the core that keeps your eye bouncing around the room and your mind at ease, that is a successful composition.
The chateau features many antiques.
Why do you think using antiques in projects is essential when possible?
Using a previously loved piece of furniture or decor is so important for designing with sustainability in mind. This cuts down on the carbon footprint for what would be a new item and saves an old item from being wasted. Not to mention, I often find the construction of an antique to be sturdy and use quality materials.
Do you find that more clients are interested in using antiques?
Absolutely. After the lead time increase of the past few years, clients are more open to options that will arrive quicker and already exist. I also think someone who hires an interior designer is looking for a unique design. If we can accomplish this while benefiting the well-being of the planet and the user, people are usually on board.
Why is prioritizing sustainability in the design process important to you?
Home design is an investment—not only financially, but an investment for the well-being of the user as well. It is important to consider this on a global level in addition to personal.
Sylvester loves to encourage sustainable design options like antiques.
While working on the project in France, what have you learned about antiques?
I have learned that antiques are some of the most readily available high-end options and are able to ship from just about anywhere in the world. Wrangling truckloads of them to the same place at the same time in another country is a lot of work but extremely gratifying. Also, a lot of beauty and intrigue comes from the imperfections.
Do you believe that interior designers have a responsibility to encourage sustainable design options?
Definitely. If we as designers can shed some light on sustainability and the benefits on a personal and global level, we should! It’s so easy to pick up mass-produced antique look-a-likes, but if there is one thing I could tell people shopping for these items, it’s that many unique, well-made pieces already exist.
