Season’s Eatings

Antique Hunter’s Paradise
Houston designers turn to New Orleans for their most unforgettable finds. From French mirrors to Sicilian ceramics, here’s where to shop, what to expect & why the Crescent City is the design world’s favorite treasure trove.

Where to Shop

Royal Street: the designer go-to
Start where history and luxury meet. Royal Street is lined with standout antique destinations including Moss Antiques, M.S. Rau, Harris Antiques, Keils Antiques & Sutton Galleries — all known for one-of-a-kind European pieces that bring old-world character home.

Magazine Street: curated, soulful shops
The Garden District’s most charming stretch holds a cluster of shops perfect for discovery days. Dunn and Sonnier — equal parts floral studio & antique haven — is a favorite for its layered elegance and garden-inspired vignettes.

Insider Favorites

Tara Shaw — classic French style
Designers head here for upholstered pieces, architectural fragments & beautifully aged European furnishings that add instant personality to a room.

B. Viz Design — textiles with history
From vintage fabrics to pillows stitched from storied materials, every piece feels handcrafted by time itself.

Bevolo — iconic copper lighting
Handmade lanterns that bring the glow of New Orleans home — a signature element in Southern design.

Julie Neill Studio — elegant lighting
Refined, sculptural fixtures that serve as jewelry for a home.

Hidden Gems

Sud — Sicilian influence on Magazine Street
Run by New York transplants Richard Dragisic & William Brockschmidt, Sud blends architecture & curated objects:
• Greek Attic pottery
• Arcangela Piscitello ceramics — a 350-year Sicilian tradition
• Papier-mâché art by Mark Gagnon
Inventory moves fast — the best items rarely sit long.

Wirthmore Antiques — French country charm
Since 1983, founder Gay Wirth has personally sourced eighteenth- & nineteenth-century pieces from the French countryside — think dining tables, armoires, crystal, and silver that elevate everyday entertaining.

One More Stop

Mac Maison
An eclectic mix of French, Italian, Swedish & Spanish furniture — plus marble-topped Champagne tables & classic bergère chairs for those who love sculptural silhouettes.

Why Designers Make the Drive

Timeless quality is trending
After years of minimalism, ornate detail is returning — curves, craftsmanship & conversation-worthy objects are back in demand.

Unique pieces with a story
“Clients want things no one else has,” says Houston designer Marie Flanigan. “They’re drawn to items with history, romance & soul.”

Full-service discovery
Shops like As You Like It can appraise & restore finds — making the trip even more rewarding.

Pro Tips for Treasure Hunters

• Wear comfortable shoes for browsing block after block
• Leave room in the car — inspiration may strike big
• Ask about shipping if you fall in love with a showstopper
• Check listings on Chairish & 1stDibs if you want to preview inventory

Whether you’re sourcing for clients or simply love the thrill of the hunt, New Orleans is the place where antiques feel alive — and where homes gain stories worth telling.

Pack a weekend bag. Bring an eye for beauty. And get ready to discover something you didn’t even know you were looking for.