I am back from the twice annual Round Top Antiques Fair out in Round Top, Texas.  For those of you enjoying the nice transition to fall, let me say: Lucky you.  It is still in the sweltering 90’s here in Texas and boy was it hot out in the fields.

That said, it did not stop me from perusing the offerings over the past 3 days and observing the latest buying trends at this famous event.

Key observations:

1) A return to elegance

Round Top does draw a huge buying market from the Houston area, which I believe is strongly influenced by the French style of New Orleans.  The Belgian look had ruled for a short period time, but the hottest selling items appeared to be those with a lot of class.

Gilt details, ornate light fixtures, plush-down seat cushions and a lot of sparkle stole the show.

The items quickly marked “SOLD” did not indicate ‘austere’ in any manner.

2) Gray velvet is the new beige linen

I could have take more photos, but you get the message.  Gray continues to be ‘the new beige’.  Gray does look really rich in velvet on an antique chair.

3) Two-toned painted furniture is possible on anything, especially with the help of chalk paint

If you have a piece of furniture you don’t love, try chalk paint.  Everyone else has.  There were plenty of pieces at the market that were painted with chalk paint or accent paint to make the piece unique.  There is definitely a level of experience which shows through, so make sure you practice before you really commit!

If you haven’t experienced it yet, Round Top really is worth the trip.  This is a photo of “The Big Red Barn” as people start to line up the first morning it opens.

A lot of people ask if I buy for the store at Round Top, but it isn’t really that type of place, unless your shop is vintage or antique.  I did buy a few things for myself and for the parade home.  One score was this pair of vintage orange velvet wing chairs made by Century Furniture.

I’ll admit these are kind of a ‘you love it or hate it’ item, but they are the perfect scale and super comfortable.  I was thinking I might have them re-upholstered for the Parade of Homes.  The fabric is a lot of fun, but it is pretty worn.  If I do replace the fabric I am definitely sticking with velvet.  These chairs are scrumptious to sit in! I’ll be curious to hear who likes them and who doesn’t!  Feel free to leave me a comment!