Text by Holly Seng
Whether you’re on the fence about incorporating antiques into your home’s interiors or you just aren’t sure where to begin, Jessica Lev of Jessica Lev Antiques recommends starting small. Don’t let their compact size fool you—these pieces make a big impact as they lend warmth and add depth to any room.
“Accessories are the easiest way to bring antiques into your house and see how you feel about them,” says Jessica, who runs a custom antiques sourcing business in Houston, Texas. “They’re little, portable, can be shifted around, and are much more economical.”
A firm believer that finishing touches are the most important elements in a space, Jessica considers antique boxes and books her go-to accents. Gently worn leather-bound books in rich hues anchor airy palettes while stacked antique boxes give dimension to bookshelf vignettes. “If you’re interested in finding out what an antique chest might look like, start with an antique box,” Jessica says.
With Chinese porcelain’s intricate designs and striking schemes, it’s no surprise collecting it is one of Jessica’s passions. “Just having a few plates on a bookcase [or] wall, or styling them on a chest makes such a difference,” she says. “It’s a great conversation starter because the pieces are so beautiful and vibrant.”
The best part about these small treasures is their natural segue into building larger collections. “It’s really hard to collect chests,” Jessica says. “How many spaces are there in your house for chests? But you can always find a space for an antique box.”
For more about Jessica and her antiques collection, visit jessicalevantiques.com.
