By Design

By Carrie Freitas

I’ve always been a big fan of scouring consignment stores, vintage boutiques and flea markets for unique furnishings and accessories for my home. The thrill of the hunt — and knowing this was an environmentally friendly and sustainable way to decorate — saw me out and about at least once a month, making a hot lap of my favorite sources to see the most recent decor gems. When the world seemed to shut down for the pandemic, my treasure hunts migrated to Instagram, where I discovered some wonderful new outlets for my sustainable style jones that I’m sharing with you here. When you shop these sources, you can feel great about what you’re doing for the earth, your home, and for local, women-owned businesses.

Costa Mesa-based interior stylist Jen MacBeth has an amazing eye for eclectic home furnishings and accessories that embody the laidback California cool vibe. From midcentury modern to island-inspired, and surf culture to Mexican and African artifacts, the curated collection of items for sale on her Instagram makes it a must-follow and must-shop resource for vintage decor. IG: @californiacasa

Mark your calendar for the second Sunday of each month, when the Coast Vintage Market is held outdoors at the Laguna Hills Mall. Proprietor Shelly Peterson ensures the market features a wide variety of quality, one-of-kind vintage decor goods at fabulous prices. On any given (second) Sunday, you can shop from up to 150 talented dealers who hunt far and wide for pre-loved treasures ranging from antiques and primitives to midcentury modern and repurposed items. thecoastvintagemarket.com | IG + FB: @ thecoastvintagemarket

I have been following The FIND Consignments owner Kitty Canada for years — not in a creepy way, more in a “first stop for any furniture I need” way. You can save on high-end, gently-loved furniture in top condition at her two Costa Mesa locations: one 14,000-square-foot showroom on Newport Boulevard and another 7,600-square-foot showroom on Superior Avenue. Think Restoration Hardware, Baker, Lee Jofa, Barclay Butera, Ligne Roset, Ralph Lauren … the list goes on. The FIND is the largest consignment store in Orange County and, in addition to furniture, you’ll find art, rugs, and accessories. IG + FB: @thefindconsignments

When a recent IG rabbit hole session led me to Hyde Goods, I knew I’d hit vintage interiors pay dirt. Not only were there vintage ceramic pieces, which I’ve just started to collect, I found midcentury modern chairs, Pegge Hopper prints, rugs, and so much more. Dana Point-based Alexandra Madsen is the owner and has an incredible eye for sustainable vintage interior decor that is truly unique. For lots of conversation pieces, shop Hyde Goods via Instagram, the website or in-person at Urban Americana in Long Beach. hyde-goods.com | IG: @hyde_goods

I will readily admit that I’ve gone on a bit of a spree lately shopping Newport Beach-based Kristen James’ Instagram feed. She’s scouring the estate sales and flea markets for us to bring incredible one-of-akind finds to our homes. Her amazing taste, not to mention that net proceeds of her sales are donated to Childhelp (she gave $20,000 last year to the organization), make her vintage offerings a win-winwin (they’re sustainable, too!). If you’re as passionate about helping kids as you are about your home decor — and you better be! — give Good Buy James a follow, and your business. IG: @goodbuyjames Magnolia Mews One of my favorite IRL stops for vintage decor hunting is Magnolia Mews Consignments in Newport Beach. Owner and proprietor Hillary Niblo places an emphasis on quality over quantity, with an inventory that is constantly changing — there are always new gems to discover in her shop. Select from carefully curated antiques, vintage, and designer pieces with a focus on medium to small furniture, original artwork and unique accessories. magnoliamews.com | IG: @magnoliamewsconsignments