It's a collector's dream come true. A must-attend event held three times a year, which displays the finest collectables and hidden treasures worldwide. If you are in the business of rejuvenation and reinvention, and you have never been to Antiques Week in Round Top, Texas, then you need to raise your game.
There are over 11 miles of hidden treasures, trinkets, and gems. On offer is anything and everything from art deco spoons to turn-of-the-century tables. It's all ripe for the picking, with a deal to be done or a bargain to be had if you know where to look.
Antiques week in Round Top is where history is not just preserved; it's reinvented, creating a seamless blend of past and present.
"...each piece tells a story..."
“Each piece tells a story, and my job is to extend that narrative into the modern era,” says Tonna Cooney of Tangerine Home.
“It’s not just about the age of an item but the energy it brings into a space,” she asserts. Tonna believes this energy is crucial in creating a balance between vintage charm and contemporary functionality.
Her passion echoes the clink of old chandeliers and the rustle of vintage fabrics that fills the stalls of Round Top as enthusiasts pour over wares and look for the most lucrative find to be reclaimed and repurposed.
Tonna’s own journey into sourcing vintage and antiques began in the late 1990’s. It was sparked by the enchanting chaos of the antiques fair itself and a deep admiration for Rachel Ashwell's iconic design book ‘Shabby Chic.’
"...an object...can be loved to live again..."
“I fell in love with that book, and the idea that an object, which may have its true beauty obscured by age or use, can be loved to live again, used as it was designed to be or as something completely new,” says Tonna.
“Then I visited Round Top and I thought, ‘this is cool. I like this!’ There is a thrill in finding something and knowing you can give it a lease of life that brings joy to people who may never have had the chance to experience it in their home.’
Tonna laid the groundwork for her obsession with interiors as a child: “At home, we used to have a special room which we only ever used for visitors,” she recalls.
“It had this amazing deep shag pile carpet and lots of velvet and luxurious fabrics and ornaments. I wasn’t allowed in there unless we had guests and my mom always knew if I went in there to play.
“I taught myself gymnastics to get onto the sofas and avoid the carpet so my mom never knew I was in there. I think subconsciously that is where I developed a love for beautiful rooms and things that can make a space look and feel great.”
Tonna says the magic of many of her finds lies in the alchemy of color and texture. “I’m drawn to muted colors – they speak of a time faded but not forgotten,” she explains. In her capable hands, these colors find new life, often complementing modern aesthetics in unexpected ways.
"...muted colors...speak of a time faded but not forgotten."
However, she adds the hunt for these items is as thrilling as the transformation itself: “It’s like a treasure hunt, where each piece you find has a secret waiting to be uncovered,” she shares. Her travels, often taking her to remote corners and bustling markets, are filled with negotiations and discoveries.
This process, while exhilarating, is challenging. Tonna admits that the logistics of transporting her finds can be daunting. However, the joy of uncovering a hidden gem and envisioning its new life makes every challenge worthwhile.
Tonna is at the forefront of a new wave of vintage enthusiasts who are revamping the image of the traditional bespectacled buttoned up antiques dealer and introducing an edgy new twist.
Her approach to antiques embraces a rebellious aesthetic married with a penchant for objects that can be made deeply different in their use with a strong story to tell.
For Tonna the personal connection with each item is paramount: “When I pick a piece, it’s not just about its aesthetic value. It's about how it resonates with me and how I envision it resonating with others,” she says. This personal touch turns a simple object into a center piece with a story and character.
Her inspiration for the objects she curates for Tangerine Home’s store collection is not confined to a single era or style. She believes in a fluid blending of influences, a trait she attributes to her teenage fascination with British punk culture: “There’s something rebellious yet deeply authentic about punk. It taught me to appreciate the bold and the unconventional,” she reflects.
This appreciation is evident in her work. From Victorian sofas reupholstered in vibrant, modern fabrics to Art Deco lamps juxtaposed with minimalist decor, her creations are a testament to her eclectic taste and ability to foresee harmonious combinations.
In an age where sustainability is key, Tonna’s work is more relevant than ever and there is no doubt she gets gold stars for being green when it comes to her profession: “There’s a beauty in giving new life to something that was once loved, then forgotten,” she notes.
Tonna also diplomatically acknowledges that age often reflects superior quality: “The older an item, the higher the level of craftsmanship. For example, a piece of furniture which has already stood the test of time is far better made and has many more years left of use than something that has been mass-produced,” she says.
“The older an item, the higher the level of craftsmanship."
Tonna had hands-on experience of this when her home was devastated by Hurricane Harvey which ripped through parts of Texas in 2017: “Our house was inundated with floodwater. Everything that we had bought from a large mass-produced store was unsalvageable. It was the older pieces that we could clean up and keep.”
Despite her success, Tonna acknowledges the challenges of her profession. From the unpredictability of finding the right pieces to the physicality of restoring them, it’s a labor of love. But the rewards, she insists, far outweigh the difficulties. “There’s nothing quite like seeing a piece you’ve poured your heart into finding its place in someone’s home and heart,” she shares.
“I love nothing more than when someone who has bought something from me shares how it brightens up their home and brings them joy.”
Tonna believes there is a growing appreciation for antique and vintage pieces, especially among younger generations.
“They’re looking for authenticity, for items with a story,” she says. This shift towards meaningful, sustainable consumption aligns perfectly with her philosophy.
Melissa King has known Tonna for more than 40 years and says she has consistently demonstrated exceptional creativity and talent in design, particularly with furniture and antiques.
She says, “Tonna’s keen eye for detail and remarkable ability to enhance spaces by skillfully combining elements are what set her apart from other designers.
Melissa adds: Tonna is driven by a strong work ethic, which complements her creative spirit and talent for assisting individuals.
“(Tonna has a) keen eye for detail and remarkable ability to enhance spaces by skillfully combining elements."
Tonna and her peers are at the forefront of a movement where home decor is a marriage of the beauty of the past and the potential for an even more beautiful future, where every antique find is a potential modern treasure.
In the world of design and decor, the only real limits are those of the imagination.
Check out @tangerine_home on Instagram or go to their website.
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