Suzi Jench is Creative Director of Carma Home and owner of Brighton location house Coastal Carma – BN2. Her home has been thoroughly and sympathetically renovated, decorated in calming coastal shades and beautifully dressed in vintage finds (making it a one-of-a-kind shoot location). We chatted to Suzi to find out more about her love of vintage homeware and get her top tips for where to find amazing antiques online and in the South East.
How did your love of antiques and vintage homeware begin?
My grandma and I were very close, and she would often take me second-hand shopping in Eastbourne when I was little. At University, I used to love browsing old bookshops and I’ve always loved charity and vintage shopping for clothes. My first visit to Ardingly International Antiques & Collectors Fair was with my late mum. I guess it’s a family tradition and one that keeps them close to me – I have legacy pieces which once belonged to my parents and grandparents all around our house.
Has your passion for vintage homeware influenced your renovation?
Hugely! I’m obsessed with storage and while a lot of our storage solutions are built-in options, many others are decorative, vintage pieces, from a Hungarian vitrine to rustic boxes and crates, metal canisters and stoneware jars.
Vintage items bring personality to any space, even the most contemporary and help create a warm and inviting environment. Before this house, we lived in an 18th Century farmhouse and before that, a converted warehouse apartment – each renovation was treated to vintage touches – from furniture to textiles and decorative items and that’s how you end up with something unique and special; and you invariably save money too – bonus!
What are two of your favourite pieces in your home that are also available as props?
I recently sourced a beautiful ballerina oil painting with a perfect colour palette, expression, texture, and frame. I love sourcing art and it takes resolve not to keep it all, but she is 100% a keeper.
I have a trio of decorative Moroccan brass canisters that catch the light and have a gorgeous warmth to them. They also remind me of the amazing sensory markets in Marrakech where I bought them and can’t wait to revisit.
Where are your favourite destinations for vintage finds? (other than your beautiful shop?)
Ardingly @iacfantiquesfairs is my favourite. Also, Sunbury Antiques @sunburyantiques at Kempton Park Racecourse. Both have a great range of dealers. I love checking out the catalogues at local auction houses too and I can’t really pass a charity shop without taking a nose!
We have bought several pieces of furniture from Franklins Interiors @franklinsinteriors – Jane and Michael are the nicest couple, and they always have fantastic rustic, European stock.
Trinity Marine @trinitymarine have an extensive range of reclaimed marine lighting. We are Here Now @rugs_by_weareherenow has gorgeous rugs.
***
We love this location for its beautiful bones and abundance of light and props. Suzi also offers a sourcing service so if you need support propping for your shoot she can help you find the perfect vintage pieces. You can contact Suzi directly and book Coastal Carma by the hour here.
