from the article “Before buying new …” by Alicia Beath, Ecoteriors ) image from Ecoteriors.ca Study what it is you are looking for. If you are looking for an antique crystal chandelier, then research it. Knowing the difference between being authentic and looking authentic will save you from over paying. Always look at quality. The piece should be fairly clean, in good condition and free from major damages. If you do spot something but still want the piece, try to negotiate a better price to compensate. Wood furniture pieces are a big portion of the antiques industry. When dealing with wood you want to carefully look at the colour. Pay attention to feet, legs, drawer and door fronts. If you notice the wood in a certain area is a different colour or texture than the rest of the piece, this may suggest it has been replaced. Also look for old holes where original handles, knobs and hinges have been replaced. Replaced wood pieces or hardware may not decrease the value of European antiques, but it certainly can with American pieces. Inspect the edges of an old wood piece in question. If the edges are smooth this may suggest a power saw was used instead of a hand saw, which would leave more rugged edges. When it comes to colouring, if the furniture looks too uniform it could be new or has been refinished. It?s always fun to add at least one old wood treasure to your home for character. Remember that buying reused items for you

home can offer many different design looks. It?s out of the mould and nobody will ever have the same look! Think of creative ways to reuse items as opposed to buy new. For example, if a coffee table is what you are looking for try using a decorative clay pot. Paint it the desired colour, turn it upside down and place a piece of round glass on top. Great places to explore in Ottawa and surrounding area: Gendron Antiques & Reproductions 1145 Carp Rd. Stittsville 613.831.2186 A good mix of styles as well as unstained or stained reproduction pieces. Architectectural Antiques 356 Richmond Rd. Ottawa 613.722.1510 New and antique lighting. Yardley?s Antiques 1240 Bank St. Ottawa 613.739.9580 Highend antiques and good finds. Offers 3 levels of lighting, furniture, hardware, jewellery and more. Found Design 1192 Bank St. Ottawa 613.523.2205 A hub of retro furniture. Real authentic pieces that are otherwise hard to find. They offer 2 levels of sofas, chairs, tables, lamps and accessories. They even have an original egg chair! Scattered throughout are old televisions and telephones from the 50?s and 60?s, really setting the theme! About the Author Alicia Beath, Owner & Design Consultant of Ecoteriors , is a Certified Interior Decorator graduated from Fanshawe College. She is also an accredited member of the Canadian Decorators? Association (C.D.E.C.A) and currently sits on the board of directors. She is passionate about her work and enjoys creating beautiful spaces for others.

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Great Antique finds in Ottawa and tips to buy