Sarah Jessica Parker fills her home with European antiques – designers say these imperfect pieces are a 'quiet rebellion against fleeting trends'
I'd like to think at one time someone was as charmed by them as I am': The actress makes a case for decorating with charming, one-of-a-kind pieces


If there's one thing we love most on the celebrity style team, it's when figures share glimpses of the unique furnishings that mean the most to them. Often, these pieces come in the form of antiques and one-of-a-kind vintage accessories, as is the case in Sarah Jessica Parker's home.
The Sex and the City actress shared three antique pieces she acquired during her travels, which remind us just how powerful vintage decor can be in a modern home.
'Three beauties. All old. Used. Pre-owned. I'd like to think [that] at one time someone was as charmed by them as I am,' Sarah says. She then lists exactly what each piece is, and what makes them so attractive.
'One screen that weighs far more than her dainty silhouette would suggest. Dragged through the bustle of Clignancourt and the narrow streets of Paris, down the corridors of and through security at Charles de Gaulle airport... a hundred years ago. A Parsons-style stool, she enchanted me. An embroidered tableau of a Wordsworth quote: But to be young was very heaven.'
Etsy is known as a go-to destination when decorating with antiques, and it would seem that Sarah herself is not immune to an Etsy shopping spree. 'Etsy abyss,' she says. 'I walk by. They catch my eye.'
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This small footstool is made from the beautiful Buchanan Ancient Tartan, using 100% pure new British wool, and woven in Scotland. It features a gorgeous green and orange-based tartan print (with a white overcheck) that will stand as a talking point in any living room.
When thinking of a folding screen, you're unlikely to picture one on a tabletop, but this piece is hear to change conventions. It's a small twist on the classic screen, featuring an ornate oriental print that will look beautiful alongside your favorite candles and books.
This is an original Alice in Wonderland print from a discarded picture book, published in 1939. It's the perfect wall accessory for every literature lover, well-preserved to continue standing the test of time.
Knowing where to buy vintage furniture online is one thing, but mastering styling is another. Interior Design Expert, Sara Guo, recommends integrating antiques alongside your modern pieces and essential furnishings to create a room that feels truly unique.
'An antique is a story, a legacy, and a quiet rebellion against fleeting trends,' she says. 'Incorporating antiques into your home layers history with modern living. These pieces bring warmth, character, and craftsmanship that mass-produced furniture simply can’t replicate.'
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Sara continues: 'Well-chosen antiques instantly elevate a space, adding depth and authenticity. A Georgian console or a vintage French mirror doesn’t just serve a function. Instead, it becomes a conversation piece, a reflection of personal style. Unlike fast furniture, antiques are built to last, making them a sustainable design choice. Their patina, imperfections, and craftsmanship tell a story that no factory finish can match.'
Antiques are beloved for their history, yet their heritage can sometimes make them feel difficult to arrange in a modern home. However, it doesn't need to be hard. The secret is in striking the right balance.
'Some may fear that antiques feel outdated or difficult to style, but the secret is balance. Pair a bold Art Deco sideboard with minimalist décor, or soften a contemporary space with a weathered farmhouse table. The juxtaposition is what makes a space feel curated, not cluttered,' Sara says.
'Ideally, start small: a vintage lamp, an ornate gold frame, or a set of antique dining chairs. These anchor a room without overwhelming it. Mixing eras adds richness; a Louis XVI armchair beside a sleek modern sofa creates effortless charm. Antiques are heirlooms in the making. In an age of disposable design, they remind us that true style and true craftsmanship never go out of fashion.'
Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
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