Trends may change. But beauty that lasts—lives on.
Trends flutter by like seasons. New colour palettes, last-year’s silhouettes, fresh-from-the-showroom ideas—there’s always something supposedly “now.” But true style—true meaning—resides in what remains.
To live beautifully is to live surrounded by intention. And often, the most intentional objects are not new. They are storied. They are loved. They are antiques.
Some may dismiss the old as outdated, but design history shows otherwise. Every object crafted today builds upon what came before. The patina on a silver tray, the worn edge of a hand-carved chair, the quiet integrity of a textile that has survived decades—these are not impediments to beauty but rather its proof. Antiques do not survive out of mere nostalgia—they endure because they were made to last. They endure because they matter.
This is the spirit behind a thoughtful curation by Paris Brocante and Elizabeth Garcia—a celebration of timeless design that connects the past to the present. In every piece, you are invited to witness the whisper of a previous life and offer it a fresh stage in your home.
Wander through any antique market and you’ll find more than objects—you’ll feel echoes of lives once lived. A Louis XIV silver vide poche tray, vintage knife rests, or a humble set of salt and pepper shakers carry the weight of time—and with it, a quiet dignity.
But the story doesn’t end in the past. It continues through craftsmanship that spans cultures and generations. Hand-embroidered Thai linens, woven by hill-tribe communities, sit beautifully alongside European treasures. These are not simply decorative—they are vanishing art forms in a fast-moving world. And when layered thoughtfully, they create homes that honour both regional craft and global heritage.
To live with antiques is to accept that perfection is not defined by the absence of marks. Scratches and grazes don’t signal neglect, but rather, a life lived. In these moments, patina becomes a record of beauty in motion. These objects—kept close over time—do not merely belong to us; they become a part of who we are. Lived in, held often, and remembered well.
When placing an object that has traveled decades—or even centuries—into a room, one is choosing longevity over novelty. Memory over moment. Depth over decoration. This is not simply about style; it's about meaning.
Let your home tell a story worth keeping. Discover what endures. Explore antiques that resonate—not because they are old, but because they are timeless.
Featured Pieces from Surround Living
Here are three carefully curated examples from your website—each one embodying the idea of “enduring” beautifully.
Japanese Woman with Fan https://surroundliving.com/collections/sculpture-ornaments
Description: A MEISSEN® Exclusive Collection; graceful & a rare collectable; this porcelain sculpture embodies both technical mastery and poetic sensitivity. Designed by Alfred Otto König in 1913 and introduced in 1914, Japanese Woman with Fan captures the elegance of flowing movement—her figure turning gently as the fan extends outward in a gesture of refinement.
The hand-painted kimono is richly detailed with filigree motifs, delicate nature scenes, and a soaring crane, evoking the artist’s fascination with Japanese aesthetics at the dawn of the 20th century. Every brushstroke exemplifies Meissen’s unparalleled artistry, rendering the piece both sculpture and painting in porcelain form.
Why it matters:
This sculpture is more than decorative—it’s a bridge between cultures and centuries. Created during Europe’s early 20th-century infatuation with Japonisme, Japanese Woman with Fan reflects a moment when East met West through art. König’s design, brought to life by Meissen’s technical brilliance, transforms porcelain into poetry—capturing not just movement, but mood. It’s a piece that invites contemplation, blending narrative, craftsmanship, and cross-cultural elegance into a timeless objet d’art.
Antique Silver-Plated and Cut Glass Centrepiece Tazza
https://surroundliving.com/products/antique-silver-plated-and-cut-glass-centrepiece-tazza?_pos=49&_fid=5158c014d&_ss=c
Description: A grand antique centerpiece tazza featuring a deeply scalloped cut glass bowl elevated on a richly detailed silver-plated base. The ornate stem and tripod foot are adorned with acanthus scrolls, classical motifs, and rococo-style flourishes, offering an opulent statement for dining tables, consoles, or display cabinets. The combination of the fluted glass and sculptural metalwork reflects 19th-century European design sensibilities—perfect for showcasing fruit, floral arrangements, or simply as a decorative object.
Why it Matters: This piece isn’t just a vessel—it’s a statement of refinement and ritual. The tazza’s elevated design and intricate detailing speak to an era when the dining table was a theatre of taste, and objects were made to inspire conversation as much as admiration. Whether used for fruit, flowers, or left empty to let its silhouette shine, it transforms a surface into a stage. It reminds us that everyday beauty was once a cultural standard—and can be again.
Siamese Hand Throne
Description: This carved wooden chair, described as a “Siamese hand throne”, is crafted in light wood, carved with beautiful detail yet retaining a sense of calm minimalism. It can function as seating or as a decorative accent—an extra chair that carries personality rather than simply filling space.
Why it matters: Seats are central to any home—they carry people, moments, and memories. When you choose a piece with character and craftsmanship it becomes more than functional; it becomes meaningful. This throne-style chair gives dignity to everyday moments: a book read, a quiet cup of tea, a guest’s arrival.
Fujian Black Tree Bark Texture Lacquered Antique Lute Console with Scroll Legs
https://surroundliving.com/products/fujian-black-tree-bark-texture-lacquered-antique-lute-console-with-scroll-legs?_pos=5&_sid=8e2b90270&_ss=r
Description: This vintage Chinese altar table, likely from the mid to late 20th century, features a minimalist waterfall design with a sleek black lacquer finish, blending traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern simplicity. Inspired by Ming Dynasty design, its clean lines and solid construction emphasize both functionality and elegance. The integrated open compartments on both sides provide additional storage or display space, making it a versatile piece suited for use as an altar table, console, or writing desk in both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Why it matters: It’s a piece that speaks of ceremony, of ritual, of a past life of reverence and presence. When repositioned in a contemporary home, it invites the same kinds of respect and pause. It is functional, yes—but it also anchors an interior with beauty and story.
Explore our collection of Objects & Antiques
