European Antiques: A Journey of Passion and Heritage

These pieces are often filled with a rich cultural heritage and untold stories of eras gone by, from the opulence of French Louis XV or the move to more modern times with mid-century understated elegance. 

Since its establishment in 2004, European Antiques has remained a popular Auckland destination for sourcing antiques and for lovers of the finer things in life, from the home shopper to the professional interior designer. European Antiques consists of beautiful Grey Lynn showrooms and a special corner in Francis Hooper and Benny Castle’s WORLD stores. 

We speak to Meredith Lee, Founder of European Antiques on her journey to opening her store, how she sources pieces for her curated collection and why the Grey Lynn showrooms should be your next interior destination.

European Antiques was born from a blend of personal passion, life experiences, and the desire for a more fulfilling career. Meredith turned to a passion that had always existed but had never been harnessed.

“I had been living in the UK for six years, spending most weekends in France and travelling around Europe. Initially, I bought items for my own home but soon began purchasing for friends upon their requests,” explains Meredith.

“At that time, I worked in the Legal Publishing industry, a field I found unfulfilling. After contracting meningitis, I realised that I needed to leave the UK and return to New Zealand to fully recover. Facing a life-threatening illness made me realise it was time to take a bold step and pursue work that truly interested me.”

“With a long-standing passion for antiques and interior design dating back to my early twenties, starting my own antique business felt like the natural choice. It’s been 20 years since I made that decision, and it has proven to be the best one I ever made.”

By incorporating European antiques into their decor, homeowners look to create a distinctive, personalised environment that pays homage to the past while seamlessly integrating with contemporary styles. Meredith's passion for the industry, alongside good relationships, makes sourcing her pieces that much more meticulous, promising that every addition to her collection is chosen with the utmost care.

"For the past twenty years, I’ve maintained regular relationships with the same dealers while also continuously seeking out new ones. Although I have consistently made buying trips, finding high-quality pieces has become increasingly challenging as they sell quickly. As a result, online sourcing has become an essential part of my strategy. Trusting reputable dealers allows me to access quality stock efficiently."

"I have some sourcing individuals in Europe who are familiar with the range of items I carry. They actively source pieces for me in Europe while I also conduct my own sourcing. I primarily purchase from these individuals, trade dealers, and auction houses."

And although antiques are odes to the past, staying up to date with modern day trends and modern day interior taste is an essential part of finding the right pieces. 

“I’m a passionate enthusiast of interior design, magazines, and books. My coffee table, a substantial metal piece, is overflowing with an extensive collection of books! I regularly watch shows like Home Worthy and Quintessence and subscribe to various online antique publications. I keep a close eye on UK design trends, especially to track what top dealers are acquiring and, importantly, what they’re selling.”

“I have a particular fondness for Hollywood Regency design; I believe the brass coffee tables, cocktail trolleys, side tables, and wheat sheath lamps from this style beautifully complement both contemporary and traditional interiors.”

Meredith’s four showrooms are located in her home/showroom villa at 21 Ariki Street in Grey Lynn, Auckland. Meredith warmly invites you to come and browse at your leisure, ensuring a welcoming environment for your perusing. 

“We take pride in operating with a relaxed approach. While we are open by appointment—due to Council regulations since the showrooms are located in my home on a residential street—our intention is not to deter customers. Instead, we want to create a comfortable environment where you can browse at your own pace.”

“An added bonus has been that some of my closest friends began as visitors to my showrooms, which has been a delightful outcome.”

Discover the timeless elegance of Meredith’s carefully curated collections by visiting her Grey Lynn Showrooms or WORLD store locations. Schedule an appointment today to find the perfect piece for your home.