LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
HISTORY
IN STYLE
Margaret Schwartz’s Modern Antiquarian approach masterfully blends timeless antiques with contemporary design, creating spaces that are both elegant and personal while highlighting the beauty and functionality of historical pieces in modern living.
WENDY PARKER
Photo credit: Sophia Chambers
Margaret Schwartz, the visionary behind The Modern Antiquarian, has redefined the world of antiques by seamlessly blending historic treasures with contemporary design. Her love affair with antiques began serendipitously during an Antiques Diva tour in London, where a casual one-day excursion turned into a life-changing event. By the end of the day, Schwartz had filled a 20-foot container with rare finds, marking the start of her career as an antique dealer. This transformative experience led her to dive deep into the world of antiques, and over the years, she has cultivated a unique and curated aesthetic that blends timeless pieces with modern sensibilities.
Schwartz’s approach to design is grounded in her belief that “it’s all about the mix.” She emphasizes that a room should never be confined to a single style, whether Louis XVI or Mid-Century Modern, but should instead reflect the personality and lifestyle of its owner. This fusion of eras and styles is what creates truly unique and compelling spaces. “A room entirely designed in a single style lacks the character that makes a space truly special,” she explains. Her philosophy is evident in her personal projects, where antiques such as a 19th-century Chinoiserie bamboo cabinet or a 1930s Art Deco velvet sofa are juxtaposed against modern elements to create spaces that feel both historic and fresh.
The 1930s Art Deco Blue Velvet Sofa features a striking kidney-shaped design with polka dot velvet fabric, attached Lucite drink tables, and is ideal for reupholstery.
The 19th Century English Chinoiserie Bamboo Glazed Front Cabinet captivates with its intricate floral motifs, mirrored panels, and elegant black lacquer finish, offering sophisticated storage.
A brief tour of The Modern Antiquarian showroom in The Gallery at 200 Lex reveals Schwartz’s exceptional eye for rare, standout pieces. Among the treasures on display are the stunning 19th-century English Chinoiserie Bamboo Glazed Front Cabinet, which captivates with its elegant black lacquer background adorned with multicolored floral motifs, and a 1950s Hollywood Regency Sideboard with gilt hunting scenes, restored to its former glory. Another striking feature is the Art Deco Blue Velvet Sofa with attached Lucite drink tables from the 1930s, a visionary piece perfect for those seeking bold yet timeless furniture. Each item is a testament to Schwartz’s dedication to sourcing antiques that add a sophisticated charm to any space.
Sourcing antiques is an exhilarating part of Schwartz’s journey, and England remains her favorite playground for discovery. Her longstanding relationships with dealers allow her to handpick remarkable pieces—often in rural and unexpected places. These trusted relationships ensure she is often the first to see newly arrived items. One of her most remarkable finds is a 1950s Hollywood Regency sideboard with a gilt door depicting a hunting scene. Hidden away in the English countryside, this moody and glamorous piece became an instant favorite, perfectly blending the charm of the past with a sense of modern luxury.
Schwartz’s talent for selecting pieces lies in her eye for beauty, but her process doesn’t stop at aesthetics alone. “Every piece I choose must be beautiful, useful, or important,” she says, underscoring her commitment to not only preserving history but also making antiques functional in contemporary living. Among her favorite projects is the Brooklyn Heights Showhouse garden, where she collaborated with Lauren Barry of Project Plant to transform a historic brownstone’s outdoor space. With vibrant plants, modern furniture, and a Thomas Bradford cast iron urn, Schwartz and Barry created a space that harmonized history with the present, demonstrating the power of antique pieces to bring warmth and personality to modern environments.
The 1950s Hollywood Regency Sideboard is a glamorous, gilt-decorated hunting scene piece sourced from rural England, now fully restored.
The 1920s Monumental Faux Bois Dovecote is a stunning French garden feature made from lifelike faux wood with vibrant stained glass, a rare find from a New York estate.
What sets Margaret Schwartz apart is her ability to make antiques accessible and relevant to today’s homeowners. She often works with designers and clients who are new to the world of antiques, guiding them through the process of blending old and new. For Schwartz, antiques aren’t meant to sit untouched in a corner—they are meant to be lived with and enjoyed every day. By introducing smaller antique accessories or lighting into modern spaces, she helps her clients ease into the world of collecting, slowly layering in larger statement pieces as their confidence grows.
In an era dominated by modern design, Schwartz believes antiques play an essential role in transforming spaces by adding depth, character, and a sense of heritage. As more people become attuned to sustainability, the value of antiques has only grown, with many recognizing that these “inherently green” pieces offer not just charm but also a sustainable alternative to mass-produced furniture. Schwartz continues to lead the way in this resurgence of interest in antiques, showing that history and modernity, when artfully combined, can result in spaces that are both timeless and innovative.
From curating rare pieces for private collections to transforming contemporary homes with vintage finds, Margaret Schwartz has established herself as a true tastemaker in the world of antiques. Whether she’s sourcing a monumental Faux Bois dovecote from a private estate in New York or uncovering a hidden gem in a rural English barn, her ability to find the extraordinary in the everyday makes her a standout figure in the design world.
The Gallery at 200 Lex | nydc.com/antiques