Homelife: Treasure Hunting

Pulling up to Ursula Baukol’s unassuming warehouse space tucked away in a Springfield office park can be overwhelming at first glance. But the Brooklyn-born curator says this is by design – she suspects that those who are unable to see everything in one visit will always return. She hosts monthly open houses and accommodates appointments to interior designers and customers. Baukol’s clients often become friends because they are drawn to her keen eye and honest feedback. Her high-end pieces range in style from neoclassical to mid- century modern.At auctions she looks for good design, quality of materials and excellent craftsmanship.“For me, it’s not just about selling something,” she says.“It’s about selling to the person who will really love and enjoy living with it forever.” @verdigrisvintage1961

GOODWOOD | 1428 U St., NW

Anna and Pat Kahoe’s retail space on U Street NW has stood the test of time and the 14th Street corridor’s rapid gentrification since it opened in 1994. Walking in the store is like taking a step into another era.Anna’s European sensibilities are a product of her mother’s Spanish heritage.The neighborhood shop’s strength is its ability to cater to a range of tastes while exposing people to the good ol’ days of shopping. Kahoe remembers working for the old Woodward & Lothrop department store (“Woodies”) where customers were made to feel special and the act of shopping was a production in its own right.With a rise in fast fashion and furniture, the Kahoes’ store helps keep the spirit of “a classic American retailer” alive. In addition to vintage furniture, GoodWood sells speciality clothing, scented candles, perfume and a variety of unique artisanal gift items. @goodwooddc

Pixie Windsor is the godmother of vintage in Washington. Her original space in Adams Morgan moved to 14th Street NW in 2005.The bright pink-accented space features an eclectic mix of goods and quirky collections of matchbooks, old photos and magazines, in addition to functional furnishings.“Folks always need dressers, mirrors, dining tables, chairs and lamps so we always have a good supply of those,” Windsor says.The whole place screams of fun — from the original cartoon-like paintings to the jar of chocolate chip cookies that welcomes visitors.Advice to novices? “When incorporating vintage into your home, don’t be afraid to mix and match and blend in time periods, colors and patterns.” @misspixiesdc

Farm house chic underlies this 138-year-old space in Leesburg, Va. where more than 35 antique dealers operate seven days a week. Owner Suzanne Eblen and her husband restored the old general store in 1996. Eblen and business partner Amy Whyte have creatively expanded their emporium beyond the basic retail approach, and they host monthly design houses on the property where everything from the interior design showcase is for sale.They also play host to a massive spring market at the Clarke County Fairgrounds, which has become a mecca for flea finds. @luckettsstore