Gwen and her sister Teri started their business, French By Design, over 21 years ago when Gwen was living and working in Lyon, France for the U.S. government. Teri would visit Gwen a few times a year and bring back as much as she could in her carry-on and checked suitcases. One day at the flea market while Gwen was sipping vin chaud, Teri decided they should wait no longer and started buying furniture for their first container. First venue was Mission Road Antique Mall, then they added Bottoms Up Antique Market and shows at Blue Hills in Round Top, Tx. and the Americasmart in Atlanta.
Today, they host container unveiling shows at their 15,000-square-foot warehouse in the Historic West Bottoms in Kansas City a few times a year, plus they are open by virtual or in-person appointments. To book your personal appointment, email Frenchbydesign@earthlink.net.
French By Design Antiques
1300 West 13th Street
3rd Floor
Kansas City, Missouri
Collaboration and Styling in Teri’s home by Suzanne Zingg.
@suzannezinggstyle on Instagram
Designer Tips
Buy what you love.
Don’t be afraid to try favorite items or collections in different rooms.
Sometimes it’s good to put things away for a while and bring them back out. They will seem new to you.
With antiques, buy it when you see it, you may not see it again.