In the heart of Kansas City’s antique scene, French by Design is a treasure trove of authentic French antiques, hand-selected and brought across seas by a team with a deep passion for history and design. The business, founded in 1999, has grown from a single booth in Mission Road Antique Mall to a well-established name in both Kansas City and Texas, with a loyal following of collectors, designers, and homeowners looking for unique, high-quality pieces.
The story of French by Design begins in 1998, when one of the owners was living in France, collecting antiques for personal enjoyment. A visit from her sister sparked an idea—why not share these treasures with others? Upon returning to the U.S., the sister took the leap, securing a booth in Mission Road Antique Mall in 1999. Since then, the business has evolved significantly, expanding to Texas in 2008 and participating in monthly shows in Kansas City’s West Bottoms from 2009 to 2018.
Unlike many antique dealers who rely on third-party suppliers, French by Design takes a hands-on approach, traveling to France three to four times a year to personally curate their collection. They work closely with trusted dealers they have built relationships with over the years, ensuring that every piece they acquire meets their high standards for authenticity and quality.
Between trips, they continue sourcing through their trusted network, guaranteeing a steady influx of rare and unique finds. Each container shipped back is filled with a diverse mix of items, from opulent gilded mirrors and mid-century modern furniture to rustic French provincial pieces and religious artifacts.
What truly sets French by Design apart is its comprehensive approach to antiques. “We don’t feature just one look or style,” they explain. “We sell very elegant French pieces with lots of gilt and mirror, but also great mid-century French and Italian design, French provincial and country items, religious artifacts, and more.”
Beyond furniture, their collection includes an array of carefully curated accessories such as kitchenware, books, mirrors, lighting, art, garden pieces, opaline glass, barware, and more. Their goal is to offer a complete package, allowing customers to not only find a beautiful cabinet but also everything to fill it with.
Every piece chosen by French by Design reflects the team’s taste and aesthetic. “We buy items that we would use in our own homes,” they share. “We love everything we sell, but we’d need several homes to keep it all!”
Their keen eye for design extends beyond individual pieces to entire vignettes. They create fully realized displays that help customers visualize how the antiques can be incorporated into their homes. Whether it’s an entire dining set, a bookshelf styled to perfection, or a soldier-themed display, French by Design makes it easy for buyers to see their pieces in a lived-in setting.
Ensuring authenticity is a top priority for the team. “In France, it is illegal to misrepresent the age or authenticity of an item,” they note. Thanks to their long-standing relationships with reputable dealers and the expertise gained from years of living in France, they confidently stand behind the provenance of every item they sell.
While most pieces are sold in original condition, some require careful restoration. The team works with a trusted carpenter for refurbishments, occasionally stripping wood pieces to their raw form or refinishing them to enhance their beauty while preserving their history.
One of the most fascinating aspects of antique furniture is its timelessness. “We have never really struggled with integrating antiques into modern homes,” they explain. “So many of these items adapt beautifully to contemporary spaces.”
Among their most recent unique finds are a pair of black cabinets from the late 1600s or early 1700s, astonishingly modern in appearance despite their age. Other standout pieces include grand gilded frames likely from Italian churches or castles and a stunning 14-foot-wide tapestry that should belong in a museum.
Antique trends come and go, and French by Design has its finger on the pulse. Currently, tapestries are highly sought after, along with opaline glass, which has gained popularity in recent years after decades of being an underappreciated gem. Other in-demand items include bar carts and nesting tables from the 1940s and 50s, vintage leather sofas and club chairs from the 1930s to the 1970s, and restored copper kitchenware sourced from French chateaus.
French by Design caters to a broad audience. Their clientele includes dedicated collectors, interior designers sourcing for high-end projects, and homeowners seeking to infuse character and charm into their spaces. Whether customers are hunting for a statement piece or simply looking for vintage kitchen accessories, French by Design offers something for everyone.
For those eager to explore French by Design’s latest finds, upcoming events provide the perfect opportunity. Their next major showcase will be at Blue Hills in Round Top, Texas, from March 22 to April 5. Afterward, any remaining inventory will be brought back to their Kansas City warehouse in the West Bottoms.
Their Texas operations have grown significantly over the years. They make several trips annually, bringing in fresh inventory and hosting shows in the fall, winter, and spring. While their Kansas City warehouse is not a traditional showroom, they accommodate regular customers by appointment and even offer virtual consultations for those unable to visit in person.
What began as a personal passion has transformed into a thriving business, one that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. With a keen eye for quality, a deep appreciation for history, and a commitment to offering customers a truly immersive experience, French by Design remains a standout destination for French antique lovers near and far. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, stepping into the world of French by Design is like stepping into a story—one that has been carefully preserved and lovingly curated just for you. Find them on Instagram: @fbdantiques