Remy Watters has mastered the art of slowing down and looking back. Her Franklin shop, Vintage Remnants, is equal parts boutique and treasure hunt, a carefully curated space where salvaged, one-of-a-kind pieces and forgotten relics find their way back into the world. Watters has built a loyal following among shoppers who appreciate the stories stitched into every piece. Valuing authenticity over mass production, Watters was happy to talk shop and the philosophy behind it.
What inspired you to open Vintage Remnants, and how did the shop’s journey begin?
After solo-traveling to 35+ countries at a young age, I saw firsthand that the way we spend our lives doesn’t need to be dictated by imposed societal standards (such as a traditional 9-5). When my husband and I moved our lives to Tennessee in March 2020, with nothing but houseplants and a few pieces of clothing in the back of our old school, two-door Cadillac, we slept in an empty three-bedroom house for weeks. We left California the day the world shut down. Since furniture stores and malls were shut down due to COVID, I turned to Facebook Marketplace. Every single piece of furniture, art and even our pots and pans were Marketplace finds. It felt sustainable and became a thrill of the hunt. One day, I bought a simple but ugly buffet table and an orbital sander on Marketplace for a whopping total of $20. I thought, heck, I have the time, let’s learn how to sand and refinish this buffet. I learned a new trade, completely refinishing the piece, but by the end of it, I didn’t love it for our space. So I turned around and listed it on Marketplace for triple the price, and it sold within hours. A business idea was born: Vintage Remnants.
How would you describe the aesthetic or personality of Vintage Remnants to someone who’s never visited?
Vintage Remnants is a creative collective of all things I love. It’s an artistic outlook on what we surround ourselves with in our safe space, our home. I am the artist, and I don’t bring anything into the shop that I wouldn’t put in my own home. I’m not restricted to one era or color palette, but we do tend to lean into all things organic material.
What draws you personally to antiques and vintage pieces?
I grew up in San Francisco in the 90s. My mom dragged me in and out of second-hand stores as early as I could remember. Weekend adventures, early breakfasts in nowhere towns, smelly antique shops and thrift stores. I hated it then. I love it now.
How do you source inventory?
An average week looks like at least one Marketplace pickup, two antique malls, multiple thrift stops, and now that I’ve grown my Instagram and Facebook shop presence to what it is, people reach out to me daily to consign their family heirlooms in my antique warehouse. All these sources keep my shop overflowing with constant new inventory.
Are there particular eras, styles, or types of pieces that you specialize in or find especially exciting?
I am Vintage Remnants, and as I change, the shop reflects that. However, primitive pieces have always been of most interest to me—hand-forged nails, overused cupboards and pieces that have survived multiple generations.
What’s one of your favorite pieces currently in the shop?
I sourced a mid-1800s dark wood hutch with painted floral glass panels. It was found on a sourcing trip, formed around this Marketplace find, out of an old Eastern Tennessee farmhouse. If furniture could speak, I bet it would have stories to tell!
How do you help customers incorporate vintage finds into modern interiors in a way that feels thoughtful and cohesive?
Modern complements old and vice versa. What you’re aiming to achieve is a space that looks like you hand-picked each piece, regardless of age or origin. I always recommend clients and customers start with one piece they have to have and build their space around it.
What trends are you seeing in the vintage and antique market right now?
I don’t like trends. What I do like is timeless. What truly makes your space “cool” or have the “wow factor” is uniquely creating a space that screams “thoughtful.” Shop slow, sustainably, and make sure you love what you’re buying.
How has being part of the Franklin community shaped Vintage Remnants?
My space has evolved tremendously over six years. Franklin locals have made my shop a Saturday staple, and it feels as though I’m important to them. Equally, my community is important to me. With the help of social media, my Instagram and Facebook platforms have reached millions of people across Tennessee. People across Kentucky, Alabama, North Carolina, and beyond have road-tripped to Franklin just to check us out.
What’s next for Vintage Remnants?
Our physical location might be announcing something HUGE for our community in the next few months. We also have partnerships in the works with small business owners and tourism agencies to help you find not only what our shop offers, but also where to shop for antiques and vintage pieces across Tennessee. The best way to keep up with our wild adventures is through our Instagram and Facebook. @vintageremnants