Cindy Smith and MK Smith Boykin have designed some of the South’s most stunning home interiors, building a reputation for blending European treasures with modern design. Together, they run Smith Interiors in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The creative mind behind the Circa family of shops, Cindy also owns CⅠⅠRCA Antiques with lead curator Virginia Christianson. Cindy’s daughter, Whitney, owns Circa Interiors & Antiques in Mountain Brook.
“Years of experience have helped me quickly eliminate the ordinary,” Cindy says. “I’ve developed a strong understanding of furniture periods, which allows me to distinguish a true period piece from a later reproduction.”
We caught up with the tastemaker to talk tips, tricks, and the art of integrating antiques into everyday spaces.
Look Beyond the Obvious
Some of the best finds don’t always show up in a curated shop. They’re out in the wild, waiting to be noticed. Cindy has stumbled upon incredible pieces in the back of a truck, tucked away in someone’s garage, or quietly sitting in a private home.
Train Your Eye to Spot the Real Thing
Reproductions almost always give themselves away with a detail that’s just… off. Knowing the history and culture behind each period makes those inconsistencies impossible to miss.
Invest in What Lasts
With antiques, budget and quality don’t always go hand in hand. When searching for something exceptional, quality comes first. A truly remarkable piece justifies its place, and often its price.
Buy What You Love
When you find an antique you truly love, consider stretching your budget to make it yours. Pieces made with integrity and beautiful proportions are the ones you won’t tire of. Do a little homework and learn the basics of styles and periods so you can shop with confidence.
Let the Story Guide the Display
Think about where a piece has been, who used it, what their lives might have looked like, and why it was made the way it was. Each antique had a life before us, and that’s part of its romance. A rustic farm table tells a very different story than a 17th-century Spanish commode. Understanding the historical context, how people lived, and what they valued adds depth and meaning to the piece.
Mix History with Modernity
A space filled entirely with antiques can feel heavy or predictable, while an all-modern interior can fall flat without something that carries some history and soul. When thoughtfully combined, they create beautiful contrast and tension. The more ornate or Baroque a piece is, the more striking it can appear in a clean, modern environment.
Pick Pieces That Endure
A beautifully made piece with striking patina, strong lines, and balanced proportions will always stand the test of time. It has already endured, and that longevity is part of its value.
The more ornate or Baroque a piece is, the more striking it can appear in a clean, modern environment.