A Round Top Round-Up

A guide for finding then styling antiques and thrifted treasures in your home.

I’ve always had a passion for décor and design, which is why I offer a Round Top round-up and provide some of my own history and advice for styling with antiques and secondhand items.

By nature, I’m extremely sentimental. I relish furniture with a history and daydream about the story each piece holds. I adore the idea of passing down family heirlooms and rescuing pieces that have been cast aside. To me, restoration of any kind is beautiful. I cherish vintage books with scrawled notes inside the covers or a rare antique rug that tells a story with its neatly woven knots.

antique bust and art on dresser in home with white shiplap walls — **MIX IT UP.** KIMBERLY’S FAVORITE “MOMENTS” RESULT FROM THE MIX OF OLD AND NEW. THE MODERN BUFFET FROM POTTERY BARN IS THE PERFECT BACKDROP FOR HER CURATED COLLECTIONS.

decorative ladder and antique art and furniture in living room

Of course, the most satisfying part of treasure-hunting is the “hunt” itself. It takes patience and can often be woven with disappointment. Nonetheless, when you find that “one thing” you have been searching for, it’s the most euphoric feeling.

In 2017, the community in which I live was ravaged by Hurricane Harvey. Our home took on more than 8 feet of water, and we lost everything we possessed on the first floor. Unfortunately, this included a lifetime of sentimental treasures and antiques I’d collected, from family heirlooms to pieces I’d collected as an adult. Everything was literally washed away.

Fortunately, I don’t live too far from Round Top, Texas.

Round Top Texas vintage welcome sign — **Route 273**. A well-known sign at Bull Market as you drive down highway 237 through Round Top.

Round Top Texas antiques market — 1. “The Fields” comprises miles of tents for picking and discovering one-of-a-kind items.

exterior with antique furniture and oversized storage jars — 2. A BEAUTIFUL, CURATED DISPLAY AT EAST END SALVAGE AT THE BLUE HILLS ANTIQUE SHOW. THIS TENT IS A MUST-SEE!

Round Top, The Heart of Texas

Although I’m not a native Texan, I’ve lived here almost all my life. And, being a “Texan” means you’ve heard of Round Top, Texas, a sleepy town outside Austin that proudly boasts a whopping population of … 90!

The Round Top Antiques Show is held twice a year. In my opinion, it’s the best show on Earth! So I’m offering my Round Top round-up of tips and favorite spots. The two-lane Highway 237 that leads you in and out of Round Top boasts 20 miles of glorious treasure-hunting. Even during the entire two-week event, it’s impossible to see it all (trust me, I’ve tried).

booth with vintage lighting at Round Top Texas market — 4. You’ll find creative and inspiring displays for miles during Round Top

The show started more than 50 years ago and is now so big, designers and collectors come prepared with flatbed trucks, wagons and moving trucks to haul home their one-of-a-kind finds. Dealers set up in fields—and, yes, even in cow pastures. There are modern metal storage buildings with air conditioning to old, historic dance halls chock-full of treasures. Unless you’ve attended Round Top, it’s almost impossible to comprehend the expansiveness of this event.

I went to Round Top for the first time in October 2017, two months after our home flooded. It was a great distraction from the stress of rebuilding our home, and I was ready to start collecting again, because I was starting from scratch. I’ve been to the Round Top Antiques Show every fall and spring since my inaugural trip, and the goal is to always come home with something special.

Kimberly and daughters antiques shopping together — 5. My daughters love antiquing with me and often accompany me to Round Top. Here, we’re shopping at one of our favorite dealers, East End Salvage.

The Gin in Warrenton Texas — 6. THE GIN IN WARRENTON, TEXAS, DURING ROUND TOP ANTIQUES WEEK

An Everlasting Love

We have renovated our outdated 1981 fixer-upper two times now, and my tastes have evolved over the years. However, one thing has remained constant: I have a deep passion for weaving old and new, so a story is told from the moment you walk in our front door.

The entryway provides the perfect opportunity to make a dramatic statement. The 18th-century French cupboard is one of my most recent finds. Its narrow shape complements the space. The mirror, artwork and piano stool are also Round Top treasures. What I love most about the entryway is the balance of these centuries-old antiques with the modern stair railing that I designed and had a friend weld for me after our home flooded.

I also enjoy bringing my passion for antiques outdoors. My front porch is full of them.

photo collage on stairway in Texas home with antique furniture at bottom of staircase — **Juxtaposition.** Kimberly wanted to create a special “moment” in her entryway via the juxtaposition of modern and old. She designed the sleek, streamlined handrail, which pairs beautifully with the narrow French cupboard from turn-of-the-century France.

FRENCH LOUIS XVI TAPESTRY ARMCHAIR and Snakeshead wallpaper — THE READING ROOM. KNOWN AS THE “READING ROOM” IN THE ELIZONDO FAMILY, THIS ROOM SERVES AS THE AUTHOR’S OFFICE. IT BOASTS HER MOST TREASURED ANTIQUES, SUCH AS THE FRENCH LOUIS XVI TAPESTRY ARMCHAIR. THE MOST RECENT CHANGE IS THE WILLIAM MORRIS “SNAKESHEAD” WALLPAPER SHE INSTALLED HERSELF.

Other Sources to Consider

Of course, you don’t have to travel to Round Top to unearth amazing, thrifted finds and treasures for your home. I value shopping at, and supporting, small local shops around my community. A recent find is this marble bust with a hand-engraved signature. I fell in love with it instantly! I’ve also mixed my vintage finds from Round Top and local antique stores with some pieces from mainstream shops such as Pottery Barn and McGee & Co.

bathroom with vintage accessories and decor — |ABOVE, RIGHT| HAUTE HALF. WHEN IT COMES TO INCORPORATING ANTIQUES, NO ROOM IN KIMBERLY’S HOME IS OFF LIMITS. A ONCE-BORING AND UNDERSTATED HALF BATH IS NOW DRESSED UP IN VINTAGE TREASURES.

There are treasures to be found, whether you’re scouring tents and barns during Round Top Antiques Week or rummaging at estate sales in your neighborhood. Embrace the old and imperfect, because it yields the most character; and fill your home with pieces that spark joy and tell a story.

Round Top Round-Up: Favorite Stops

Is Mid Century Modern your style, or are museum-quality European antiques more your taste? Do you like “picking,” garage sale style? Yep; you guessed it: Round Top has it all.

Blue Hills antique show sign — 3. THE BLUE HILLS ANTIQUE SHOW AND ITS SHOW-STOPPING SIGNAGE

Here are some of my favorite Round Top stops:

La Bahia is the first show you’ll see once you hit highway 237.

Blue Hills East End Salvage, Old World Antieks and Coach House Antiques are among my personal favorites.

Market Hill offers higher-end European antiques (as well as good restrooms and air conditioning). Make sure to visit the Paul Michael Company area during the fall show for endless Christmas décor.

Marburger Farm is only open for one week, but it’s an iconic Round Top stop. It’s known to attract designers such as Joanna Gaines (HGTV/Magnolia Network’s “Fixer Upper” series), Shea McGee (from McGee and Co.) and Amber Lewis.

The Compound often has great live music and great food options.

Ex-cess I & II offers items from European dealers, along with industrial décor and an eclectic mix of antiques, art and vintage finds.

Bar W Field, Renck Hall and Zapp Hall can be found further north in Warrenton. Here, you “shop the fields” by picking, digging and hunting. It’s tent after tent after tent of stuff! Bring a wagon, because if you don’t, you’ll most likely find yourself walking down the side of the road … hauling your treasures back to your car.

Round Top Round-up Tips

Wear comfortable shoes, and dress in layers. The fall weather is usually unpredictable; and, during spring, it’s hot!
Bring cash or your checkbook—yes, your checkbook. All vendors and dealers are willing to negotiate. And if you are a designer, bring a copy of your tax ID card.
Bring a tape measure and a list of what you’re looking for. Take measurements before you leave home if you’re looking for a particular piece.
Loads of shoppers bring wagons for “picking” the fields.
Everything at Round Top is one of a kind. To avoid “buyer’s remorse,” don’t wait to purchase a piece you love, because chances are, it won’t be there when you return.
Stop to enjoy the little town of Round Top and other historic sites along the way. There are many great local restaurants, and the “Southern hospitality” is top notch.

For more antiques sources and ideas, read on for Craigslist Antiques; Secondhand to Sophisticated. Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to get your daily dose of cottage inspiration!