Portrait of Antoine Billore © Roman Borisov

Antoine Billore thrifts second-hand objects that tell a story and offers them for sale on his Instagram account filled with retro-inspired visuals. With lots of humor, the expert curator shared with us his tips for finding unique pieces and told us about the artists that he simply can't get enough of these days... His motto? "Mostly old, sometimes new!"

1. Hello Antoine! How would you describe your interior design style?

Hello, of course I would say vintage but also very eclectic... I have a really wide range of tastes, I like almost everything. But I particularly gravitate towards objects that evoke something, a memory... and very personal interiors; we all sometimes have bad taste and I think it's good to embrace it!

2. What is your process for finding unique pieces that would for sure enhance any interior?

I don't really have a defined process, I bargain-hunt everywhere and all the time, but I still like to operate in "current obsessions". Right now it's Italian and German ceramic dogs. I basically sell on Instagram, so I sometimes have a bad habit of looking for items that will make a pretty picture. I love presenting items in a different way; sometimes I look for an item specifically for a photo I have in mind.

On the left: Interiors by Antoine Billore. On the right: A glimpse of the exhibition "Stolen objects from my ex" © Roman Borisov

3. Over time, you've acquired an expertise in the field of design and pieces signed by the biggest names... Your exhibition sale entitled Stolen objects from my exes recently took place at 3537 in Paris. How did you get the idea to sell your vintage finds?

I've been working in retail for a fashion accessories brand for a few years now, I go vintage shopping to furnish and to give life to the stores. I also thrift for myself, and I buy too much, so wanting to turn it into a business was pretty natural. There were already a lot of great accounts out there, so I wanted to do something different and fresh that would tell a story. That's why I came up with the title "Stolen objects from my exes" and the very personal way I sometimes show the objects. I think this concept around the project allows me to target different people, who are not necessarily used to buying second hand furniture.

4. Which modern or contemporary artist inspires you the most and from whom you dream of buying works to decorate the walls of your home?

I love the painter Séraphine de Senlis... And I am completely in love with Julian Farade's art ( @horsmilieux on Instagram).

On the left: Interiors by Antoine Billore. On the right: Table details © Roman Borisov

5. Can you share an anecdote about one of the objects you found?

I recently broke a plaster bust that I didn't like very much, and it turned out to be much more beautiful once damaged. I sold it quite easily and surely for a better price than if it had been whole!

6. Artsper is embarking on a new adventure and inaugurates its Design category! Do you have any advice for our readers on how to find the most special piece?

Bravo! I would say listen to yourself, and don't just focus on signed furniture and objects. If you're vintage shopping on the internet, try keywords that a person with no knowledge of the market would use, such as "foam sofa" for a Togo (editor's note: iconic sofa of the Ligne Roset brand).