Caroline Robert, owner of perch., says her love of antiques was passed down from her mother, an avid collector. “She taught me the importance of all things old and how interesting their provenance can be.”
Robert herself was naturally drawn to vintage styles from the 1960s and ‘70s.“I noticed a niche in the New Orleans market for a design house/store that presents home furnishings and accessories from a range of eras,” she says. She has taken that idea, and with her business, she’s created an attractive store with styles from all eras.
What do you specialize in?
perch. offers an array of one-of-a-kind antique and vintage furniture, accessories and lighting. In addition, we represent some of the most cutting edge contemporary lines.
What sort of clientele do you reach?
A shopper more mature in age can come in and be amazed by the host of wonderful antiques and fabrics. On the other hand, a child can come in and be just as wide-eyed by the glistening lighting and brightly colored accessories. (We’ve even had a little 5-year-old girl cry because she didn’t want to leave. That was probably one of the biggest compliments I’ve received!) We reach a range of clientele from 20-somethings designing their first apartments to older clients working on their homes in town and their second homes at the beach or in the country.
What’s the first thing you discuss with a client?
We usually begin by discussing their life and their family. What they are drawn to, be it a color, a certain artist or even music. Depending on the client, we delve into a range of things to figure out their style and how best to put that into their personal landscape.
Do you have any specials this month?
We are offering 15 percent off all contemporary upholstered pieces on the floor at perch. To celebrate Art for Art’s Sake on Oct. 4, all month we’ll be featuring lighting and sculptures by New Orleans artist Viorel Hodre, who’s a master of traditional drawing and sculpture and is venturing into more conceptual sculptures made of Japanese rice paper and lights.
