Talking Shop with Shane of Big Daddy's Antiques
Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 5:00AM 
Big Daddy's Antiques is a dream! Our love affair with the furniture outpost began at the Alameda Antiques Faire {where they have a booth once monthly} back when there was only the L.A. warehouse. When they opened their San Francisco outpost in Potrero Hill, it was the first place we went to outfit our entire studio. The super high ceilings and depth of our space required extra-large furnishings and we love all things reclaimed. Our long farm table, desk and giant bookshelf were all scooped up at Big Daddy's. We must share the story of the galvanized steel and distressed wooden cabinet that has become known as "The Diane" around here. We spotted it, loved it and deemed it a necessity before we found out about its famed origins. As the story goes, Big Daddy's custom-built the cabinet for Diane Keaton's home in Beverly Hills, roughly 8 years ago. When she moved, the 12ft tall cabinet stayed behind as it was too large for her new diggs. And alas, it now resides here with us in Sonoma. Owner Shane Brown briefs us on the inspiration behind his beautiful shop offerings. Make sure to pay co-directors Michelle Bevilacqua and Michael Zimmerman a visit at the S.F warehouse— they'll take really good care of you!
What inspired you to open Big Daddy's Antiques? Simply put, I saw a need to take beautiful things and recycle them back in to use and I knew I could fill that void.
How would you describe your wares? The convergence of wood and metal in an artistic way. It is organic industrial with an European flair.
What is Big Daddy's aesthetic? High energy....Strong stylistic blended with a softer antique polish
Any favorite antique shops or flea markets in California you're willing to share? In California, I love Alameda Antiques Faire and the Rosebowl Swap meet. Around the country, there's nothing like Brimfield, MA and Round Top in Texas.
Who shops at Big Daddy's? Our clients run the gamut from regular everyday home owners to "A" list actors. We are fortunate to be one of the top 5 destinations for designers.
What is your design weakness? I don't do window treatments....
Big Daddy's Antiques has two locations:
13100 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA | 1550 17th Street, San Francisco, CA
Photography by Jess Watson
Reader Comments (1)
It is so beautiful! I like-Paco Gil shoes for less