Step into a space adorned with Antico pieces, and you’re immediately transported. There’s an effortless grace woven into every vase, bowl, and accent—where the warmth of nostalgia meets the sleekness of modern design. For founder Lucy Hughes, the inspiration was simple: create homewares that feel storied yet stylish, grounded yet glamorous.

The journey began with a flicker of curiosity. "I started by buying and selling vintage homewares on Marketplace," she recalls. "Some pieces would get a huge number of messages, which had me thinking: there’s clearly a demand for unique vintage pieces. But because these finds were one-of-a-kind, I couldn’t meet that demand." That realisation planted the seed for Antico.

The brand's hero product, the 'Fiore Vase', became its first icon. "I bought six without any idea of what the interest would be like. I posted one story and one post on my (very basic) Instagram, and they sold within 24 hours," Lucy says. "That was the moment I knew this I knew there was opportunity to turn this into a business”.

Antico’s aesthetic is unmistakably chic—sophisticated yet unpretentious. "I’m not a designer by trade, but I am a consumer," she explains. " I design pieces I would have in my own home. I love the 'imperfect' handmade look and feel which brings character to any space while still being practical." The collection finds harmony in contrasts: organic shapes paired with clean lines, historical references softened for contemporary spaces.

Since its launch in early 2024, Antico has become a quiet force in the world of interiors, drawing in those who value style with substance. "I’ve genuinely been so surprised by the amount of love we’ve received in such a short time," Lucy says. "I received a note on one of my orders recently that said, 'thank you for bringing beautiful pieces into our lives.' I receive comments like this often and am so, so grateful!” Moments like this remind Lucy why she started. With a promising and dynamic future ahead, she’s excited to expand her product range and pursue thoughtfully curated brand collaborations.

Sustainability, though understated, is deeply embedded in Antico’s DNA. "Our designs are rooted in history, some pieces inspired by objects from the 1800s," Lucy shares. “We value timeless design and slow consumption, over trends and 'fast furniture', contributing to the conscious home”. This ethos reflects a broader cultural shift. “We are seeing people increasingly curate their spaces with intention and choosing items that resonates with their personal tastes or have sentimental value”, she shares. “This can evoke a sense of nostalgia, inviting people to slow down and make more deliberate choices when decorating their home”.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ANTICO (@antico.home)

This instinct to cherish the home as a personal sanctuary was nurtured early. "I grew up with very house-proud parents," Lucy reflects. “My Dad built a number of houses for my family (we moved 10+ times when growing up!) and my mum, being an interior designer, always ensured the home was presented beautifully”.

Our homes are our safe havens, a place of calm amidst the noise of the outside world. Creating a space that feels comforting, personal, and uniquely yours is essential. It is this devotion to detail that shapes every Antico creation.

When asked to describe Antico in three words, Lucy answers with ease: "Timeless, chic, accessible."

"Timeless, because our pieces are rooted in history and designed to stand the test of time," she says. "Chic, because we love blending the old with the new for a chic home environment. And accessible, because vintage and antique pieces are often out of reach, whether due to price or scarcity Antico breaks down these barriers”.

In a sea of passing trends, Antico stays true to the allure of timeless design. Each vase, lamp, and decorative accent feels like a discovery—a piece of the past, polished for the present. It’s the kind of chic that doesn’t clamour for attention; it simply, elegantly, exists.