Photos by Christian Harder unless otherwise noted
Join us on an antiquing treasure hunt through the Hudson Valley with Joanna Mahserdjian, founder of Hudson’s Upstate Rug Supply.
Some people are born antiques-obsessed, and Joanna Mahserdjian sits squarely among their ranks. “I have always loved antiques and their backstories,” she says. “I got into antique rugs because they are handmade, one-of-a-kind, and reflect so much of the weaving regions and cultures behind them.”
This passion led her to open Upstate Rug Supply, an emporium of splendidly restored vintage rugs, which shares space at The Shop on Warren Street with two other home furnishings dealers. Mahserdjian had been deeply in demand for years, sourcing exquisite floor coverings for her roster of clients. With this brick-and-mortar location, shoppers can stroll in and survey all the Persian, Turkish, and other finds she has available, mixed with chic furnishings.
With her well-honed eye and innate design sense, it’s no wonder Mahserdjian knows how to successfully treasure-hunt around town and beyond. Here, she reveals her favorite stores in her Hudson neighborhood and shares tips on snagging fabulous finds.
Rugs Of course, her own Upstate Rug Supply is a stellar spot. But “if you’re going to a market,” she advises, “know your sizes, and check the back of the weave to see if it’s handmade or machine-made.” (If it’s hand-crafted, you’ll see uneven stitches and knots.) “Don’t be afraid of a bit of wear and the usual dirty condition you’ll find. Rugs can always be repaired and cleaned,” she says, noting that mild soap and water or diluted white vinegar can swipe away many stains.
Textiles “I love Les Indiennes in Hudson. They have beautiful block-print textiles—pillows, table linens, shower curtains. I always hit them up.” Les Indiennes sources traditional patterns, crafted using ancient techniques, from southern India.
Furniture “I am a big fan of Red Chair on Warren Street. It’s an amazing selection of beautiful French antiques, and there’s always something new to discover.”
Another favorite spot in Hudson is Finch. “They get great Danish pieces, sculptural objects that fill out a room, and they have wonderful books as well.”
Door 15 at the Warehouse, a mammoth collective of Hudson antique dealers, is “where I spend my rainy days,” she says. “It’s a great spot to pick up bookshelves, tables, and my current obsession: blanket boxes. I use them as toy chests at the foot of my three sons’ beds.”
Lamps “Jackie of Ida’s Eye, who’s one of my partners at The Shop, has all kinds of things rewired and ready to use, so she is always my first stop for lighting,” says Mahserdjian. “She also has beautiful antique sconces and is a genius at pairing the right shades with a lamp.”
Accent Pieces “I really love Clove and Creek in Hudson [and Kingston]. They carry so many handmade objects by local makers, it’s hard to leave empty-handed.”
