By: CHRISTINA COLLIGNON
With panache to envy, the President of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties proves that true luxury is not only a matter of brand new, but of a pre-loved object with a luminous past.
With the élan of a true connoisseur, Brent Consedine, President of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, regards the consignment shop not as a mere marketplace of second-hand goods but as a thrilling salon of discovery. It is here, among the artfully arranged jumble of past lives, that he unearths pieces imbued with a history far more compelling than anything from the factory floor. “These are pre-loved treasures with character,” he avers with a knowing smile. “Every scratch or patina tells a story, and I find that infinitely more interesting than something brand new.”
And what a collection of stories he has amassed, with a particular fondness for lamps. He harks back to his collegiate years, working the light table for theatrical productions—a nascent affair with the transformative power of illumination. “Maybe that’s where it started,” he muses. “Lighting sets the tone, making it both functional and artful.” His ever-growing assortment, now so vast that many pieces await their moment in storage, are for him, a gallery in waiting. “Each lamp has its own personality. They’re not just objects; they’re experiences waiting to be illuminated.”
For Consedine, the pursuit is a connection to design’s soulful past. “Luxury isn’t always about something brand new,” he says. “Often, it’s about finding the piece that’s perfect for you. One with character, quality, and a story that continues in your home.” A sentiment as refreshingly chic as the finds themselves.
TIPS
GO FREQUENTLY. STAY ON TOP OF VALUABLE NEW ARRIVALS. / BUY ON INSTINCT. HESITATION MEANS LOSING OUT. EMBRACE SCRATCHES AND PATINA. EVERY IMPERFECTION TELLS A STORY. / ENJOY THE CHASE. IT’S PART OF THE PRIZE. INQUIRE ABOUT DISCOUNTS. MANY SHOPS REDUCE PRICES THE LONGER ITEMS SIT ON THE FLOOR.
Brent’s SoCal Consignment Picks
MISTY’S CONSIGNMENT, RANCHO MIRAGE / Misty’s is renowned for high-end furnishings that blend eŠortlessly into modern estates and classic vacation homes alike. | mistysconsignments.com
THE FIND CONSIGNMENTS, COSTA MESA / With two Costa Mesa locations, these boutiques blend sophistication with eclectic finds, perfect for those who want to elevate their coastal retreat. | @thefindconsignments
VILLAGE CONSIGNMENT, SOLANA BEACH /Nestled on the stylish Cedros Avenue, Village Consignment oŠers a mix of contemporary and vintage treasures with unique character. sites.google.com/site/villageconsignmentinc
PALM SPRINGS VINTAGE MARKET / Held the first Sunday of each month (October–May), this lively open-air market is where collectors and tastemakers gather to browse one-of-a-kind pieces under the desert sun. palmspringsvintagemarket.com