COVER STORY | Vintage Shop Owner, Kate Martin of The Perfect Thing II

Meet this Second-Generation Shop Owner of The Perfect Thing II

WHEATON–In 2003, Kate’s mom Judith, opened The Perfect Thing, a business born from a need in the liquidation market. With her background in the estate industry, she saw an opportunity to offer a space where people could sell gently used, unique designer and antique items at an accessible price. At that time, Kate had taken a respite from her first job as an event coordinator and joined Judy to open and run the store temporarily. 22 years later, she is continuing her mother’s legacy as the shop’s owner. She is a Generalist Accredited Appraiser of personal property with the International Society of Appraisers and dabbles in TV, guest appraising on Collector's Call, and formally, What the Sell. Kate has previously served six years as a board member, and three years as Vice President, of the Downtown Wheaton Association. 

Their 9000sqft family-run shop remains rooted in luxury consignment, appraisals, and estate liquidations. Her dedicated staff offers honest and educated knowledge about the design and history of  many eclectic styles and genres throughout their constantly changing inventory.

What is hot in vintage home design and trending for Spring/Summer 2025?

Clients are getting creative! Streamlined, sleek, mid-modern inspired lines are still very hot, but blending them with old world Euro is the look! (think French Louis, rich English or Gustavian). The stark, pared down, matchy-matchy days of yore have passed us, and the new buyer is embracing a more personalized, feminine, color-forward, texturized and blended look. We are seeing a pull towards saturated color; soft, rich fabrics, and the resurgence of classic "brown" case pieces as accents. Blending metals and woods, while featuring bold art, geometric and antique lighting, vintage and antique inspired rugs is the new trend!

What is the difference between vintage, shabby-look, antique, industrial chic, rustic, etc..?

Oh...HUGE difference. As an appraiser, they each have very specific definitions: 

Vintage: Anything at least 20 years old, but less than 100; Antique: Anything OVER 100 years old, Industrial Chic: Repurposing and integrating industrial and commercial elements into design, Shabby Chic: Feminine, distressed cottage look with fluid lines, typically in softer pastel and neutral colors, Rustic: Worn, rugged design influenced by natural elements.

What are some specific items that have sold recently that have had a lasting impression and why?

Honestly, everything we sell leaves an impression. The best part of the shop is truly finding "the perfect thing" for our customers, and a new life for our client's treasured belongings. Your home is one of the most important elements of your life, and you should be surrounded by things that make you happy...that's the most impressive and important part of what we do. We have so many stories of interesting pieces and collections.

Do you have vintage pieces in your home? 

My house is a mish-mosh. I have a very eclectic collection. My television console is a 19th century French provincial console, paired with a Mastercraft 70s brass and glass coffee table, transitional sofas and a Turkish inspired rug. It’s adjacent to a dining room with a reproduction Welsh cupboard, plank dining table, and chippendale chairs in a buffalo check.  My art is bright, bold and VERY colorful. I have accents of vivid Ming style (Asian) case pieces and funky lamps. It’s a true reflection of my style and personality!

What is your personal go-to to spruce a room up quickly and inexpensively?

I whole-heartedly believe a fabulous piece of art or a great rug can transform any room. By just changing one simple piece, a space can take on a totally new look.