Stepping into Antique Exchange Interiors’ new location on 6119 Falls Road is an artful fusion of historic charm and modern elegance. Vibrant rugs bursting with intricate patterns and jewel-toned hues lay across polished wooden floors. Vintage cabinets hold delicate porcelain figures and brass chandeliers hang above with a warm, inviting glow.

After 30 years in business, owners Wesley and Tom Finnerty have moved to a new location, adding space for the variety of treasures they source and more custom design services. 

“Here the parking is so much better, parking is a nightmare in Hamden. We have people that are so excited that we’re moving here, they say, ‘Oh I can finally go to your store,’” Wesley said.

The new location not only brings a fresh aesthetic, but also offers a more accessible experience for customers than in Hamden. Now housed in a spacious building, Antique Exchange Interiors stands in stark contrast to its modest beginnings at their first location on Wyndhurst Ave, which they affectionately called a “tiny little store.”

“The owner of the Antique Exchange asked if we wanted to buy her store back in ‘97. The whole thing was as big as this room, purely antiques, a little bit ‘old lady’ antiques,” Wesley said. 

When they moved to Hamden, the business expanded, offering estate clean outs, interior design services, consignments options, and appraisals. 

“We have other avenues to do the whole job for somebody, which is a big help for people who are downsizing, moving, combining households, [or] have a parent who’s passed away,” Tom said. 

The Falls Road location has allowed Wesley to expand her interior design services, a natural extension of the store’s consignment and antique offerings. Over time, she said clients began seeking her prowess, not just for individual pieces, but for guidance on integrating these finds into their homes.

“I like to balance new and old in my design work. I have clients across the board, some super modern, but we still might stick in an antique rug or a case piece,” Wesley said.

Her approach is centered around the client’s needs, creating spaces that reflect individual styles rather than adhering to a single aesthetic. Her blending of modern with classic styles makes each project a unique collaboration rather than a one-size-fits-all design.  

“I like being a designer who does not impose a signature style. Nobody is going to walk into a house and scream that I did it.” Wesley said.

As Wesley focuses on design, Tom’s role complements her creative side, ensuring that consigned items are evaluated and presented effectively. Their collection is still diverse, with Tom attributing this variety to the unique consignments they receive. 

“We definitely don’t specialize in one thing. What we have in the store completely depends on consignments, which makes it fun because you never know what you’re going to find,” Tom said.

Before moving into the new location, the building was in severe disrepair, listed on the market as a “teardown.” Walls showed the wear of decades; paint peeled in rough patches, and floors were littered with empty boxes and scattered debris. When the Finnertys took on the challenge, they saw beyond the grime, envisioning a place where antiques could shine against a modern backdrop. 

“When we first saw the building, it was, well, rough to put it mildly. There was no insulation, holes in the ceiling, and everything was covered in dirt,” Tom said.

What followed was a labor of love. They replaced entire walls, updated the flooring, and meticulously restored the rooms, bringing the light back into the space that had long been hidden under dust and neglect. The building’s old bones now serve as a beautiful contrast to the polished decor. 

The expanded space on Falls Road provides a fitting stage for the stories embedded in each antique. Glass cabinets hold shimmering glassware and ceramics such as delicate teacups, glimmering candle holders, and intricately carved crystal decanters. The polished tabletops are adorned with vintage books, unique silver trays, and small ornate clocks, their arrangement transforms an ordinary store into a visual journey, welcoming customers to browse and buy. 

The new location has opened on Nov. 1, inviting customers to immerse themselves in a world of timeless treasures.