In what seems at times like an overly modernist world—fast-paced and dizzying—meticulously crafted traditional furnishings are not only a guarantee of the finest quality but reassurance that timeless beauty and the promise of durability provide an oasis from a disposable culture. Excellence in design and construction never goes out of style, especially when it is custom built to a client’s desires.
Enter Englishman’s Fine Furnishings.
Michael Howarth came to the United States from England in 1981 steeped in such values, having found his passion while working at an antiques shop when he was 19. By the time he was 24 in the 1970s, he had moved from London to Canterbury to open his own antiques shop, a business backed by his father.
He was drawn to Atlanta to become a partner at Kennedy Antique Auction Galleries before striking out on his own to introduce Englishman’s Fine Furnishings in Atlanta in 1990, which he opened with his wife, Christine.
Today, the established custom company is directed by his daughter, Anita Howarth Vreeland, who attended the renowned Savannah College of Art and Design before finishing her fine arts degree with a major in interior design at the University of Georgia.
“I worked in residential and then commercial interior design,” says Vreeland, who was also born in London. “I joined the family business in 1997, where I work on everything from furniture design, showroom display and purchasing to marketing. I also help run the day-to-day business side of Englishman’s. My parents play at being retired but are still involved in the business behind the scenes.”
Englishman’s transitioned from being an auction house and antiques wholesaler in the late 1990s with the concept of serving wholesale and retail customers with both antiques and a handcrafted reproduction line of furniture derived from the UK. “Our focus is on custom-made, mid- to high-end European-style traditional and country-style antique and antique-like pieces from England, with a few other styles in the mix—everything from dining tables to desks to sideboards, and pretty much whatever other items our customers need for their projects,” Vreeland says.
Englishman’s prides itself on being a genuine one-stop shop. In the past, it maintained locations in areas where design shows were held, but with the growth of online shopping and the business expanding along with Metro Atlanta, it was decided to consolidate operations. “We now keep our whole business under one roof,” Vreeland says. “It helps us to be able to serve our clients better and have more control over our inventory. We have over 20,000 square feet of showroom/warehouse space, and we are open five days a week, plus the second Saturday of each month when the Scott Antique Markets is on. We do a lot of business via our website and email, and we ship all over the country.”
The company’s clientele is largely residential, but commercial projects are undertaken for some of the designers that shop with the company. Englishman’s also rents pieces to the film and television industries as those productions continue to increase in the Atlanta area.
“You could buy everything you need to furnish your home in one place without every piece being too much of the same look,” says Vreeland. “Designers can work with their clients in our showroom and show them a variety of options and styles. Customers can stop in to pick up an item or two in a low-pressure environment with many options in stock. We have beautiful antiques and new pieces that blend together flawlessly.”
Many of its furniture pieces are available in a range of options, including a variety of leg styles and a wide array of wood finishes. Numerous showroom items can be made in a custom size and finish. “We have clients daily ask for quotes for custom pieces. They send us photos, sketches and blueprints, and we get quotes back to them typically in one to two business days,” Vreeland says. “Our sales staff is always there to help you with finish choices. Also, with the option of customizing, designers and others can have something made to fit if Englishman’s doesn’t have quite the right piece in stock.”
Vreeland is joined in managing everyday operations by her brother-in-law, Kevin Bates. The rest of the family business is composed of three full-time employees who have all been with the company for more than 20 years, plus a few part-time warehouse staff at its showroom location at 4880 South Atlanta Road SE.
Although not every furniture piece is always in stock, there are more items available than are shown on the website. Englishman’s carries so many one-of-a-kind pieces that Vreeland says it is hard to display them all online. She adds that those who do browse online may see a piece on Englishman’s website, Facebook or Instagram and reach out to the company for more information and images. It’s more personalized. Englishman’s has items for sale online, but it becomes more of an online shopping interaction than a simple click and ship transaction.
Prospective buyers are always encouraged to visit the showroom. “Our showroom, warehouse and offices are all under one roof,” Vreeland says. “The best thing to do is to come by the showroom as our stock is always changing. We handle everything, from providing the customer with the help they require, whether purchasing an item off the floor or customizing, to organizing the delivery. We have all kinds of clients, and we are there for them all.”
Some buyers come in with the exact piece they want in mind, while some appear with their designer, and others want help with every decision. But if an initial visit is inconvenient, Englishman’s will gladly email clients photographs if there is something specific desired. Just call or email with the specifications.
The Age of Oak fine furniture line was created by and is exclusive to Englishman’s, with made-to-order pieces obtainable, but the company has de-emphasized specific lines of late, preferring to simply offer classic, quality furniture that stands the test of time and defies changing trends. “We have been working with a couple of factories in England who have made pieces especially for us for more than 30 years now,” Vreeland adds. “We ship in regular containers full of products they make for us. The only lines that aren’t our design are a line of upholstered dining chairs that are made in the USA, as well as a range of leather seating.”
Englishman’s also has streamlined its collection of accessories. Today it carries mainly antique and vintage items, including some bronzes and a variety of blue and white plates. “We also have everything from books, prints, paintings, marble sculptures and glassware to copper items,” Vreeland says. “We have lots of items throughout our showroom. People are always amazed at the variety. Englishman’s is a unique and interesting place to shop. The prices are good, too.” *
Bill Thompson covers the arts, books and design.
