Hidden Treasures: Exploring with Cottage Antiques

We all love finding that gem in the rough that’s a great score for the wallet. But antiquing requires a great deal of skill, as it is easy to pick up an inauthentic, worthless or badly damaged antique if you don't know what you are doing. Most people gain their skills through years of practice, and grow to be fully experienced at the antiquing game of identification.

DiscoverSD sat down with Cordelia Mendoza, owner of Cottage Antiques off Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach, to discuss the trends of antiquing and her tips for those who want to experience this antiquing art for themselves.

This 21 year antique veteran sure knows her way around the home. "I love buying, selling and even decorating homes," says Mendoza. "We actually just finished restoring a 1930s home in Point Loma."

Cottage Antiques is like no other antique shop that you will visit on the West Coast. When you walk into this shop, you will immediately enter an experience of sophisticated surroundings along with unique objects and antiques. Cottage Antiques evokes a one-of-a kind inspiration displaying simple yet elegant collections of antique and vintage home furnishings and accessories that will be sure to reflect your lifestyle. No disorganization or messy feel in here that are usually the norm among antique stores.

Mendoza has an eye for antiques that are vintage. "I would certainly suggest to anyone interested in antiquing to try it out and take a whack at it. Look for pieces that are time worn and vintage; it creates a real cozy atmosphere," she says.

She says that sometimes all restoration takes is a little polish. "Merely clean up a piece with restoration product if it is a wood furniture piece," says Mendoza.

Mendoza and her husband, Bob Mendoza, both antique professionals, antique much of the furniture that they sell at Cottage Antiques. "Antiquing furniture really creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere."

Antiquing has been a hobby of many people over the years. San Diego has some of the best places to acquire these elegant beauties. "I enjoy giving life to a new piece," says Mendoza. For beginners trying to explore the antique world, try visiting consignment shops, Ocean Beach Antiques and even state sales. "There are so many great deals all around us, you just have to jump in there and try it out," she says.

Cottage Antiques also offers garden decor at their location. If you’re interested in more direct steps of antiquing, you may want to visit a library or bookstore and take a look at books which are devoted to the identification and valuing of antiques, to ensure that you will be more confident when you take a dive in the ancient world of antiquing.

For more information, visit Cottageantiques.biz.

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