Talk Shop: Karen Abell // Patina Collection
ABOUT KAREN
Karen Abell is the owner and curator of Patina Collection, a European lifestyle emporium located in Naples, Florida, and Chicago, Illinois. Karen founded the brand in 2013, following a lifelong appreciation for history, travel, and art, as well as a successful career in real estate sales that often led to clients asking her to furnish their homes. Her vision for Patina Collection emerged from countless trips to Europe, where she visited grand flea markets in Paris, enjoyed weekend jaunts to far-flung locales, and deepened her love for the architecture and design of Italy.
Today, Karen splits her time between Naples, Chicago, and Tuscany, Italy. It is in Europe that her passion for antiques and design is continually renewed, and upon returning to the United States, she delights in sharing a little piece of European elegance with her communities—those who, like her, appreciate furniture and objects with a certain “je ne sais quoi.”
Describe your style in three(ish) words or less:
Collected, a bygone era.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My grandfather. He taught me to cherish our family history, to respect the past, and to honor my fortune for having so many family heirlooms passed down to me. I learned the importance of time and the layers of stories that make us who we are.
How did you start your company, and what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I started Patina Collection during the process of redecorating my home. At the time, my favorite place to shop was a charming consignment store in Naples, brimming with vintage treasures, antiques, and unique finds from over 50 vendors. As I replaced pieces in my home, I realized I needed an outlet for the items I no longer had space for. That’s when I decided to lease a small space and began sourcing antiques, initially from Atlanta and eventually expanding to sourcing globally. One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey is the connection I’ve built with customers, many of whom have been with me for over 12 years and still reminisce about my very first space.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I tend to gravitate toward people in the design and retail world who are also collectors. They are in love with the whole process the same way I am. It takes a special kind of person to appreciate "treasure hunting.” It is nice to connect, share about struggles as well as triumphs, and know we are truly all in this together.
What does your home say about you:
My friends always give me the highest compliment, that my house is a “home.” They sense it the moment they walk through the door—it’s the energy, the warmth, and the way it reflects who I am. They say my style feels so natural and personal that it doesn’t come across as meticulously ‘designed’ but rather as a beautifully lived-in home.
Where do you find inspiration:
I find inspiration everywhere! My home libraries are filled with design books, gardening guides, and historical texts that feed my imagination and shape my aesthetic. I’m endlessly fascinated by the interplay of old and new, and I strive to bring that balance into everything I curate. Instagram has become an incredible tool for discovering new ideas; it connects me with other stores, lifestyle brands, and authors, offering a constant stream of creativity. Whether it’s a vintage piece, a styled tablescape, or historical architecture, inspiration is always just a page or a scroll away.
Who are your style icons:
Furlow Gatewood has a timeless elegance, blending antiques with effortless charm in a way that feels both inviting and refined. Veere Grenney’s work inspires me with its balance of classic English interiors and modern sensibility. Alex Papachristidis is known for his bold use of color, pattern, and unexpected pairings, which always feel vibrant and alive. Charlotte Moss brings such life to her designs, creating spaces that are as comfortable as they are beautiful. Lorenzo Castillo has the ability to infuse historical richness into contemporary spaces, layering textures and periods seamlessly. Each of these people inspired me to curate Patina Collection, mixing the old and the new with a dash of my own individuality, in the sense that they all do as well.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
One of my favorite family stories is about the time my best friend and I hosted a dinner party for our parents and their friends when we were just 9 years old. The menu included a lobster dinner and Baked Alaska for dessert. We set the table and created floral arrangements from our garden. We sadly don’t have any photographs, but the memory of that evening lives on and reflects my lifelong passion for making moments special.
For me, the key ingredient for entertaining is atmosphere. My top tip? Candlelight. I have a love/hate relationship with lightbulbs, there’s something about candlelight that transforms a space. It casts a warm, soft glow and instantly makes everything feel more elegant and inviting. Whether it’s a formal dinner or a casual gathering, the right lighting creates a mood that draws people in and makes them feel at home. Combine that with thoughtful details like fresh flowers, a curated tablescape, and, of course, delicious food, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for memorable entertaining.
Do you collect anything:
I truly collect everything for the home. Currently, I am collecting special small boxes—marble, shell, wood, old and new. I love displaying them together in groupings. I especially favor the boxes with an inside equally as beautiful, it feels like discovering a little secret. I always wonder what might have been inside this box during its lifetime. What precious items or keepsakes might they have protected? They’re a perfect example of how functional objects can also be deeply personal and decorative.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
In addition to my favorite style icons I mentioned previously, the other Instagram accounts I am stalking at the moment are:
@susannasalk: I love all her stories and designer visits.
@eurotrashannie: I would have her design my home.
@charleygreyantiques: I want to live in his Instagram.
@cabanamagazine: Incredible ideas, products, and photography.
@peterdascoli: Beautiful artist, intricate embroidery, the best life lessons.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I am always true to myself, I think I break all actual design rules! Other than something I learned from my Aunt Ruby… I always have something blue and something animal print in every room.
What are you working on right now:
I am currently undergoing a rebrand for Patina Collection. She has grown up, changed, matured, and exceeded my original plan of selling in my small consignment shop space. The new direction of the Patina brand was born from a beautiful antique Italian panel that I have in my house in Naples. It is timeless. It is Patina. It is beautiful and powerful. It is me!
Wardrobe staples:
I love old vintage chino pants, paired with a simple crew neck sweater, which is my go-to for a polished yet relaxed vibe. To complete the look, I always add a great shoes and my favorite handbag- that day.
For my daily style, I tend to favor pants and skirts over dresses. They offer flexibility and allow me to mix and match for a variety of looks, from casual to refined. I gravitate toward pieces that are both practical and chic, creating a wardrobe that feels authentic to my personality while standing the test of time.
Best antiquing advice you ever received:
Buy what you love!
Best career advice you ever received:
Take charge of your brand! This essential piece of advice was from my friend Alex Papachristidis. He reminded me that we are our brands and we need to stay present at all times. Others can guide us along the way, but we have to be true, constantly reflect, and stay involved.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
When it comes to home purchases, I prioritize investing in timeless, high-quality pieces. Antiques are always at the top of my list—they bring character, history, and a sense of uniqueness to a space. Next, I focus on well-crafted upholstery, as these pieces provide comfort and durability while anchoring a room's design. Rugs are another key investment for me; they add texture, warmth, and a layer of artistry to any space.
For everything else, I’m more flexible. I follow my heart and buy what I love, whether it’s a one-of-a-kind treasure from a resale shop or a found object that catches my eye. It’s all about curating a home that feels personal and authentic, mixing splurges with serendipitous discoveries.
Your greatest extravagance:
My greatest extravagance has to be purchasing a home in Tuscany—and doing it in just three days! It was a whirlwind decision, and one I’ve never regretted for a single moment. The experiences and the lifestyle it brings are absolutely priceless.
Photo by Christina Marie Photography
Photo by Christina Marie Photography
Favorite places to shop for home:
My favorite places to shop for home—aside from my own store, of course (ha!)—are antique markets. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of the hunt, uncovering hidden treasures, and finding those one-of-a-kind pieces that make a space truly special.
Most prized possession and why:
Living in a home that has endured its share of hurricanes has made me reflect on what I hold most dear. Every summer before we leave, we take videos of the house, just in case, to preserve a record of everything. But when it comes down to it, my most prized possessions aren’t things at all; it’s the memories tied to them.
Photos, my daughter’s artwork from her days in grade school, and all the keepsakes that capture our family’s journey are what matter most to me. If I ever had to pack up quickly, those are the treasures I’d carry with me. Losing anything would be heartbreaking, but it’s these family mementos that are truly priceless.
Your interiors motto:
My motto for interior design: create a space YOU would love to live in.
Your life motto:
Be the person YOU love to be!
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
My best advice for anyone looking to define their interior style is to stay true to yourself. If you’re still figuring out what that looks like, don’t worry—that’s okay! Simply choose what feels right to you, and don’t be afraid to experiment. If something doesn’t work out, consider it a learning experience—maybe even open a booth at your local consignment shop! You never know where that journey might take you.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Italian
Drink: Wine, a Tuscan Sangiovese
Film: A Good Year
Hotel: Currently, La Posta Vecchia, in Rome (an Old Getty Estate)
City: Honestly, I could never say, I have many favorites
Bedding: Julia B., which is all handmade in Florence
Tea or Coffee: Coffee – cappuccino
Playlist: Chris Botti currently
Weekend Activity: A weekend without plans
Design Book Currently: Bunny Williams, Life in the Garden