Sarah Belle’s is a treasure trove of unique collectibles that combine yesterday’s charm with today’s style of comfortable living.  We offer antiques reminiscent of what you remember from your grandparents’ homes and encourage you to compliment these older things with some newer items.    

Collectibles include vintage fabrics, lighting, jewelry, pottery and English chintz chinaware.  We have a special fondness for revamping time-worn items to make them creative, yet functional. They may function as originally intended or serve a surprising new purpose.

In 1995, I opened Sarah Belle’s in a quaint, Virginia town after many years in the rat race of big city life.    I left my professional career (and pantyhose that went with it) in the dust to pursue my dream.    Designing, decorating, and creating, which had always been my passion and become a side job, was now my livelihood.

The business began as a brick-and-mortar store on historic Main Street in an enchanting Victorian house with heart-pine floors, wavy-glass windows, and a stone foundation.  It was built in the 1830s by a woman with the name of Sarah Bell, hence the shop’s name.   (I took literary license by adding the ‘e’ to Bell).  With the help of many fine craftsmen, I lovingly restored the bones of the building and performed renovations, finishing it with an exterior seven-color paint scheme.    A photograph of Sarah Belle’s was highlighted on the main page of the Paint Quality Institute’s website, after the town of Warrenton was a regional winner in the “Prettiest Painted Places in America’ national contest.    

Sarah Belle’s takes classics from a simpler time and transforms them with care and consideration into decorative arts and clothing. We design one-of-a-kind delightful jackets and vests from vintage fabrics such as barkcloth, chenille bedspreads, tablecloths, Indian blankets and old lace. Other finds in our collection are extraordinary jewelry fashioned from antique china.

I believe decorating style is personal and should reflect your uniqueness and capture your spirit while stimulating your senses.  Let your impulses guide you.  Don’t let stringent color patterns or period themes dictate your choices.  Trends are fun but let them inspire you rather than dictate your choices.  Buy things you love even if you are unsure of where or how to include it in your home.  Whether it is a small accessory or a large piece of furniture, it will have a place in your home simply because you love it. Embrace it for its beauty, the memories it holds and the enjoyment it will bring you.  I encourage preserving  your precious belongings, not by locking them up forever in a glass case, but by using them and enjoying them.    A break or crack in a china dish won’t change its sentimental value.    Blemishes will only add to the story of its history.

Keep your living space easy and comfortable and try to blend some whimsical for fun and interest.  Cherish old things for their character and draw on new things for their function and convenience.   I’ve never strayed from believing a livable home needs both.

Don’t be intimidated by color.  The world in which we all live was created with color.  This should be celebrated in our homes.    Color found in florals and prints along with textures have a natural allure for men, as well as for women.  If someone in your home isn’t convinced at the introduction of color, they will catch up after experiencing the life brought in with the color.

Please inquire about any items you are looking for that you do not see in the current offerings in Sarah Belle’s Boutique.  I have started reducing my extensive private collection so selections can be available for purchase when I know your specific interests.

Enjoy!

Joyce Hall
Owner of Sarah Belle’s