We don’t just have a good eye; we are professional researchers.

Most personal shoppers rely purely on aesthetics. At Studio Sotto, our sourcing is backed by rigorous attention to detail and a commitment to methodical vetting. We evaluate the condition, research the provenance, and meticulously assess the materials of every potential acquisition.

We bypass the massive retail premium.

Curated online luxury platforms and high-end galleries routinely apply a 300% to 400% markup on vintage and antique pieces. Because we scout directly from the source - pulling from private estates, global auctions, and unpolished salvage yards - we acquire items at their true market value. Even factoring in our success fee, you avoid the extreme retail inflation, ensuring your investment goes toward the piece itself, not a gallery’s overhead.

Our cornerstone is complete transparency.

The antique and fine art market is notoriously complex. While even the most seasoned experts can encounter a clever reproduction, we share our exact findings, our vetting process, and the full, honest story behind every single piece. You get the security of knowing exactly what you are investing in, without having to navigate the chaotic side of the market yourself.

Email us at info@studiosottonyc.com to begin the hunt.

The Sotto Standard: Assessment, Restoration & Custom Modification

Bringing a piece of history into your space is a beautiful experience, but integrating it into a modern environment requires expert care. You shouldn't have to choose between a gorgeous 19th-century patina and the safety, functionality, or peace of mind within your space.

The Baseline: Transparent Condition Reporting (Included)

Because we approach the antique and fine art market as professional researchers with rigorous backgrounds in the sciences, we look far beneath the surface. Every piece scouted or sold by Studio Sotto includes a basic, good-faith condition report provided to the best of our professional abilities. We evaluate the substrate, finish, and structural integrity of the item, giving you an honest, informed picture of exactly what you are acquiring before it ever ships.

Concierge Preparation, Restoration & Modification (Optional Add-On)

If an acquired piece requires intervention or adaptation before it crosses your threshold, we offer bespoke restoration and project management for an additional fee. We coordinate the logistics, the chemistry, and the artisans, ensuring your piece arrives at your home, studio, or gallery completely ready to display and utilize.

Our managed services include:

Custom Upholstery & Textile Matching

We manage the complete upholstery process for your newly acquired vintage seating. We can help you source and match high-quality fabrics that seamlessly integrate a historic piece with your existing interior style.

Trade Sourcing & Complementary Pairing

Need modern artisan chairs to accompany your newly acquired antique dining table? Through our established industry trade relationships, we can source complementary, newly crafted items from artisan shops at exclusive trade pricing - helping you effortlessly build a one-of-a-kind, collected modern home.

Custom Modifications & Modernization

We adapt historical pieces for contemporary living. Examples include rewiring vintage European lighting fixtures to meet modern US electrical codes, converting antique architectural salvage doors into custom headboards, and modifying vintage cabinetry to seamlessly hide modern technology or plumbing.

Surface & Finish Remediation

We love a perfectly distressed patina, but we also know how to identify degrading varnishes or historical lead-based paints. We manage safe sealing and encapsulation, allowing you to enjoy the aesthetic without the environmental risk.

Professional Textile & Rug Care

Vintage rugs bring incredible warmth to a room, but standard steam cleaning can destroy delicate historical dyes. We coordinate specialized, pH-balanced washing to safely extract decades of dust and allergens while protecting the weave.

Structural & Biological Remediation

Architectural salvage carries deep history - but it shouldn't carry anything else. We evaluate antique wood for structural integrity and manage custom remediation (such as thermal treatments) so the piece is pristine and secure.

Custom Framing & Artisan Repair

From mounting a newly discovered canvas in a custom floating frame to stabilizing a mid-century chair, we manage the meticulous repairs and finishing touches.

Every piece and project is unique. Let us evaluate what your new acquisition needs are, and we will build a custom plan to preserve the soul of the item while perfectly preparing it for your everyday life.