Marburger has made its mark in Atlanta, a city considered the capital of the Southeast, by introducing a premier design show last year.
“Atlanta deserves a great design show,” stated Mallory Culbert, who oversees dealer relations for Marburger.
The upcoming second edition of the show promises to be significantly larger, with participation increasing from 60 to 100 carefully selected dealers from across the United States and abroad.
One of those dealers is Hannah Khachadourian, owner of The Modern Exchange, a boutique antique shop located in Hudson, New York.
Having participated in Marburger’s renowned Texas show for multiple seasons, she will soon set out for her debut at the Atlanta event.
Khachadourian’s journey into the world of antiques began after a shift in her career path.
Originally trained as a nurse, she had a deep-seated passion for patient care that was cultivated through years of humanitarian aid work.
However, after facing a personal health challenge, she stepped away from nursing, leaving her with time to rediscover her childhood passion for estate and garage sales.
This hobby quickly grew into a passion as she amassed a collection of antiques and vintage items.
On a whim, she organized her first market sale, earning $700 and solidifying her desire to pursue antiques professionally.
Now, nearly nine years later, her quest for beautiful antiques has taken her across Europe, including stops in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Italy, leading to the opening of her own brick-and-mortar store in Hudson.
Khachadourian had long aspired to participate in Marburger’s legendary antique and design show in Round Top, Texas, known for being a cornerstone event for serious antique dealers since its inception in 1997.
It is considered one of the largest antique shows in the country, and for years, she dreamed of being part of it.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, she took the leap and applied for the show, ultimately landing on the waitlist.
To her surprise, she received a call days later inviting her to participate just three weeks before the event.
“It was incredible,” she recounted.
Khachadourian noted the unique nature of Marburger shows, emphasizing that they are not ordinary markets.
Each dealer presents a thoughtfully curated collection that reflects creativity and artistic presentation, making it a standout experience for both dealers and attendees.
Transitioning from her shop in Hudson to the Atlanta show showcases her versatility.
While her store follows a more muted palette of neutral browns and natural tones, Khachadourian plans to incorporate vibrant colors and distinctive patterns in her Atlanta display.
Her 2,000-square-foot warehouse houses a variety of unique pieces, and her husband, a lighting designer, creates bespoke lighting solutions to enhance the presentation of her antiques.
For the Atlanta show, attendees can expect to see a long French farm table paired with modern chairs, marble and stone tables, large credenzas, freshly upholstered Art Deco chairs, and chic 1960s swivel chairs.
In recent years, the process of being a dealer has transformed for Khachadourian.
With a developed network abroad, she often receives messages in the early morning hours featuring images of potential inventory.
She frequently ships large containers filled with imported pieces she hasn’t personally viewed, handling the financial risk inherent in such transactions.
Despite challenges in sourcing antiques from local garage and estate sales, she remains committed to identifying new items, often searching antique centers and flea markets throughout the summer.
Recently, she and her husband discovered a captivating 14-foot oak store counter from England at an antique center, a find that thrilled her.
As tariffs create uncertainty in the market, Khachadourian is adjusting her strategy to focus more on domestic buying.
She expresses enthusiasm for the upcoming Atlanta Marburger show, comparing it to “summer camp for collectors.”
“The camaraderie among dealers is fantastic; there’s an atmosphere of mutual support that makes it truly special,” she added.
The Marburger shows cater to both casual shoppers and professional designers alike.
Culbert mentioned that regardless of budget, attendees can find treasures that suit their financial plans.
The details of the event are as follows: the Atlanta Marburger Antique & Design Show will run from July 15-19, open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will close at 4 p.m. on its final day.
General admission is free, with the venue located at Southern Exchange Ballrooms, 200 Peachtree St., Atlanta, and parking available at the garage on 155 Carnegie Way NW.
For additional information, visit atlanta.roundtop-marburger.com.
image source from:https://www.ajc.com/arts-entertainment/2025/06/find-100-antique-dealers-from-around-the-globe-at-this-atlanta-design-show/