Caroline Burnside

DECORATOR’S RESOURCEROOMS WITH A POINT OF VIEW

Palm Beach County’s Design Diva, Caroline Burnside,Celebrates 25 Years

By Carolina Camps

Presiding over 10,000 square feet of styled rooms filled with fine antiques, bespoke accessories and new furniture stands Caroline Burnside: Petite, blond, wearing a warm smile and speaking energetically to a new customer. Burnside, the owner of Decorator’s Resource, started out with a 1,000 square foot space in Lake Park. Over the years, she has become one of the to-go resources for stylish home owners who like what they see–and don’t like to wait. “Many of our customers fall in love with a rug or work of art–and they want to take it home right away. The great thing is, we have a lot of inventory, ” says Burnside. “We aim to be better than Amazon Prime. My customers know that my best pieces are here today, gone tomorrow.”

After leaving a finance job in Rhode Island, Burnside chased a dream to start an antiques and vintage furniture store in Florida–culling treasures from estate sales, word of mouth and auctions. As she developed her discerning eye, her store grew into newer and bigger spaces. Today Decorator’s Resource mixes new furnishings from coveted, trade-only brands such as Chelsea House, Regina Andrews and Bungalow 5 with unique vintage finds. Most recently, Burnside began carrying collections of linens, dinnerware and tabletops. “When we went into lockdown, everyone was eating at home–whether cooking or door dashing it. And everyone wanted a beautiful table. Our linens literally fly off our tables!”

While her store’s wares have expanded over the years, so has the small town of Lake Park, where Decorator’s Resource is based. Next door, two high-end, modern, million dollar residential towers, 220 Nautilus, are being developed. Burnside sees the influx of new blood and buildings as a boon for the town and her store.

Yet through all the changes, two things have remained constant: Burnside is still a hunter with excellent gatherers. “I live for the thrill of the find, unearthing that gem in the rough–that unique object crafted with excellence that will stand the test of time,” she says. “And the only reason I’m able to be out there looking for unique pieces is because I have such an excellent, talented staff that does everything from styling our room vignettes to advising client in their decorating process.” One familiar face is her daughter, Marjorie, 22, who always lends a hand when she’s in town from NYC. “This store was my aftercare, my extracurricular,” says her daughter. “I grew up here. And I always try and bring a fresh take on the home.”

When not curating and hunting for the best home decor, Caroline Burnside can be found crushing her swing on the golf course. A former competitive tennis player, she’s now traded the racquet for a bag of clubs. “In life, like in interior design, it’s about striking that balance.” Well said, and designed.

CAROLINE’S MOST RESOURCEFUL PIECES

MIRROR, MIRROR Chelsea House Mirrors- “These stunning mirrors can work with many decor styles, they are timeless but also a statement piece.”

GO FISH Dinnerware Set (( blue and white fish- w napkins )) “This dinner set is perfect for indoors, outdoors or for dining on your boat.”

WRITE IT DOWN Desk by (BUNGALOW 5 DESK) “Everyone needs a desk refresh– and this linen wrapped one is fresh, elegant and conducive to creativity.”

FLOORED! Rug (CHANEL ROOM) “We have so many stunning rugs that you can take right off the floor–or wait only two weeks. Rugs are a great way to add ground or soften an area, add a pop of color and finish off the room.”