ART BLOOMS FROM ARTLESS THINGS
In Erik Retzer’s world, art blooms from artless things—humble forms made extraordinary by time’s touch. A refined 18th-century French fauteuil finds comfort in the most casual of rooms, just as a well-worn carpenter’s hammer becomes a sculpture of purpose and grace. Each piece he selects is beautifully crafted, bearing a story that adds depth and meaning to any space. Guided by the belief that quality never gets old, he founded RIGHT PROPER, a collection where the practical and the poetic entwine, proving that elegance belongs wherever it is welcomed and that timeless beauty enriches both extraordinary and everyday moments.
As an antiques and art expert, Erik has spent his career bringing this vision to life. After earning his degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he spent nearly two decades traveling the globe, refining his eye and building relationships with international dealers in search of the finest pieces of the past. In 2018, he opened RIGHT PROPER in Chicago, a design boutique and online shop specializing in heritage furniture and home accessories for story-rich and stylish living. His dedication to quality and craftsmanship has earned RIGHT PROPER national recognition—Veranda named it one of the best antiques resources in the U.S., while House Beautiful honored it as one of the country’s best home stores.