About

WHAT IS SWANKY?

Swanky is a curated gallery of unique vintage and antique furnishings. We feature refurbished upholstered pieces, local artists, folk art, beautiful and unusual rugs, and designer lamps and lighting. We focus on high quality design, comfort, function, and affordability. We also provide interior design consultation for residential furnishings, fixtures, finishes, and remodeling design services.

Photo of a shop window displaying a pair of MidCentury wood armchairs upholstered in a contemporary white, grey, and black fabric sit next to a tall MidCentury gentlemans dresser

HISTORY

Swanky was established in Kansas City in May 2018, after remodeling a 4,500 square foot turn of the century warehouse. The building is still owned by one of Kansas City’s founding families, who immigrated to the area prior to the Civil War. A Bally Pinball distributor operated out of the building during the mid 1900s. It has also been an antique store and artists’ studios. Our showroom has been recently expanded to include the building next door, adding a realty office space and 1,500 square feet of furnishings and art gallery display space.

Photo of a shop window displaying a MidCentury wood frame settee sitting next to a travertine and chome table and a mercury glass floorlamp

OWNERS

Rick Villa and Scott Higgins have owned and operated a number of successful interior design and antique businesses over the past 25 years. These include La Casa Verde, vintage garden art and accessories, and Artichokes and Pomegranates, a floral and interior design studio, both in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They also managed the landmark Mission Road Antique Mall in Prairie Village, Kansas.

Rick has dealt in art and antiques for over 35 years. He is an artist, collector, and dealer. With a master’s degree in art, he enjoys the search for unique and high quality pieces. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and expertise with other dealers and customers alike.

Scott studied architecture and has been in the interior design business for 25 years. He works on individual residences as well as large scale residential projects. His specialty is spacial design. His focus is on redesigning older structures. He also enjoys repurposing vintage furniture to make it comfortable and functional for his clients’ lifestyles.

GALLERY

Swanky is located in midtown Kansas City, Missouri, and we encourage you to visit us and our unique gallery in person. Parking and entrance are behind the building, off West 34th Street and Main Street.