Decorating with Flea Market Finds

Tour these stylish rooms, filled with flea market finds, for great ideas on how to display your own vintage treasures.

Changing lampshades is an easy way to update a favorite lamp. And in long rooms, old doors can be used to divide living areas to create nooks.

An 1870s weathervane takes folk art to high style on an antique table still sporting its original paint. Don’t be afraid to mix high- and low-style items. Mixing things up will keep your rooms interesting.

To add character to the dining room, Susan simply propped two vintage doors against the wall. Their rustic charm provides texture and interest. When working with architectural salvage pieces, take a cue from Susan and think outside of the box.

Create vignettes with your favorite finds to infuse spaces with warmth and style.

Stacking this collection of 1800s-1920s blankets helps keep clutter at bay and makes a colorful display.

The weathered texture on this country table mixes well with modern chairs made from reclaimed wood.

If you prefer uncluttered spaces, keep your collections organized behind doors. This 1870s cupboard holds antique stoneware and glassware.

Timeworn pieces like the stool and oars mix beautifully with new linens. Make thoughtful choices when blending old and new, keeping in mind the overall look of the room you wish to create.

The blue hue of this vintage mirror is the result of natural copper aging. To age a new metal-framed mirror, use a patina gel, available at craft stores.

By Hillary Black
Photography by Mark Tanner
Styled by Jacqueline deMontravel

Shared by - Flea Market

Top 10: Things to Collect

1. Seltzer bottles

2. Vintage kitchen tools and cookbooks

3. Sewing notions

4. Chintz and Wedgwood china

5. Anything related to entertaining—china, silver, place cards, napkin rings

6. Linens, especially tablecloths, from the 19th century through the 1940s

7. Candy boxes, biscuit boxes

8. Presentation pieces inscribed with names and dates that were given for special occasions, such as anniversaries

9. Silver baby cups

10. All kinds of boxes: i.e., lingerie, hats, handkerchiefs

Photography by Jaimee Itagaki
Styled by Jacqueline deMontravel

Source: Well Styled Home Magazine

Found and Transformed

Home. We all hope it is a place where we can relax, escape from the worries of the day, enjoy our families and friends, and have some fun. Those are tall orders! The beauty of flea-market-style decorating is that it fits every style and every budget. Love expensive French antiques? There are booths for that. Does your style run more towards mid-century modern, farmhouse, romantic or a mix of these? You’re covered. At flea markets, tag sales, estate sales, yard sales and antique malls across the country (and internationally), shoppers can now find something to suit their personal decor.

{Credit in caption: Photo courtesy of Thinkstock.com.}

Recently I visited the Long Beach Antique Market in Long Beach, California. There were booths filled with old jewelry, vintage dishware, collectibles of all shapes and sizes, furniture and accessories in every style, and odds-and-ends like buttons and old pictures. Industrial décor has been on the radar for a while now, but it seems to be gaining ground with the masses. While at the show, I found a booth dedicated to all-things industrial (manned by Bryce Jackson, who has a booth at Country Roads Antiques in Orange, California).

Sue Jackson, owner of Country Roads says, “I am a very big believer in home decorating with what you love. An easy way to start blending the industrial pieces into your home décor is to use such things as industrial tables as coffee tables or end tables. Also, the industrial spotlight lamps fit into any home décor.”

While working on this mag, I see the deep connection to home that is shared by those who decorate with collectibles, found items, and repurposed and made-over vintage wares. Their ingenuity and creativity are inspiring-many times I am left thinking, “How did they think of that?”

In each issue and web post, we feature homeowners, designers and bloggers who have transformed their homes and their lives while seeking vintage treasures. You will also find bargains for every budget and style, and a handful of how-to projects. May you find the inspiration to make your house into the home of your dreams.

By Rebecca Ittner