Why I Love Flea Market Decor

I visited a flea market for the first time when I was eighteen years old.

I was eager to feather my first nest, and the deals couldn’t be beat. If my finds weren’t perfect, fixing them up was the fun part.

Even know, all these years later, giving a new home to a cool cast-off is my decorating style of choice. The office in which I write is filled with furniture and accessories from flea markets, antique malls and thrift stores, including a $30 wooden desk and a $45 buffet that were both transformed with paint and elbow grease. Among the mix you also will find an old brass lamp, a collection of cool vintage frames, original flower paintings….the list goes on. So, working on the Flea Market Décor website and print issues is always a labor of love.

Let us introduce you to spaces decorated in a variety of styles—from eclectic, romantic and farmhouse to mid-century modern, French, or a blend of two or more. Peruse our extensive directory of the best flea markets across the country and the world. Check our list of hot collectibles before you head out to search for your next big find. Follow our how-to guide to upcycling the next vintage piece you bring home with a horrid finish and beautiful bones.

Whatever you need, if you love flea market décor like me, we’ve got you covered.

Enjoy!

By Rebecca Ittner

Source : Flea Market Decor

Pure And Simple: How Houseplants Can Be Stylish And Healthy

Sure, that Boston fern softens the corner of the living space, but did you know that it is also purifying your air, ridding it of common household toxins?

While it is true that having and tending to plants in the home can soothe the senses and lift the spirits, there is scientific evidence that indoor plants have a positive physical impact on their immediate environments. These benefits include purifying the air, adding necessary humidity and boosting oxygen levels.

real-peek.com

A study performed by the University of Agriculture in Norway concluded that indoor houseplants improved the health of human inhabitants by increasing moisture levels in the home and decreasing dust. Study participants reported 30 percent fewer incidences of coughing, sore throats, fatigue and other cold-like symptoms.

Indoor air pollution and toxins are introduced into the home from a variety of sources, including cleaning products, paint and even furniture. Formaldehyde is a common byproduct of furniture, cabinetry and building materials, particularly in particle boards, pressed wood and paper products, and is released into the household air. It can be found in virtually all water replants and fire retardants, and there are also natural sources, such as natural gas and kerosene. Benzene, another known carcinogen, is used in the production of some rubbers and plastics. Philodendrons and peace lilies are two varieties of indoor plants that are particularly effective at siphoning those chemicals out of the air and producing clean oxygen.

A good rule of thumb to follow for maximum effect is to have one houseplant per 100 square feet. Consider varying placement as well, using some as hanging plants by windows and others at table or counter level—this ensures good even coverage. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and pollutants through their leaves so be sure to keep them clean and free of dust.