Thanks to my mother, I learned the value of a dollar and how to bargain shop when I was a child, thus I developed a passion for scouring the clearance racks and thrift stores. Since my mother also enjoyed going to yard sales, estate sales, and flea markets, I naturally developed a love for them, too. Some of my favorite finds included books, collectible dolls, puzzles, and antiques – yes, antiques, something my mother loves! Even as a child, I enjoyed buying and collecting antiques, such as McCoy, Fenton Art Glass Company, vintage milk glass, and carnival glass. It may sound peculiar to some, but clearly I wasn’t an ordinary child in that sense!
That passion never fizzled out, because I still enjoy going to yard and garage sales, estate sales, thrift stores, and flea markets. There’s no greater thrill than finding a bargain! To me, it’s the equivalent of hitting the jackpot. My home is packed with my treasured finds, as well as beloved family heirlooms. Hardly anything in my home is new, because I believe that antiques lend a warm and inviting atmosphere that gives it history, mystique, and character; making my home uniquely mine.
Lara Spencer, co-anchor for ABC’s Good Morning America and host of HGTV’s Flea Market Flip, shared her invaluable guidance on turning castoffs into heirloom-worthy decor in I Brake for Yard Sales: and Flea Markets, Thrift Shops, Auctions, and the Occasional Dumpster. In Flea Market Fabulous: Designing Gorgeous Rooms with Vintage Treasures , she’s back again with her impeccable flea market, secondhand store, and interior decorating ideas. As a fan of her first book, I couldn’t help but buy this copy, too!
In this book, she decorates nine different rooms, including her 490-square-foot studio in New York City that she uses as an office and an occasional weekend family getaway retreat. She has a way of drawing the reader in, as if you’re living vicariously in the lens of the camera that shows how Lara overcomes design dilemmas, such as making a small and asymmetrical room seem larger, taller, and easier to maneuver; repurposing “useless” items, like a 50s vintage television set and gutting out the insides to make into a nostalgic side table that can be used to store electronics! I also loved how she bought a generously sized table that had an English Regency style for just $400 at Black Rock Galleries. The finish wasn’t in the best condition, so she went for the wow factor by having a glass shop cut pieces of mirror to place on the top of table and leaves, thus making it a mirror table top. These are just a few of many ideas of how Lara can easily turn something boring and sometimes useless into unforgettable!
The back of the book includes guides for upholstery and refinishing, citing the typical costs for furniture that you’d like to have refinished or upholstered. It also includes several places that you can find used and vintage pieces. Many of them are based in Connecticut, namely Greenwich, which is the premier destination for treasured finds.
This book is perfect for the connoisseurs of flea markets, yard sales, thrifty stores, interior decorating, and DIY alike. Although it may feel tempting to hit every flea market possible after reading this book, but Lara encourages to work with something that you already own. As Jonathan Adler states in the foreword, “Lara makes chic affordable and accessible!”
I love viewing books about room decorating and arrangements. I once dreamed of becoming an interior designers. The book is also perfect for newly weds or couples about to get married, so they can prepare for the theme of their room early on.
My mother is big on thrifting and finds lots of treasures. She spends lots of time online doing research about what she wants and then goes out on the hunt.
That’s such a great idea! I’ve never considered research first.
Crystal recently posted..2015 Mitsubishi Outlander SE
I love thrift shops, and antique shops and flea markets. Sometimes you can find something really good. You just have to know what to look for or have a friend that’s nice and handy that does. ~hehehe~
XmasDolly recently posted..Show Off Tuesdays! Give-Aways & Reviews
LOVE this. I love the vintage decor look… I just need someone to come with me to do the shopping… and decorating. 🙂
Rachel recently posted..Rock N Roll San Jose Half Marathon
The great thing about this style is that you can really go wild with it and mix and match without getting it too wrong.
As long as you don’t go into clutterville. Then you’re screwed.
You’re so right. Too much of anything, even spectacular pieces, ruins the whole thing!
Crystal recently posted..2015 Mitsubishi Outlander SE
I guess if you are really patient in flea market, you can really spot nice items. It’s so cool that she turned bargain items into nice decors.
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I LOVE Flea Markets, garage sales, and junk shops! In fact, I live in Connecticut, and have fun into Lara at our local Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market and we actually chatted a but about what I was going to do with the frames I had just purchased, she noticed I carried a measuring tape and was measuring all of them to find the right one. I made father’s Day gifts with them! When I moved to Connecticut from New York, I left al lmy furniture behind- buying what I needed a bit at a time. I love the way my house turned out!
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What a nice set of cutlery, we have friends that do the same thing and frame them to make wall decorations around their home.
Genevieve recently posted..Inside Our Sailboat
Great finds! I’m always searching for deals at yard sales and flea markets, it is so addicting.
Nina Say recently posted..Tips for Getting Through Your Workday More Successfully
Cool finds, especially that shell doily! There is a real cool flea market in the Bay Area in Alameda and at Treasure Island and I have yet to go to either, I really need to get over there as I can imagine there must be great things like the items you picked up just waiting to be found!
Andi recently posted..Traveler Tuesday – Lauren of Spanish Sabores
I don’t own any of her books, but I love watching her show! After moving so much in the past couple of years decorating has kind of taken a backseat around here, but I’m ready to give our current house a little bit of character. I gotta go find out where the nearest flea market is 🙂
Trish recently posted..Blog2Biz Book Review
there’s somehting about her that’s really down to earth. I’d love these books
Oh yes, I love flea markets and garage sales. There are some awesome finds. And the uniqueness is the best!
I love those silverware pieces! I am such a huge fan of garage & estate sales!!
I love Flea Market! I like those vintage spoons and forks you got there.
I love finding treasures! I grew up in France and our house was decorated in the “empire”style… I agree with you about the beauty of antiques and vintage and how these pieces bring a bit of history and mystery… Thanks for sharing this great resource 🙂
Valerie Remy-Milora recently posted..Get Up, Get Out, Get Active and a Chance to Win a $400 Gift Card!
I love to go flea market shopping! I have found some great stuff and get a lot of decorating ideas from wandering around and browsing.
robyn recently posted..Pumpkin Caramel Chocolate Chip Bread
That flatware looks amazing!! I would LOVE those for my food photography!
I wish I had that kind of eye to put old things to new use. Looks like an interesting book for thrifters!
FamiGami recently posted..Interstellar Marines Video Game Preview (PC)
I love the flea market. Always such awesome treasures to find.
Nolie recently posted..5 Tips For A Stress Free Thanksgiving
These are some good vintage finds. I’ve tried Thrifting but don’t really have the patience for it.
Erica Brooks recently posted..Enjoying German Culture at Germantown Oktoberfest
You totally need to come shopping with me!
Lisa recently posted..Tiggly Count
I have a hard time seeing the treasures in thrift shops. I wish I had a better eye for it. I need to read the book!
Liz Mays recently posted..Join the #CrystalLightWM Twitter Party
Our house was built 95 years ago so ultra modern pieces seem out of place. We’ve found some incredible pieces at flea markets. I can’t wait to get her new book & get some more inspiration!
Crystal recently posted..I’m Strong and a Little Bit Crazy
Oh goodness you need to hush or else my mother is going to hear you. I’m going to have to show her your blog now. We don’t have many flea markets here in Orlando since it is sooo hot, but thrift stores are where my mom lives. Yep, I’ll definitely send her this post.
Lee
Lee recently posted..Robert Downey Jr. Reddit AMA Tuesday 12:30 PM EST
I saw a recent interview she did and lover the suggestions she gave when it comes to flea market shopping. You got a lot of great finds, love it 🙂
Kira recently posted..10 Things You Can Do as a Parent to Avoid Raising a Mean Girl
I am always in awe seeing vintage items – totally wonderful.
Aisha Kristine Chong recently posted..New York Fashion Week: The Latest Trends Straight from the Catwalk
Some of my amazing things I have in my apartment is from Flea Markets and Thrift stores. I also find that things made from 1910 to 1950’s tend to last longer, than what’s made today. It makes me cherish my past and feel since of pride in knowing, that cool things did exist and I have a part of history somehow in my home. The books are always amazing to look and get inspiration from as well.
Tamika recently posted..Tragic Ending – The final chapter of her life
Nice finds there! I love the silver wares you got! 🙂
Those were some great finds! I love the nautical theme you were going for and in the end pulled off! Flea market, like yard sales, can get you some great prices and have your room makeover look FAB! And the books you grabbed inspiration from are AWESOME!
Danielle recently posted..Increase Blog Traffic with Pinterest
Flea Markets have the BEST stuff. I love going to them.
Mellisa recently posted..How To Get Your Kids To Brush Their Teeth..And Like it!
I have never been lucky enough to score a treasure at a yard sale but my mom does all the time. She knows what to look for and what things are worth so she always scores.
Karen W recently posted..NEW Printable Coupons – Monster High, Hormel, Arm & Hammer, Pedigree and more
I’m a huge flea market junkie! You can score awesome finds when you least expect it!
I don’t have to go to the Flea much… I was a part time antiques dealer for years, so I shop my stash…lol
Robin Gagnon recently posted..Canning Apple Pie Filling : Homemade Apple Pie Year Round & Great Hostess Gifts
I always love the idea of flea market finds, but I am not very good at making them look good after I purchase them lol. Maybe I should get this perfect to learn more.
Jamie recently posted..Manage Your Mondays
We should totally go shopping together! Great post
Alyssa C recently posted..2014 Holiday Gift Guide – Baby Alive♥
I absolutely love vintage. This book is totally something I need to pick up!
I love these ideas! Vintage is definitely always in decor!
Christie recently posted..Pumpkin Origami Craft + Treat Idea #Frosty4Adoption
It’s amazing, what you can find while looking at flea markets.
Touristmeetstraveler recently posted..Eating in Rome: Pizzarium Pizza, The Best in the City – Gourmet Take-Out Dining!
love flea market finds, we use to always visit one at least once every few months just to check out the treasures that would come in. I love your sailboat knots one.
Elizabeth Ferree recently posted..Letter to My 46-Year-Old Self
My daughter is obsessed with garage sales and flea markets thanks to my mother.
I’ll have to check these books out. I love flea market finds. Since we don’t have them here it’s more garage sale finds but it’s always fun driving around town, seeing new areas you didn’t know about and hoping to score the next “treasure”.
Chelle @ Oh Just Stop Already recently posted..I Just Wanted Sleep, Is That Too Much To Ask?
I’m all about great vintage finds, they give your house so much character.
Raijean recently posted..Having a Halloween Party? Download Our Free Party Checklists
What a great book! I love the flea market.
I also love shopping a Thrift stores and rummage sales because you can really find great treasures indeed. Thanks for sharing your great finds.
Thrift stores are my favorite! I’m a drama teacher and I love collecting vintage treasures to use with my students in our productions.
Julie recently posted..7 Things To Bring When You Travel With Baby + $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway
These are all great finds. I love going to all the flea markets and Auctions. You never know what you might find.
I love your finds. And I love love love Lara Spencer.
I love love love your finds. They are so rustic chic as I call them. I’ll have to check this out.
vanessa: thequeenofswag recently posted..A Spooky Good Time With My Mitsubishi Mirage!
Flea markets and thrift stores can yield some fairly nifty treasures that become great projects. Lately, I’ve been finding more luck in some of the local area thrift stores. The flea markets aren’t that great unless I travel about an hour away to a big city.
Nile recently posted..Are You Snubbing Your Blog Competition?
I love flea markets and thrift shops just don’t get around to visiting them as often as I would like. However when I do I always find neat little trinkets.
I long for the day that I get to go to flea markets and turn trash to treasure. I’m finding most of mine on the road side on my way to running the kids too and fro. I LOVE her TV show and I’m adding her book to my Christmas wish list.
Many Thanks for sharing!!!
Stephanie recently posted..On the Homefront: Week 12, Ole Miss Game and Things I Hate to Do
I LOVE these kinds of books! I ‘ve always wanted to decorate my house with “finds”
Anne – Mommy Has to Work recently posted..Minnie Mouse Pumpkin Push-Ins
I love going to flea markets, thrift stores, second hand stores, garage sales etc. I have found some really cute things for very little. I have also seen things that I liked but couldn’t think of things to do with them. It would have been great to have a book like this for ideas.
Cass Sudduth recently posted..DKnight Magicbox Ultra-Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
I haven’t been flea marketing in forever, but my m-i-l goes to flea markets, yard sales, and estate sales just about every single weekend, it seems. And she has found some incredible things at amazing prices.
Donna recently posted..Easy Ways to Decorate for Halloween with Kids #BBNshops
I love going to flea markets. And I love vintage furniture.
Angela recently posted..It’s Never Too Late to Earn Your College Degree
My mother was always anti-used when I was a kid. We’d still purchase clearance items. I’ve had to learn to be discerning in finding used items that were worth bringing into my home.
Lucero De La Tierra recently posted..Freckle + Kitty Girl’s Dress Giveaway, ends 10/27
I have some friends like that. They buy everything brand new even when offered the same items in new or near new condition for free.
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