Flea Market Chic is a beautiful book by Liz Bauwens and Alex Iby that provides creative inspiration and practical tips for decorating your home with flea market finds and secondhand treasures. With stunning photography and insightful advice, it captures the thrill of the hunt while teaching you how to curate an eclectic, stylish space filled with charming vintage pieces.
Introduction to Flea Market Chic
Flea Market Chic celebrates the art of discovering hidden gems and reinventing cast-off items from flea markets, garage sales, auctions and thrift shops. The book features lovely interiors and tablescapes designed by authors Liz Bauwens and Alex Iby, who share their secrets to creating cohesive rooms bursting with character and an authentic mix of old and new elements.
Bauwens and Iby are long-time flea market fanatics based in California. They began selling at antique fairs and flea markets over two decades ago when they were UCLA students. Their shared passion for hunting down overlooked treasure and giving worn pieces new life culminated in the founding of their inspirational blog The Find in 2010.
Flea Market Chic is the culmination of their design insights gleaned from years of prowling flea markets from California to Europe. Within its pages, Liz and Alex distill their tips for finding hidden gems, practical steps for restoring old pieces, and design concepts for integrating secondhand items into stylish interiors.
While providing plenty of eye candy through beautiful imagery of their signature look, Flea Market Chic also offers readers actionable advice and real-world examples. The book empowers everyone to embrace their inner flea market diva and create unique, artful homes no matter their decorating budget or previous experience.
The Allure and Rewards of Flea Market Shopping
What drives so many people to rise at dawn on weekends to sift through jumbles of cast-offs and rummage for hours through dusty booths under the hot sun?
Flea markets offer more than just great deals. For avid thrifters, the lure is as much about the thrill of the hunt and the joy of discovery. As Liz and Alex write in Chapter 1: “We find inspiration in the challenge of finding hidden gems among the rubble, resurrecting left-behind relics, and combining eclectic parts into a beautiful whole.”
Beyond stimulating their creative spark, the authors find deep satisfaction in giving worn and unwanted objects new life. By envisioning an item’s potential and providing some TLC, flea market finds can be transformed into functional and fabulous focal points.
This sense of participating in making something lasting out of things ephemeral resonates with veteran flea market devotees. There is also an appeal to uncovering pieces that have a unique story and history. Flea market treasures offer an invitation to imagine their original context and the previous owners who used and enjoyed them over the decades.
And of course, there is an undeniable thrill to finding amazing deals and bargaining for pieces. The shared dream of unearthing valuable antiques for a steal keeps flea market fans hooked.
How to Cultivate Your Flea Market Eye
Liz and Alex stress that haunting flea markets takes patience and perseverance. It requires cultivating a discerning “flea market eye” attuned to spotting possibilities. Some of their top tips include:
- Look past imperfections – Chips, tarnish, missing parts and other flaws are easy to fix. Focus on an item’s good bones and potential.
- Assess structure and materials – Examine construction and materials to identify quality pieces that will clean up well.
- Consider scale and proportion– Make sure a piece will work in your space. Measure furniture to ensure it fits.
- Evaluate usefulness – Pass on items that are not functional or versatile no matter how cute.
- Imagine alterations– Brainstorm ways to modify pieces like painting, refinishing or reupholstering.
- Mix eras and styles – Eclectic pairs like a modern abstract painting over an antique dresser make great focal points.
Having an open mind and learning some basic DIY skills helps you recognize more possibilities. Look beyond style and eras you typically gravitate toward. See the potential in humble items like old crates and factory carts. Learn to rewire lamps, strip paint and restore wood and upholstery.
Arm yourself with knowledge of eras, materials, quality markers and valuations. Study antiquing guides and reference books. Peruse museum exhibits to develop your eye. Follow designers and dealers on social media. This enhances your ability to identify quality and spot underpriced gems.
Strategies for Flea Market Shopping Success
Experienced thrifters like Liz and Alex have honed their approach to efficiently find treasures and maximize their flea market experience. Here are some of their top tips:
Do your research – Check listing for the larger fairs and markets. Follow social media for vendors of interest. This helps plan your attack.
Come early – Arrive right at opening to scope out the best selection. Many seasoned dealers re-stock overnight.
Bring help – Extra hands allow you to thoroughly browse multiple booths at once. Friends can watch your finds while you keep exploring.
Have a plan – Prioritize vendors likely to have your must-have items. Focus first on those booths or aisles.
Be systematic – Move through the entire market in an organized path without backtracking to avoid missing hidden stashes.
Carry cash – Many vendors offer better bargains for cash payments. Withdraw plenty of small bills for ease.
Be polite yet persistent – Develop a friendly rapport with dealers. Ask for the best price and for discounts on multiple items.
Pack supplies – Bring a bag for purchases, tissue and wrapping to protect fragile finds, a measuring tape, and magnifying glass.
Take breaks – Hydrate, eat, rest your feet and rotate heavy bags back to your car periodically to conserve energy.
Compare prices – Look up similar sold items online and at other booths to gauge if you have found a bargain.
Trust your instincts – If you love something, grab it. The item likely won’t be there later after more debate.
Following these tips will take some trial and error to find what works for your preferences and style. Stay open minded, embrace mishaps, and have fun in the process. The joy is as much in the journey as the destinations.
Essential Flea Market Shopping Gear & Supplies
As Liz and Alex have learned over the years, having the right gear and supplies pays off tremendously for avid flea market enthusiasts by making shopping easier and more efficient. They recommend keeping these handy:
Essential Gear
- Comfortable shoes – Opt for broken-in sneakers or light hiking shoes to put in miles of walking
- Small backpack or oversized tote – Choose an open bag that allows you to carry purchases hands-free
- Rolling cart – Wheels help transport large heavy items like furniture
- Measuring tape – Confirm furniture and mirrors will fit your space
- Hand mirror – Inspect hard-to-reach areas of intricate frames and furniture
- Magnifying glass – Look for signature marks on jewelry and figurines
- Flashlight – Carefully examine insides of cabinets, drawers and ceramics
- Smartphone – Look up online prices quickly and take reference shots
Helpful Supplies
- Bottled water & snacks – Stay energized and hydrated during marathon market days
- Hand sanitizer & wipes – Clean hands after handling multiple items
- Small bills & change – Pay exact amounts easily
- Reusable shopping bags – Reduce waste and carry extra purchases
- Packing supplies – Protect fragile items like newsprint, bubble wrap and tissue
- Notebook & pen – Jot down notes on booths, pricing, and measurements
Having this handy equipment makes navigating crowded aisles while juggling items easy. The supplies also help you quickly assess potential buys and caring for them on the trip home.
Practical Tips for Restoring Flea Market Finds
Half the fun of flea marketing is reinventing finds and giving cast-offs new life. Liz and Alex have mastered ways to transform ragged relics into showstoppers. They share their DIY restoration secrets in Chapter 3 so anyone can refurbish their treasures.
Deep Cleaning
Many vintage finds require heavy-duty cleaning before use in your home. Here are some of their top tips:
- Mix mild dish soap and warm water to wash most surfaces, then rinse and dry completely. Repeat as needed.
- Remove grime in crevices with an old toothbrush and cotton swabs.
- Refresh musty smalls by letting them air out before placing in sealed bins with baking soda or charcoal packs.
- For moldy items, use a 50/50 vinegar and water solution and a soft brush. Rinse and let dry in the sun.
- Sprinkle salt on grease stains, rub gently with lemon halves, then wipe clean.
- Remove wax residue with a paper bag and iron on medium heat. Hold the bag over the wax and iron until absorbed.
Repairs
Don’t let damaged flea market goods discourage you. Many fixes are easy DIY projects:
- Fix chipped ceramics and porcelain with enamel paints and model car paints which blend well after firing.
- Replace broken chair spindles with ready-made dowel rods cut to size with wood glue and clamps.
- Patch textile holes and tears with iron-on patches or fabric glue and applique patches behind holes.
- Replace missing knobs and pulls with reproduction or vintage hardware. Fill leftover holes with wood filler.
- Tighten wobbly chairs and tables by adding felt pads, tightening joints, or reinforcing with corner braces.
Refinishing
With some supplies and elbow grease, lackluster flea market finds shine like new again:
- Strip thick paint layers from furniture using chemical strippers or a heat gun. Then sand and re-stain or repaint.
- Repaint metal patio sets with spray enamel to get a shiny new look. Use self-etching primer first for best adhesion.
- Remove scratches in wood tables by filling with markers, wax sticks, or putty. Gently sand and re-stain.
- Brighten faded fabrics by spraying diluted fabric paint. Test for bleeding first.
- Replace torn lampshades using spray adhesive to fix new paper or fabric over the frame.
Reuse Ideas
Unusual flea market finds can often be adapted into something new by thinking creatively:
- Funky mismatched china becomes a decorative mosaic backsplash simply adhered to the wall.
- Vintage ladder turned on its side transforms into a handy towel rack.
- An old crate makes an outdoor side table topped with tempered glass or waterproof tiles.
- Salvaged drawers affixed vertically on the wall create unique open shelving.
- Add inexpensive hairpin legs from the craft store to a tabletop found at the flea market to fashion a new desk.
With patience and imagination, even the most damaged and worn flea market goods offer possibilities for reinvention.
Design Concepts and Styling Tips
Amid all the tips for finding and restoring items, Liz and Alex spend equal time in Flea Market Chic sharing design concepts that make flea market decor successful. Their guidance helps create finished spaces that are cohesive, polished and uniquely personal.
Create a Collected Look
The key to making a space styled with flea market finds look curated rather than haphazard is sticking to a theme or color palette. Some easy approaches include:
- Pick a dominant color like blue and blend various shades throughout the room across eras and materials.
- Choose a central motif like farmhouse, nautical or boho and keep accessories consistent.
- Focus on a common texture like wood tones to create visual harmony.
- Limit yourself to a two or three complementary color families for variety within order.
Balance Old & New
The authors recommend counterbalancing vintage with modern pieces. Integrating new alongside old prevents rooms from feeling like trapped-in-time period vignettes.
- Add sleek new seating shapes and metallic light fixtures to contrast found furniture and rugs.
- Blend antique quilts and linens with minimalist bed frames and contemporary art.
- Set an eclectic flea market dining table but opt for streamlined modern dining chairs.
- Display collections of silver trophies and botanical prints against crisp solid-painted walls.
The mix of old and new creates an authentic evolution over time rather than a strict recreation of a past era.
Scale & Proportion are Key
When combining flea market items from various eras and origins, scale and proportion help keep the look refined. Liz and Alex suggest:
- Selecting smaller scale furnishings in quantity to fill space, like clusters of dainty chairs surrounding a table.
- Using larger unique art pieces to anchor walls around smaller flea market art.
- Repeating shapes at graduated sizes like different sized metal stars across a gallery wall.
- Choosing slim-lined furnishings to prevent weighty antiques from overwhelming.
- Adding airy textiles and lush plants to soften and fill negative space around furniture.
A thoughtful selection of complementary shapes and sizes makes random elements feel congruous.
Display Collections Creatively
Part of the fun of flea marketing is accumulating themed collections. Avoid simply lining all finds along the wall. Liz and Alex display each set artfully through:
- Arranging vignettes within wall shelves, like mini still-lifes.
- Building visual interest by stacking, overlapping and tilting similar pieces.
- Placing collections into practical vessels like bowls, baskets and crates.
- Interspersing artwork and books between each piece to spread out groupings.
- Elevating special items with platforms, pillars, easels and floating shelves.
Collections displayed with care become design statements rather than overwhelming clutter.
Inspiring Room Reveals
While the practical tips in Flea Market Chic are invaluable, it is the gorgeous photography that brings the concepts to life. The second half of the book offers page after page of Liz and Alex’s signature flea-styled spaces for endless inspiration. Here are some highlights:
Boho Dining Nook
This sunny breakfast area overflows with collected flea market finds from stacked antique dough bowls to the weathered dining chairs. Macrame plant holders, worn Turkish rugs, and brass lighting play up the 70s vibe. A bright gallery wall ties the eclectic space together.
Rustic Kitchen
The farmhouse charm of this kitchen comes from practical vintage painted cabinets paired with open shelving displaying flea market dishware. Touches like the antique rolling cart, floral curtains, and framed botanical prints keep the look from feeling too country.
Bold Entry
In this striking foyer, Liz and Alex grounded bright red walls and a graphic black and white floor with neutral flea market furnishings. The antique console, arched mirror, and floral bench balance the dramatic background. Muted accessories keep focus on the couple’s amazing find – a vintage vestibule from a Paris hotel.
Elegant Gallery Wall
This living room is a lesson in refined flea style. A fluid mix of antique portraits and landscapes are united by sculptural frames yet varied in size. Below, symmetrically placed chairs and ottomans balance the eclecticism. Restraint in color unites French, Baltic and North African furnishings.
Page after page offers endless examples demonstrating how Liz and Alex apply their flea market design principles. Seeing the concepts come to life provides a masterclass in creating personalized spaces brimming with uncommon treasures.
Flea Market Style for Every Budget
A compelling aspect of Flea Market Chic is that it caters to all budgets. Liz and Alex share budget-friendly tips alongside luxury examples:
- Seek out affordable resources like thrift stores and garage sales in wealthy neighborhoods.
- Scout home improvement resale shops for quality furniture being replaced during renovations.
- Use driftwood, seashells, pebbles, and chunks of raw wood to embellish surfaces. These organic materials cost little.
- Refresh finds with new knobs and inexpensive accessories like baskets and shower curtains as tablecloths.
- Style with abundant, inexpensive plants of various sizes such as ferns and trailing ivy.
- Look for inexpensive but neutral colored and textured cushion covers and bedding to customize furnishings.
- Sew simple lumbar pillows or upholstery buttons from vintage fabric scraps.
- Spray paint or decoupage found items like crates, tins and frames to customize.
The book also provides guidance on investment pieces that promise longevity:
- Seek solid wood furniture and quality materials like all-cotton or linen fabrics.
- Purchase well-made sofas and chairs from trustworthy brands that can be reupholstered.
- Invest in a few key handcrafted lighting fixtures as they elevate any space.
- Spend more on classic antiques with timeless shapes, like portraits and botanical prints.
- Buy durable stoneware dishware, crystal barware, and flatware in popular patterns.
With insider pointers on what is worth the splurge and budget pieces with high-style impact, Flea Market Chic makes distinctive design achievable for everyone.
Final Takeaways
Through eight inspiring chapters, Liz and Alex make designing with secondhand treasures feel fresh and attainable in Flea Market Chic. Their advice, illustrations and room reveals provide endless inspiration to fearlessly embrace your own flea market style.
Readers will gain the confidence to:
- Uncover overlooked treasures and see potential in imperfect objects.
- Transform tired pieces through cleaning, repairs and reinvention.
- Merge eras and aesthetics into personal spaces with character.
- Display flea market collections artfully.
- Achieve magazine-worthy rooms styled with secondhand finds.
Flea Market Chic makes it possible for all design lovers to reveal their inner junking
