Design File
Creative Collectibles & Funky Junk
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Spring has finally sprung and with it comes a myriad of garage sales, estate sales, flea markets and antique fairs. Living in New England, I always drive by and as a frugal decorator I often wonder what sort of amazing pieces I might find. I’m a firm believer that what they say is true: “One man’s trash is another Decorator’s Treasure!” This started me thinking “What is an antique anyway?” Things that don’t seem very old to me are starting to be featured as “Retro” in design magazines. And when did 80’s music become “Oldies”…I’d like to ask Oldies 103.3?!? If you are like me, you may be overwhelmed with the thought of paying too much for junk or missing out on an amazing deal for pennies that could be worth millions! (Thank you for the anxiety Antiques Road Show) Click Here for New England Antique Shows.
Truth be told, I am, by no means, an expert at antiquing…but I’ve done some reading. Maybe I’ll come across the glass doorknobs that I vividly remember from my grandmother’s house and would love to have in my own home someday, or maybe I will find my favorite childhood lunch box. Now I know you’re all thinking in this day and age that I can find this stuff on eBay…and trust me I have…but there is something amazing about the excitement of going from table to table on a treasure hunt!
If the thought of hitting yard sales or antique fairs brings tears to your eyes, then I encourage you to visit Nesting on Main in Downtown Concord. It is bar none the best antique shop I’ve seen in the area. Trust me, this exquisite shop does not have the look or feel (or smell for that matter) of your run of the mill antique store. The ever-changing displays and warm and helpful staff take the pressure out of antiquing!
This year will be my first time experiencing “The Mother Load Of Antique Fairs” The Brimfield Fair. Last year marked their 50th Anniversary! Some friends of mine are “regulars” at Brimfield and have imparted this wisdom onto me: Bring lots of cash. Now many of you don’t know me, but my friends and family have heard me say time and time again “CASH IS KING!” Don't be afraid to negotiate with the vendors. If you've got the cash in hand then chances are good that they would rather sell it to you than take it home with them. You may not get as much of a deal early in the week, as the vendors will hold out for top dollar, and although it might be the most crowded on the weekends, they are certainly the best days for bargains. Finally, if you see something and are considering coming back for it later, it will most likely be gone. If you think you might regret it, chances are you probably will.
Rule of thumb: Decide what you're willing to pay for something, bargain for it, and buy it or walk away and forget it!
If you decide to hit some sales this season, my advice to you is simple: Buy what you love, not necessarily what you need. While I’m sure you may come across a couch or chair that might work for your home, if you are not in love with the piece, skip it. There are plenty of local furniture shops where you can find the perfect fit (and I’m guessing the customer services and return policy at the flea market could use a little work).
At the end of the day, I hope to have found a few new treasures…and maybe even that Mickey Mouse School Bus Lunch Box I carried to Greendale school in second grade!
Next month from MK Design: Outdoor Entertaining!
Column written by MKDesign for SuzySaidActon 2010
Truth be told, I am, by no means, an expert at antiquing…but I’ve done some reading. Maybe I’ll come across the glass doorknobs that I vividly remember from my grandmother’s house and would love to have in my own home someday, or maybe I will find my favorite childhood lunch box. Now I know you’re all thinking in this day and age that I can find this stuff on eBay…and trust me I have…but there is something amazing about the excitement of going from table to table on a treasure hunt!
This year will be my first time experiencing “The Mother Load Of Antique Fairs” The Brimfield Fair. Last year marked their 50th Anniversary! Some friends of mine are “regulars” at Brimfield and have imparted this wisdom onto me: Bring lots of cash. Now many of you don’t know me, but my friends and family have heard me say time and time again “CASH IS KING!” Don't be afraid to negotiate with the vendors. If you've got the cash in hand then chances are good that they would rather sell it to you than take it home with them. You may not get as much of a deal early in the week, as the vendors will hold out for top dollar, and although it might be the most crowded on the weekends, they are certainly the best days for bargains. Finally, if you see something and are considering coming back for it later, it will most likely be gone. If you think you might regret it, chances are you probably will.
Rule of thumb: Decide what you're willing to pay for something, bargain for it, and buy it or walk away and forget it!
If you decide to hit some sales this season, my advice to you is simple: Buy what you love, not necessarily what you need. While I’m sure you may come across a couch or chair that might work for your home, if you are not in love with the piece, skip it. There are plenty of local furniture shops where you can find the perfect fit (and I’m guessing the customer services and return policy at the flea market could use a little work).
Next month from MK Design: Outdoor Entertaining!
Column written by MKDesign for SuzySaidActon 2010
