A House with FleasActually my house has fleas, but it’s not as unsanitary as it sounds. Flea market finds that is. Have you ever wondered how some people pull a room together and it has that certain “je ne sai quoi”? Where did they find that distressed five foot column or how did they manage to locate a six foot window from a since restored Town Hall. Well. Look no further, the answer is Flea Markets. I’ve become one of the faithful, a diehard attendee who flocks to different events every year (sometimes three times a year as in the Brimfield antiques fair) in search of the perfect find. Most times I go with a wish list that includes items and measurements, other times I’m enticed by the visions of something unintended for either my own home or my clients. As a designer I can affordably introduce architectural elements and add character to a home. In my own home architectural pieces highlight my style. The mixtures of different textures, interesting patinas, old juxtaposed with new, adds a quality look to my haven. The skies’ the limit as far as selections goes. Farm tables, bookcases, ironstone pitchers are a few of the pieces that I’ve collected for my home over the years. The range in prices is as varied as the items themselves, and unlike furniture stores, the prices are negotiable. As a mother of two rough and tumble boys, I know that expensive fragile furnishings and accessories would not work in my house. That said I like my house to look a certain way and many flea market styles fit into my requirements. My kitchen farm table has so much character that one more ding or mark just adds to its beauty. My antique oriental rug has seen its share of milk, juice and even the occasional red wine (not consumed by the boys) spilled on it, but no one can tell it has suffered and because I spent $200 dollars on it and not ten thousand makes me a lot more relaxed around it. If distressed, kid friendly furniture is your thing, if period furniture excites you, if vintage lighting calls you, do antique alarm clocks get your heart ticking, well then, you’re in luck. Speaking of luck, none is required. To get started research flea markets in your area. Look on line or in your local paper. Ask that person that you know who frequents these events and take the plunge. I promise you will not regret it and soon you’re house will have fleas too.
--Kelly McGuill
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