Fantastic Finds

Decorating With Style : Episode DWS-431 -- More Projects »

Flea markets are some of the best places in the world to look for unusual, distinctive items for the home.

Interior designer Cathy Whitlock offers these tips for securing the best flea-market deal on exactly what you're looking for:

Flea markets vary from city to city, but the best ones are monthly.
Arrive at sunrise. Most flea markets open at 6:00 a.m., and many of the good pieces are literally snatched off of the truck while the vendors are unloading.
Take comfortable shoes, water, a note pad to jot down stall numbers of items you like, a flashlight, and plenty of cash. Also helpful are a shopping cart or luggage rack, paper, bubble wrap, cords, rope and blankets. If you're really serious, rent a moving truck for a day since very few vendors deliver.
Have plenty of stamina, the ability to ask for the best price, and a willingness to walk away from a deal.
If someone is examining an item you would like to buy, avoid showing any interest. Instead, wait until the individual leaves the stall before proceeding with an offer.
If you desire value and don't mind forgoing pieces that are bought early in the morning, shop at the end of the day. Just before the close of the market, sellers often offer substantial discounts to avoid moving their items.
Some of the most popular flea markets are the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, the Long Beach Flea Market in California, Brimfield (the mother of all) in Massachusetts and the Don Scott shows in Atlanta and Ohio.

Guests
Cathy Whitlock
Interior Designer, ASID, Cathy Whitlock Interiors
4400 Belmont Park Terrace, Arden 105
Nashville, TN 37215
Phone: 615-298-5130
Fax: 866-725-2593
E-mail: catwhitlock@gmail.com
Website: www.cathywhitlock.com Also in this Episode

Decorating With Style : Episode DWS-431
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•	Suede-Laced Lampshades
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