Trip to the Flea Market

This weekend was full of little adventures, one of which was the Metrolina Expo (Charlotte's fancy version of a flea market.)  It's funny, I remember being dragged kicking and screaming to this same market as a child.  For the life of me, I couldn't understand why all of these people spent a perfectly beautiful Saturday roaming through rows and rows of old, worn-out furniture and other people's "stuff."
My how times have changed! 
So off to market we went.... Michael, my mom, and I.  (This time, I was the one dragging them!)
I just love the anticipation of not knowing what you will find at places like this - we could come home with a truck piled high or absolutely nothing at all.  But it doesn't even matter... it's more about just being together. 
It made it so special that my Mom was able to join us.  Truth be told, if it weren't for my incredibly classy and style-savvy mom, I'd have absolutely no idea of how to turn a house into a home.  Hands-down, she's the best!  I promise y'all, we could have lived in a shack growing up, and she would have found a way to make it gorgeous and inviting.  I am constantly amazed!
Ok, so back to the flea market.  Since we saw SO much, I'll just share a few highlights of the day.
First, some things that I gushed over (but didn't walk away with):

Perfect inspiration ...a wire basket covered in burlap to make a gorgeous light fixture.

I think we may have to add this to the ever-growing list of projects. 

I know just the place for it ;)

Love everything about this driftwood Christmas tree.  Simple, rustic and charming!  

There's something so great about old pieces of metal.  Originally ceiling tiles or crown molding in gorgeous old buildings, they now have tons of decorating potential.  We have some in our shop that we're using as memo boards since they're magnetic (perfect for black and white pictures, little notes, or grocery lists).

Cut -out frames are a perfect use for them too!    

We found the greatest booth filled with industrial type pieces. These lamp shades were originally old signs.  Can't you just picture them over a big kitchen island or great farmhouse table?  The red letters were great too, but I couldn't fall in love with those too much because they had already been sold. The creativity of this booth made it so much fun!

Now...for the one treasure that actually made the trip home with us....

An old bread rack that is just so perfectly simple and rustic, I couldn't resist.

True Story:

I walked away and came back two times to say goodbye.   After the second time, I think the owner felt sorry for me (or was tired of seeing me...not sure which) and gave me a deal I couldn't refuse.

The contrast of the white pottery against the perfect patina of the wood is so refreshing.

Still playing around with how to accessorize, but it's a start!

It kind of reminds me of the shelving unit in Restoration Hardware at this very moment (but at a very small fraction of the cost.  Gosh, I love a good deal!)

Loving our newest treasure!

-Emily

http://crispinteriors.goodsie.com/