What’s your market style?
Summer days are the ideal time to scour outdoor markets, or car boot and garage sales, for unique treasures, writes Caroline Botting.
Are you a fan of country, old world glamour, retroeclectic or vintage? We talk to four fans of preloved treasures who tell us what to look out for to perfect your market style. pastels colours, flowers and timeworn treasures.
‘‘My style of country is also slightly shabby chic. Years ago I didn’t even know it had a name,’’ she says.
What’s key when creating this style is authenticity, Stephen says. ‘‘Colonial finds, think early New Zealand. It has to be something truly old, not just made to look old. I have an old kauri meat safe, it adds so much history to this house,’’ she says. ‘‘I love pink and green together, powder blue for the bathroom. Things still need to look fresh but have that vintage warmth.’’ Open shelving and plate racks feature in the kitchen, there are florals in prints, bedding and in her wonderful Royal Winton china collection featuring pieces both chipped and pristine. At the entranceway a wonderful collection of vintage school bags greet guests – each adds to the country feel.
Stephen’s tips:
Head to garage sales. ‘‘I found my sofa at a garage sale. I loved the shape, it was so Victorian, and I’ve covered it a million times. Now it’s a soft sage green.’’
Keep an eye out for farm clearance sales. ‘‘I’ve spend a whole day at these gathering treasures and guarding them until my husband arrives with the trailer,’’ Stephen says.