Navigate Flea-Market Shopping Like a Pro

1. Appreciate hardworking pieces of the past. Kuhn emphasizes the importance of finding beauty in ordinary things. “The patina of a tabletop worn from use, an oddsized cupboard lovingly handmade long ago for a specific purpose, the chippy paint of an old shutter revealing layers of color are all waiting to be discovered, reclaimed and put to use with a new purpose,” she says.

Kuhn says the “thrill of the hunt” is the process of weaving through myriad flea markets, knowing that an unmatchable thrill will ensue when you finally find the perfect piece. She offers some quick tips for sifting through markets to find the best items for your personal style.

2. Collect over the years. Mixing pieces from different periods of your life will help weave a story between the items you put on display. “This approach is much more personal than selecting a room full of new furnishings from a showroom or retail store, and more importantly, it is much more fun,” Kuhn says.

3. Lead with your heart, not your mind. Kuhn writes you should trust your instincts and connect with pieces you find. If an old loveseat is reminiscent of family reunions at Grandma’s house, grab it! You’ll remember that feeling every time you sit on its plush cushions. “Furnishings bought out of love will always find a place in the New Americana home,” Kuhn says.