Warm weather brings garage sales galore and beautiful days to visit local thrift shops. Upcycling the old, making it new or just incorporating it into your home as is can be exciting.
Anyone who has been thrifting or antiquing knows the options and possibilities are endless. Old dishes, furniture, light fixtures - you name it - it's out there.
Copper Tree Exchange owner Greg Bemboom said his customers are buying a variety of items as soon as they hit the shelves. "Everyone wants something different," Bemboom said.
Since the East High Street store is both consignment and resale, the store owner never knows what he'll get.
Becky Bocklage, owner of J Street Vintage Gritty & Pretty on Jefferson Street, said her customers are also seeking a variety of items. "We have a pretty eclectic "who wants what' list at J Street," Bocklage said. "Old roll down maps, galvanized metal, velvet sofas and desks are a few of our recent inquiries."
The great thing about these types of stores is knowing the offerings are different each time you stop in.
Whether you're searching for something specific or just looking around, it's important to have an open mind and think creatively about the pieces.
"While vintage and antique pieces are lovely to look at, they are usually not perfect - and those imperfections represent the story," Bocklage said.
An old colander or wire basket can be utilized as a creative or rustic light fixture.
"We've sold minnow buckets that become light fixtures," Bocklage noted. At Christmas time the store sold burlap seed bags that were turned into stockings.
Every once in a while you might find a vintage chandelier or bar set - if you're interested, buy it when you see it, because those pieces don't stay long. Apothecary-type jars and vases are also a hot commodity. Those often cost three or four times less at a vintage or resale shop and can be utilized in any room.
"People who downsize may just have too much stuff, so you're getting good quality," Bemboom said.
When the J Street Vintage owners go searching for sellable items, they look for mid-century furniture, older cabinets and antique dressers. "These items can easily be used in many homes," Bocklage said.
When you're searching for your own treasures, be mindful of selecting pieces that have great lines so they blend easily with your modern d©cor.
Interior designer and owner of Petals For You Leah Ann Boss said adding older pieces to existing d©cor is a big trend. "There is always room for a treasured antique."
By adding in a few flea market finds, you're creating statement and conversational pieces. Adding in an older chair is a perfect example: there are tons of old chairs that have great color and unique style that can really add some character to your room. If you get an item home and it doesn't fit the room you had in mind, try switching out lamps, rugs and even knick-knacks to help blend things a little better.
"Mantiques" are also popular right now. Anything auto-related, tools, industrial items, farm implements and old signs make a quick theme for any man cave.
"Many times these items are rusty or chrome," Bocklage said. Hanging up a few out-of-the-ordinary pieces as artwork can be a fun and inexpensive way to decorate a space without going overboard.