Book Review: Flea Market Chic

Flea Market Chic by Liz Bauwens and Alexandra Campbell, CICO Books, photography by Simon Brown | Ryland, Peters & Small

Flea Market Chic isn't just an inspirational coffee table book. Oh no! It goes way beyond pretty pictures, giving the reader accessible and useful ideas on how to add texture, colour and depth to modern spaces with flea-market finds. In her introduction, Liz Bauwens writes about how what flea markets are selling has changed. With 19th and early 20th century pieces becoming increasingly harder to find, with space being taken up with mid-to-late 20th century furniture and accessories. Once you begin to turn the pages you see how Bauwens has illustrated this through a well-edited selection of real family homes. Each space shows you how flea-market finds have been mixed in with purchases from big box stores. Also included are tips on where to look for certain items and how to negotiate when buying them (so useful!). Personally, I love how flea-market pieces let you create a home that reflects your life and personality; these pieces become interesting talking points in your home as each 'find' comes with a story attached. It's fun to read where home owners found pieces, so I've shared the spaces from the Flea Market Chic that caught my eye. The white and turquoise summerhouse? 100% dreamy, I know. Which space is talking to you? Do you have any top flea market tips?