How to Get That Paris Flea Market Look
You know when you’re looking through a glossy magazine, and you see the ultimate chandelier of your dreams, and then you search for the source, and it says “the Moroccan turquoise glass chandelier was found in a Parisian flea market”? I hate that. It makes me wish I could comb Paris flea markets every Sunday, followed by a nice leisurely cuppachino and people watching at a cafe.
The last time I was in Paris, my friends and I scrambled over to Les Puces on our last morning. We only had about a half hour, it was a lazy weekday morning, and very few vendors were open. I had 30 Euros left and I needed a shipping container. As it worked out, all I made off with was a turquoise art deco clock. I am still dying for someone to ask me where I purchased it, so I can say “oh, I picked it up at a flea market in Paris.”
The Paris flea market look is very popular right now. Jill Brinson (of Ballard Designs) has it down to a science in the latest issue of House Beautiful. South of Market sells incredible French industrial antiques but it will cost you, and Anthropolgie’s Keith Johnson recently showed off his French flea market skills on the Sundance’s Man Shops World
The last time I was in Paris, my friends and I scrambled over to Les Puces on our last morning. We only had about a half hour, it was a lazy weekday morning, and very few vendors were open. I had 30 Euros left and I needed a shipping container. As it worked out, all I made off with was a turquoise art deco clock. I am still dying for someone to ask me where I purchased it, so I can say “oh, I picked it up at a flea market in Paris.”
The Paris flea market look is very popular right now. Jill Brinson (of Ballard Designs) has it down to a science in the latest issue of House Beautiful. South of Market sells incredible French industrial antiques but it will cost you, and Anthropolgie’s Keith Johnson recently showed off his French flea market skills on the Sundance’s Man Shops World
Think Simple and Rustic. The balance of polish and rustic here is perfect. The antique botanical renderings, the texture of the baskets, and fresh flowers give this French flea market style.
Beveled mirrors lend a Parisian art deco look.
Add Parisian touches via gilded tables and velvet. Also, add an ever-changing mini-tablescape on a tray.
Use clean and fresh upholstery (suggestions: white linen or burlap) on antique furniture. Show off the metal upholstery nails as well. The next few photos show good examples of these things.
Here is another example of how upholstery nails can add to the look.
Use a stately pedestal table to display sculptural finds.
Arrange shelves with shells, small oddities and artwork in an artful manner.
Go rent Sophia Coppola's Marie Antoinette and channel her. Think ornate mirrors, mouldings, feathers and marble.
Consider the light. French doors are a wonderful way to let it in.
Add Parisian details via light fixtures and cabinet hardware.
Add a repeated rustic element. These bottles can be found inexpensively and the grouping makes a statement.
Consider classic traditional chairs in unexpected finishes and upholstery. The tea-stained wood treatment look combined with the golden seats give this dining room a subtle flair.
Find affordable artwork and give it a Monet-worthy frame job. You don't have to go bust at Sotheby's to find a lovely seascape or...
...French poster.
Back to Marie Antoinette, channel her in the bedroom as well.
Pour yourself a cafe con leche and pretend you are sitting outside of this Monmarte cafe.