These Antiquing Tips and Tricks Will Have You Picking Like a Pro
Author and blogger Liz Marie Galvan shows you how to make the most of your flea market finds.
Liz Marie Galvan, blogger and author of the new book Cozy White Cottage Seasons, is known for her mastery of creating an all-white room that feels warm and inviting—even for pets and toddlers. A key element of her signature style is layers of patina, courtesy of an array of vintage furniture and accessories. In each room of her farmhouse, she curates a collection of chippy wood, knubby textiles, aged glass, and patinated metal for one-of-a-kind results.
To get her look, most weekends you'll find Liz Marie on the hunt in local Michigan shopping spots such as The Found Cottage in Hudsonville, Blue Door, A Home Collective in Grand Rapids, and Garden House Vintage Market in Kalamazoo. Keep reading to see some of her recent fun finds and get her tips on how to bring the look home.
To see more of how Liz Marie decorates with her favorite vintage finds, take a tour of her Michigan farmhouse here.
Bust of David
"A historical bust gives such a great European cottage feel to a room," says Liz Marie. "I love to put them in our greenhouse and home."
Copper Sauce Pot
"I love how hanging a few copper pots on the peg rail above our stove adds color and texture."
Small Chippy Cabinet
"One of my favorite things to buy is chippy furniture of all sizes. I can envision this small, 15-inch-tall cabinet placed on a kitchen counter or in the bathroom as another form of storage."
Green-and-White Transferware
"I was drawn to the beautiful shade of these plates and platters. I love how this versatile shade of green works for everyday decor, or on the table for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas."
Shapely Corbels
"A corbel is an antique form of architectural salvage that can bring an extra layer of that antique-feel into our home. I love using them for making shelves or as bookends, but you can also use them as they're originally intended."
Spice Jar Set
"I never find jars with solid black lids! I'll fill them with odds and ends in the kitchen, such as toothpicks and twine."
Hitching Post Ornaments
"Originally these horses were placed on top of hitching posts. As a family, we love traveling to Mackinac Island in Northern Michigan and these cast iron horses are found on all the posts used to tie up horses, as there are still no motor vehicles on the island. This handsome pair will become bookends in our library."
Ceramic Flower Pot
"I am a plant lady and love having plants all over our house. I always keep these classic pots, by makers such as McCoy, on hand."
Wooden Shoe Molds
"I've loved shoe molds for many years. Used as bookends, hanging on a gallery wall, or just sitting on a shelf as decor, these will add warmth to our very white house."
Mason Jar
"Whether holding flatware or storing dry goods, glass Ball jars have a variety of uses."
Grain Sack
"I use these for table linens and tea towels, drape them over the backs of chairs, and hang them on peg rails. The possibilities are endless!"
Rusty Shears
"The patina on these is so lovely. They can be used as decor but are also super functional and utilitarian."
Black-and-White Photographs
"Finding antique photographs at antiques shops is so fun! They are fun to display to add a vintage touch to a space and they also make great conversation pieces."
Jennifer Kopf is the Executive Editor of Country Living. She also covers antiques and collecting.
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