Tips if you're visiting your first Antique Centre to furnish your home.

I recently wrote a blog about my favourite antique fairs and markets and if this is something that your open to exploring then this blog will help you get the most out of your first trip. 

Here's my top tips before you set off. 

1, Be sure to check what traders have been exhibiting before, if for example it's more jewellery and oddities than your not going to find a vintage sofa. 

2, Be clear what your shopping for.  Write a list, it will help you be more focused especially if it's a larger fair or market, with lots of temptation. 

3, Step into your creativity: you may be on the look out for a table for example, then you discover an item that you love, that could be altered in to a unique piece with the same function of a table.  

4, Speak with the traders and get their details or Social Media accounts.  It maybe that they could help you source a specific item your looking for, or you could build up a relationship with them for the special items.  They are more likely to give you a call first before they go along to their next fair.

5, Ask questions, traders have often been in the trade for numerous years and they have a vast amount of knowledge. This is of use if you're looking to Style a room in a particular interior design style.  They can advise you on time periods and eras. 

6, Empty handed, it's okay to leave a fair or market without making a purchase.  I know the temptation to buy is strong, just think you could be saving to discover a much better item next time.

7, Organise your diary, if you're completing a new interior design project or room makeover, be sure to plan your visits to specific fairs and markets ahead of time.  This gives you the opportunity to create a theme and find items that compliment and/or on the same colour spectrum, at each event.  Building complementary items.  Creating harmony and a stylish look. 

8,  There are lots of pop up shops and shows near you. See what's local to you.  Local halls; bric n brac events can often produce a great source of unique and quality items.  Many people are looking to have a clear out and this is the first time they have sold items before, so they don't always realise what they are selling. Be fair, ask the price & feel free to haggle. 

9, Take measurements: Before you head out on a shopping trip, be sure to take measurements with you. Note it down along with your shopping list and take a tape measure with you.  This is especially important if your investing in a high ticket item or large piece of furniture. 

10, Do your research: If you're buying a revered piece of Art, that has a high ticket price, remember you don't need to purchase there and then.  Get advice from an expert, an independent valuation or confirmation of provenance before you part with your hard earnt cash. A reputable dealer will happily wait for your purchase, unless they have another buyer lined up of course.  That's just the name of the game. 

Finally, find suitable ways of transporting your items home so they remain intacted. This is especially important if you're visiting some of the gigantic places & your carrying numerous items in a shoulder bag.  Consider purchasing a foldable crate trolleys, before you go, it will enable you to continue shopping for longer.  

If you're aware of a fair or market near you and you think its worth a visit then get intouch with me. It could be that we meet up for a chat or just share our joy on the purchases we make. 

#Countrylife #Interiordesign #interiordesigner