I prefer spaces that look as though they have accumulated over time and evoke a feeling of a life well-lived, as opposed to bought in one shopping spree at a big box store. Layering flea market details is a great way to achieve a rich layered look on a dollar budget.

Flea markets are a great place to find bargain antique books, architectural elements and portraits. These antique translation books from a Paris brocante are yummy - frayed edges of the 18th C. paper bring a tactile quality, and the grey color palette and graphic stripes are modern and old at the same time.

I simply can't get enough of vintage antler trophies or religious artifacts. This combo has a softened masculine appeal.

J'adore the chipping black paint and rustic quality of this crucifix. This would be a great counterpoint to opulent gold elements.

Antique apothecary jars adorned with gold graphic labels are visually unobtrusive and are great containers for seasonal flowers.

Flea markets offer an abundance of artwork by unknown artists, which are an affordable alternative to pricey artwork and uninspiring mass produced prints offered by big box stores. I prefer portraits of women or stately soldiers. The bold yellow hair scarf attracted me to this piece. I prefer to leave the canvases unframed because, not only is framing generally expensive, but an unframed painting allows the eye to focus on the painting without a competing frame.

Layering flea market pieces to create an abstract art piece can become the statement piece of the room! An old department store shirt bust is accented with a religious sash from Belgium and framed in a great chippy gold frame.