The Adventure of the Hunt

Fall market started off strong.  The D and D building is expanding its treasure trove of riches for and with in the industry.  New showroom openings and expansions are underway.  Live from NY (the theme this year) kicked things off with a lively discussion with Lara Spencer on the topic of how a TV personality tackles design.

photo: via ABC

Lara is probably just as well known for her love of "the Flea" as she is for her day job: on air personality for Good Morning America.  Her hosting duties for award shows and HGTV appearances keep her hopping.  It's a wonder she finds time to Flea Market Flip, her wildly popular show, and writing her second book on the subject.
She learned the basics of how to create a chic home for less from a very young age.  Her education was further refined on Antiques Roadshow.  Lara talked about the invaluable experience and confidence she gained from the Keno brothers  .

She famously decorated Kathy Griffin's house.  It apparently was a big house with a little budget, but Lara filled it with happy colors.  Who can't relate to that?  The room looks like a million bucks, but it cost mere thousands.  Pieces were reupholstered and reimagined.  Always try to see beyond the imperfections and imagine the possibility!

When shopping the flea markets in an effort to create a chic happy home for less, "Always have a plan but be open minded."  You never know when you're going to find something you didn't know you needed, but that pretty much applies to shopping in general.

She is inspired by Mary McDonald at the moment.  She loves Mary's whimsical, layered, traditional with a twist interiors.

I loved her advice about the art of negotiation.  She said, "Take the hag out of haggle."  Just ask the dealer, "What would your best price be?"  It shows you are serious but respectful.  That's advice I am going to follow!  I don't like all that back and forth.

Lara's favorite haunts:

-Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, California
-Long Beach Antique Flea Market in Long Beach, California
-Revivals Resale Mart in Palm Springs, California
-Seattle Antiques Market in Seattle, Washington
-Salvation Army Thrift Shops, locations nationwide
-Goodwill Thrift Shops, locations nationwide
-Treasure City Room Service in Austin, Texas
-World’s Longest Yard Sale from Michigan to Alabama
-Brown Elephant Resale Shops in Chicago, Illinois
-Scott’s Antique Market in Atlanta, Georgia
-Woman’s Exchange Thrift Shop in Sarasota, Florida
-Church Mouse in Palm Beach, Florida
-Housing Works in New York, New York
-Brooklyn Flea in Brooklyn, New York
-Clark Auction Gallery in Larchmont, New York
-Greenwich Hospital Thrift Shop in Greenwich, Connecticut
-Elephant’s Trunk in New Milford, Connecticut
-Brimfield Antique Market in Brimfield, Massachusettes
-Northeast Auctions in Portsmouth, New Hampshire