I came across the article top U.S. towns for summer antiquing on Invaluable.com, which mentions all of the best towns for antique hunting this summer.  For me personally, this article really hit home because I have recently become totally obsessed with vintage hunting (mostly for furniture and funky home-decor doo-dads!)  Upon relocating to NYC a few months ago, I have become an assistant designer at a brilliant antique-eclectic-home decor-interiors and wallpaper shop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  Part of what we do is find, purchase, refurbish & style antiques to sell…dream job! Along my journey thus far, I have learned so much working in a setting which revolves around scouting out the perfect antique pieces. It’s amazing to me how adding a few antique furnishings into a room can really jazz it up and create an eclectic, worldly vibe that is so unique and reflective of one’s personal style.  Here, I have put together my go-to list of all my favorite places to hunt for that perfect vintage element-whether it be a velvet sofa or antique chinoiserie mirror-which so easily can transform any interior into an upscale, yet edgy dream space…

1. Craig’s List: I have gotten so many steals via good ole’ craig’s list..a lot of times people don’t know the value and history behind what they have, so this can truly be a great tool for scoring a hidden gem at an extremely affordable price. Craig’s listings are often looking to get rid of their items quickly and are much more likely to negotiate lower pricing with you.

2. Chairish.com: Another way to browse thousands of antique finds from the comfort of your own computer…this online vintage marketplace site has a huge selection with a lot of beautiful pieces.

3. Yard Sales, Stoop Sales, Estate Sales

4. Flea Markets (I love Scott’s Antique Market in Atlanta): One of my favorite past-times, you truly can’t go wrong with waking up early and hitting a giant flea market and exploring the hundreds of stalls…there is something for everyone at places like these. Tip: always be sure to get to any kind of market or auction EARLY! The early bird truly gets the worm in the antique world…before you know it everything will be picked through and all of the gems are gone.

5. Grace & Favor: If you are in NYC, be sure to stop by the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn to check out the ever-changing eclectic mix of hand selected and refurbished antiques and funky home decor items here! This shop also boasts nearly a thousand different beautiful high-end European wallpapers and offers one-on-one design consultations…easily the best interiors shop in Brooklyn!

And always remember, almost anything can be spruced up with a fresh coat of paint or new glamorous upholstery. Be sure to keep an open mind, a creative vision, and embrace the endless possibilities that go along with styling and refurbishing antiques.

This summer, I’m loving mid-century pieces mixed alongside bohemian-esque furnishings such as rattan peacock chairs, vintage etched-silver moroccan lamps, and hand-woven vibrant Turkish Rugs. Here are some of my favorite vintage interior pieces this summer: