30s Magazine

Happy Queen’s day and abdication day to all my Dutch readers! Today is a national holiday in the Netherlands and traditionally this day also marks the one day in the year that there’s a nationwide vrijmarkt (“free market”), at which many Dutch sell their secondhand items. Everyone is allowed to display their stuff on a table or rug in the city centers across the country or in designated parks. The saying “your trash is my treasure” prevails today.

So what should you look for and how do you distinguish the real treasures? I like to find accessories that are on trend and on the rise in value. Here are my favourite trends to score at the flea market:

1. Apothecary bottles

Apothecary bottles are trending as a styling accessory. Group them together as a focal point, or use them as small vases or for storage in the kitchen or bathroom.

2. Typewriters

I inherited my typewriter from my dad, and it fits in perfectly with the rest of my interior. It’s also representative for my journalistic background. I learned to type on that thing. So for me, the typewriter has emotional and historical value. That it happens to be a trend is an extra plus. I guess our generation likes to hold on to the things we had that were still pure and hands on.

3. West German pottery

They come in all colours, shapes and sizes. The solid West Germany vases. I have a modern-looking cobalt blue one, a grey and a mint one, but if you’re bold and don’t mind a bit of quirkiness in your home, go orange by all means! Read my blog post about their history, value, and the trend here.

4. Botanical prints

Earlier this week I already reported on the trend. You can read it here

5. Vintage suitcases

Vintage suitcases are perfect to store your stuff in an aesthetic way. You can pile them or use them as a side table or nightstand. Read my blog post 7 ways to decorate with trunks to get more ideas.

6. Vintage perfume atomizers

Add a little sophistication to your dressing table with a stunning vintage perfume atomizer. I recently bought one at a flea market which originates from the Caithness Glass factory in Scotland. Ask about its history so you’ll know its story to make it extra special.

7. Framed butterflies

8. Enamel cooking ware

Although my enamel pots and pans are store bought and new, the authentic ones are just as good, maybe even better. Read all about enamel cooking ware in my blog post “Cooking just got Sweeter”

9. Vintage China

Your grandmother’s china is hot and happening. You can use them for tea, but I also use them as votives, vase, or planter for bulbs.

10. Copper

Read all bout the copper trend in my blog post “4 Ways to buff up your interior with copper” or get inspired by my blog post about Tom Dixon’s copper designs before you go out to find your copper treasure.

Would you rather shop these trends online? I know two great web shops who curate the best vintage things and sell them online. Shop at my friend Rianne’s web shop Diversitijd. She has a wide range of 70’s products. Or try VonLiving, another lovely web shop.

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