Color Me Collected

Vintage flair meets artistic flavor in this colorful Pennsylvania home and studio.

- Stephanie Agnes-crockett

For some, attending flea markets is simply a hobby. But for graphic artist and painter Emily Thompson, decorating with flea-market finds is more than just a pastime. It plays a major role in her day-to-day life. “I go to the flea market twice a week,” she says. Emily and her husband frequent sales every weekend and at least once during the week. Together, they’ve filled their charming 1920s home with an eclectic mix of cherished treasures.

An avid flea-market shopper, Emily has been collecting for several years. She has over 1,000 pieces of pottery to her name. While visiting sales with her husband, Emily meticulously combs the aisles, scouring each and every booth. “I just look for the best stuff I can find,” she explains.

“I have a rule,” Emily says. “Once you have 10 of something, it’s a collection.” And Emily definitely knows collections. She has about 700 pieces of pottery—in her sunroom alone. She had also amassed hundreds of Florida souvenir plates but has trimmed down her collection over the years. “I ended up selling most of the collection and keeping my favorite pieces,” she explains. “I enjoyed them, and now it’s time for someone else to enjoy them.”

Over the years, Emily has gotten more particular about what she brings home. “For me, when you start a collection, you’re very desperate,” she says. “Now, I’m very, very picky.” That means avoiding duplicates, even if they’re going for a dollar each. “I can’t do that anymore,” Emily says, “because I just have a lot.”