Jessica Herman

What's old is new in home décor. Furniture catalogs are inundated with imitation retro pieces--think $1,000 bed designed to look 40 years old.

Why not go for the real thing?

We recently joined antique expert and interior decorator Randy Florke for tips on doing just that. Florke, a contributor at Country Living magazine and author of the recently published "Country Living: Your House, Your Home," took us to Bucktown's Bleeker Street (1946 North Leavitt) and passed on a few antiquing tips for amateurs:

1. Money is an object
Antiques can be pricey and most of us have little idea what's worth the big bucks. Florke's tip: go where the professionals are--eBay. Check the range of online bids for similar items and use numbers as a base bargaining point.

2. Good as new, or old
By definition antiques are old and age can sometimes compromise condition. Determine your tolerance for the "rustic look" and keep in mind that a little TLC can go a long way. For tips on cleaning and maintenance ask a local merchant or consult a design magazine.

3. The bucks stop here
There are a few multipurpose items always worthy of purchase. Should you stumble upon wire baskets or wooden shoe racks, buy with abandon. The baskets double as chic book and magazine holders while the racks store firewood in style. (2005-07-05)

Also by Jessica Herman

Gardening 101
Professional garden designer and local green thumb Kim Kozimor has been bringing the great outdoors indoors since 1998
(2005-06-24)

Fresh aerobics
Those of us who require the looming threat of falling off the treadmill as motivation to keep running often miss out on the experience of exercising outdoors
(2005-05-31)

Market Prowl
LA has flea markets, New York has street vendors and Chicago has the Indie Designer Fashion Market
(2005-05-24)

Swimming in Sephora
A line of ladies await their fates inside the Northbridge Mall (520 North Michigan): are they destined to be good or bad? Painted in "good witch" Glinda pink or "bad witch" Elphaba green by stila makeup artists, their fates are sealed as long as their makeovers last
(2005-05-17)

A Fair Bargain
(2005-05-03)

Open for Business
(2005-04-26)

Beyond Ikea
(2005-04-19)

Open for business
(2005-03-29)

Sexy Appeal
(2005-03-22)

Fashion Salvation
(2005-03-15)

Open for business
(2005-03-01)

Open for business
(2005-02-22)

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