Village Flea will help you beat the bland decor

Homeowners and even renters are at a design crossroads.

"We’ve got a real crisis going on in Bakersfield," said Mike McCoy, executive director of the Kern County Museum.

Termed "market-reflected gaze," the phenomenon marks the homogenization of a home's look as advocated by real estate agents, interior designers and HGTV-type personalities.

With neutral colors and mostly bare walls, only punctuated with framed words and phrases like "Gather" and "Live, Laugh, Love," these dwellings are cookie-cutter but the cookie is crumbling, according to McCoy.

"We do Village Flea as a service to the community. Add some color, some texture, some character to your life."

Offered twice a year, the event billed as the Central Valley's largest flea market and vintage fair returns to the museum grounds on Sunday.

About 50 vendors will take part, offering antiques, collectibles, hand-crafted items, decorative furnishings, vintage clothing and boho (bohemian) items.

Promising "real furnishing for real people" with items that don't fall apart in 21 days, McCoy said there will be lots from which to choose including chinoiserie decor and Asian works, art glass, authentic signage, vinyl, vintage magazines, trifles (McCoy's name for tchotchkes) and more.

"If people are authentic, their homes have to be authentic. ... They can inoculate themselves against being ordinary."

Brenna Charatsaris, the museum's events director, said she is excited that Dixie Brewer, owner of In Your Wildest Dreams Consignment & Antiques, will be on hand with her team for Sunday's event.

Along with overseeing the event, Charatsaris appreciates the "shopportunity."

"The morning is the busiest. By 11 o'clock, I've got my eyes on some stuff."

A DJ will play vintage rock 'n' roll during the event and Jittery Geeks will caffeinate those in need.

Food will be sold including tacos in honor of Cinco de Mayo, vegetarian options and classic fried fare.

"This is really a big show," McCoy said. "Across 16 acres, you can’t beat the setting. It's a great family day."

Village Flea runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the museum, 3801 Chester Ave.

Admission is $5, free for children 12 and under.