In my Making Your Dream Room a Reality series, I spent some time talking about how to work with what you already own. When redecorating a home, a room, or just a tablescape on a budget, having an eye for new uses for old items is particularly helpful.

My blog friend Tiffany from Songbird Tiff has provided us with an excellent example of having such an eye. Check out her Pottery Barn knock-off dining set. It sure is amazing what a can of paint and some elbow grease can do!

Catalog browsing is good for producing a strong case of “The Wants”. When I saw a table and chair set in the Pottery Barn catalog I knew it was exactly what I wanted.

The problem? I’m cheap frugal. (What’s the difference?)

The solution? A can of paint and a few hours.

This is the set I feel in love with from Pottery Barn. It’s wood, it’s black, it’s perfect.

This is what I already owned.

Over a year and one house later, I’m still loving my Pottery Barn knock-off set.

Cost break down:
paint $8
stain $0 (left over from a previous project)
paint stripper (spray can, safe for indoor use) $7.50
sand paper $1 (dollar general)
Total: $16.50

Do you have an inspiration photo that you could use to turn something you already own into your new favorite furniture?

Tiffany can be found blogging about eating well, thrifting, five crazy animals (plus one crazy husband!), and creating a cottage life on a outhouse budget at www.songbirdtiff.blogspot.com.

Thanks for sharing your fantastic makeover, Tiffany!

All it really takes to own a new treasure is $3.99 and a visit to a local thrift store.

Well, that, some silver polish, and a little elbow grease.

When I picked up this piece last week, I had no idea if I could actually remove the tarnish with my beloved Wright’s Silver Cream. I was pleasantly surprised with myself and my new little gem after I was finished polishing. And for $3.99, who could complain?

Don’t overlook a tarnished piece at a thrift store or garage sale just because it’s an ugly duckling. There are many people who would rather get rid of their silver pieces than put in the work to keep them tarnish-free (and when I say “work”, I mean five minutes every once in a while).

If you come across a cheaply priced item, check the markings on the bottom of the piece. Mine was marked EPNS, which means electroplated silver. It’s not as valuable as sterling silver (generally marked Sterling or .925), but it’s just as pretty, shiny, and collectible. Both types of silver should polish to a beautiful shine if it’s not scratched beneath the tarnish.

Have you ever been scared away from a thrift store purchase because you don’t know what it may become?