got chic? Tips from Teresa DeJarlais on using salvage in home decor:

Look past dirt. Something may not be perfect, but if it's fairly intact and not rotten it can all be used.

Start small. Start with one thing that doesn't need much repurposing. DeJarlais suggests leaning an architecturally interesting gate on the wall behind your bed. When you tire of it, "it could be an awesome architectural piece in your garden or elsewhere."

Shop for function. "Whether it's a bowl that reminds you of the one Grandma had at Sunday dinner" or just something you like, "buy things you can use so you don't feel like you're cluttering."

Envision an update. Something doesn't have to look its age, DeJarlais says. "I might buy a [low] table and it may even be something from the '60s, but possibly I might upholster it or pad it so I could use it as a bench and update it in that way."

Look at items in more than one way. A buffet can become home to a sink. A cabinet with a cutting surface could serve as a work island as well as a place to dine. DeJarlais admits that she often changes how she uses pieces. Of her sideboard, she said: "Right now I'm able to store everything there that I need to entertain with, but if you come back in six months it might be in another room being used as a dresser."

Accumulate over time. Don't expect to find what you're looking for immediately.

Recycle and recirculate. If you've bought something that you can't come up with a use for, share or sell it.

KIM YEAGER