Affordable Style Secrets from the Pros

New Uses

Look beyond an item’s traditional use. Tablecloths can be used as throws; wrapping paper can be framed as art; a Victorian-era dining chair can be recast as a modern armchair with a bright color and patterned upholstery.

Alter old furniture to fit a new style. Adams and Gia Russo manipulate what they find. They often add slipcovers, paint dark furniture, and reupholster chair pads for an updated look.

Shop warehouses and garage sales for bargains. Recently Russo coveted a pair of chairs that cost more than $3,000 each. She found a run-down look-alike pair in a warehouse and was able to have them refinished for $300 per chair.

• Chair Makeover