thrift stores can be a treasure trove — even for shoppers who never imagine shopping at one.

Thrift stores are eco-friendly, keeping goods in use rather than in landfills. Utilizing recycled and upcycled items can add great drama, texture, and charm to indoor and outdoor spaces.

Anyone can get new furniture and décor

from a big box store, but an item you have upcycled is much more interesting and sustainable. It is incredibly satisfying to use something old in a new way and say to admirers, "I did that." A D V E R T I S I N G | Continue reading below

A repurposed table that is painted or topped with tile is beautiful, unique, and inexpensive. Tile is weather resistant and can withstand the weather in Western Oregon. Tile is also easy to clean and sturdy and would be great for kids. Another idea is to use those broken or chipped dishes in a mosaic to top that old table.

A china cabinet from the '60s that has been repainted black (the new neutral) takes on a new look in your kitchen. That same cabinet painted with chalk paint and stenciled or tolepainted brings a rustic charm. Add some lighting, and you have a lovely way to display your collection of glass or pottery. Paint can also add new life to lawn furniture.

Pick a bright color, add matching cushions, and your deck or patio becomes an inviting spot for coffee in the morning. A rocking chair can be repainted and live on your porch. A lawn chair frame can get a new lease on life when you replace the webbing with woven jute or cord or hang a daybed with chain or rope to make a cozy porch swing.

Even an old bucket with a blooming plant cascading over the sides can be a charming planter in the right place. Tins, colanders, painted tires, or rubber boots can hold a plant and add interest inside and next to a chair or on a table. Cabinets from a remodeled kitchen can continue to be useful in the garage or as part of a planting area in the garden shed. The doors can be painted with chalkboard paint for a message center or turned sideways with hooks added for cups or towels. Adding handles to the ends creates a charming tray when painted and distressed.

Older decorative items can be repurposed into shelves or display areas anywhere you need more space to show off your treasures.

Consider your local West Tuality Habitat for Humanity Restore for items to add interest to your living spaces. Executive Director Virginia Ohler says, "The Restore is a great place to find appropriate items to reuse, upcycle or repurpose. Save the planet, shop second-hand." A D V E R T I S I N G | Continue reading below

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