We all know at least one person who takes in strays. You know, the type of person who looks at an old, tattered chair at a garage sale and sees possibility instead of flaking paint. Depending on how many garage sales and thrift stores they visit, you can feel like you could do some thrifting of your own in their house.

We recently saw one great way to uncover the hidden possibility in these strays – or cover as the case may be – with paint to create a bohemian-inspired dining chair “set” that’s anything but ordinary.

Begin by looking for chairs – your price range can be anywhere from “free to cheap”. Chose what you like; they don’t have to match and don’t have to be perfect. Take a stroll through the neighborhood flea market and stop by a few yard sales. It won’t take long before you come across some great finds. Maybe you’ll pick up a great Arc Deco ladder-back from one place and some Mission style side chairs from another.

Here’s how you give these mutts some pedigree. Go to the local hardware store and buy some sandpaper, wood glue, and a couple of cans of spray paint in the color of your choice. If you want, stop by the fabric store and pick up some matching seat cushions for the chairs. Sand the chairs smooth, re-glue any wobbly legs, and then let loose with the spray paint.

An afternoon and a pitcher of sangria later, and you’ll have a dining set worthy of the envy of all your friends. They’ll match, but they won’t match. Individually, they’ll be misfits, but collectively they will reflect your personal style in a way no store-bought furniture ever could.

True style is for those inspired to look for it, recognize it and make the most out of it when the opportunity presents itself to create something unique and memorable from something ordinary and mundane. And for anyone operating on a shoestring budget, a little creative thinking is a great way to level the playing field when it comes to having the look without breaking the bank.