Hunting treasure

Tamara Dillard loves to shop the World’s Longest Yard Sale.

“It comes right through Signal Mountain,” she said. “I’ve shopped it for years and love to dig around for cool finds. It’s one of my favorite things to do.”

More often than not, she brings home an old piece or two of furniture that she can repaint and repurpose. She uses some of her furniture finds to showcase the wares in her North Shore shop, Sophie’s, as a way to show customers how vintage pieces of furniture can be used in the home.

“An old piece of furniture can become a fabulous focal point with little money and a little elbow grease,” she said.

For starters, Mrs. Dillard said:

* Take a tape measure with you, keeping in mind the size and scale of the room in which you’ll place your newfound treasure.

* Take along a couple of inspiration pictures from magazines so you can remember the style of furniture you are looking for.

* If you find something that looks good, open all drawers, check the back of the piece, and make sure it is sturdy.

“Of course you can buy a piece

that needs some extra TLC, but keep in mind your project may take longer than expected and may cost a bit more if you need to repair drawers, reinforce and make other needed repairs,” she advised.

The next step is a trip to the hardware or paint store for supplies. She suggests eco-friendly paint, sandpaper, foam roller, brush, dropcloth and a finishing wax or polyurethane.

“The hardest part will be deciding on a paint color,” Mrs. Dillard added. “There are so many great colors to choose from out there.”

Just as furniture comes in many styles, so does paint.

* A high-gloss finish will give a furniture piece a more modern feel.

* Semi-gloss will give you a more neutral finish.

* Flat paint will give you a more worn feel.

“If you cannot commit to a color painted on the outside of the piece, consider painting the inside of a buffet or glass-front armoire,” Mrs. Dillard suggested.

When it comes time to accessorize your newly painted furniture, mix old and new.

Using unexpected pieces together “always adds an interesting feel to a space,” she said.