Experiment with your finds and use them for things they weren't originally intented for

'Things that people used to think were ugly are now highly desirable,' says Sally Bevan. 'In fact, the quirkier the better.'

• Decorative salvage or 'bygones' can include old agricultural, industrial, institutional or commercial paraphernalia and artefacts. Curiosities such as these can be given a new lease of life when brought into a domestic environment.

• Look for enamel signs and letters, factory lamps, street lanterns, chandeliers, school or office furniture, pub mirrors, barbers' chairs, chemists' accoutrements, farming machinery, ironwork - the list is almost endless. Be creative - experiment with your finds and use them for things they weren't first intended for.

• Old electric fittings will need modernising by an electrician.

• On reclaimed ironwork, check rust hasn't weakened the piece.

• Watch out for toxins in industrial salvage, and if in doubt, don't use.