Pieces of furniture and accessories sourced from markets and second-hand shops are chosen for their intrinsic beauty, whether this derives from the quality of workmanship, quirky styling, or the colors and textures created by the patina of age. The overall look is neither too contrived nor too precious: things can be mismatched, patched or frayed to create a `shabby chic' effect that combines elegance and individuality. Melanie has a keen eye for junk style and is constantly on the lookout for second-hand objects that can be given new life; her book offers both inspiration and advice on how to achieve it.