You know that lonely chair left on the curb? Those aggressively uncool tag-sale lamps? Your sad stack of mismatched frames? Others may overlook them, but we see potential. As these five quick upgrades (and countless teen movies) prove, an outcast is often just a makeover away from being an object of envy.

Junk Jewels
Flea markets are Blueprint's favorite places to prowl for ideas (find one near you at collectors.org). When you discover that special something, don't be shy about haggling. Nine times out of 10, there's room to negotiate. Just respectfully ask, "Can you do any better?'" If they say no, chances are it's still a great deal.

Frame of Mind
A little green semi-gloss paint turns a ragtag crew of (glassless) frames into an artful display. We rounded up these $1 to $10 orphans at a flea market. Benjamin Moore latex gloss paint, $19 per quart, in Golden Delicious (390), Perennial (405), Olive Tree (392), and Apples and Pears (395), janovic.com for stores. Bench (similar to shown), $2,300, wellappointedhouse.com