Mantels are natural focal points, so use them as the stage for everything from the funky to the fabulous. We suggest decorating a mantel with a collection of mismatched mirrors featuring a large one in the center. The one we chose is old, timeworn and perfectly imperfect. New is no match for this beauty. It adds opulence, interest and a dash of romance — an ideal centerpiece.

Use stacks of well-read books, soothing candlelight and natural elements, like seashells and flowers, to create a mantel that commands attention and oooh la las. Never underestimate the power of a well-appointed mantel.

And never forget that treasures like these can be found for pennies at places like Goodwill. At Generations Consignment in Cedarburg, items are displayed in a room setting so it’s easy to picture how they will look in your home.

Creating a peaceful little retreat just for you starts with a comfy chair. We found our shapely beauty at Legacies in Fox Point for only $45. Position this feminine piece against a masculine architectural backdrop to create rustic elegance and charm. Surround it with smaller, beautiful decorative accents of varying sizes for a little corner of serenity.

Adornments make fabulous displays. We stacked belts on a fancy paper towel holder we found at a rummage sale for just $1. But the real steal? The dresser for only $15 and the lamp base for $10 at Goodwill. We added a funky, modern shade and a basket of bracelets for an eclectic little place where you can prepare to be dazzling.

And at the end of the day, a gorgeous bedroom starts with an exceptional headboard. This upholstered French Provincial piece — only $100 at Ivana’s Trunk in Thiensville — takes the bed from dreamy to dazzling. For comfort and a bit more style, add soft cotton pillows in super-simple patterns. The casual look of the pillows emphasizes the elegance of the headboard.

Establishing a focal point is the very first step to creating a room you never want to leave. Think a large painting, a piece of furniture with an unusual shape or a mantel display, and you can create a room that’s uniquely you, acquire it for next to nothing and reduce what’s thrown away. And isn’t that the point of being a Frugalitarian?