There was once an old hotel in Dallas being torn town. It had been quite a place in it's day, which I think was in the 20's.

So I bought some stuff. Mirrors. Some hall lighting, walnut panels.

When I sold the house the Realtor asked me where I got those things and she was disappointed when I told her the source. This was because the buyer had told her that they really didn't like the house but they loved all the antique touches!

She was planning on putting these 'touches' in every house she listed.

This was in the 80's, but I had a grand total of less than $100 in everything I purchased.

And there is even a name for these touches. A home renovator I know says they are described as 'flash value'. And he is always on the prowl for anything that will add that initial 'flash'.