Gabrielle Fagan says you don't have to spend a fortune to make your home look good – in fact, there's a real art to 'credit crunch' style

S hoestring style conjures images of a home filled with other people's junk and a "make-do-and-mend' approach – in other words, worthy but dull. So it's a revelation to visit Alexandra Campbell's home, which is not only elegant but oozes charm – yet she promises she's spent a minimum on it.

"Nowadays there's real street cred in boasting about finding a bargain – the whole credit crunch has turned us off spending for the sake of it," she laughs. "But I've been a fan for years because, limited by a tiny budget, I discovered it's actually not necessary to spend a fortune to have a stylish home."

She and her family moved into their red brick town house in 2003 and she's scoured car boot sales, auctions and second-hand shops regularly to furnish it.

Alexandra admits bargain spotting is probably in her genes – her mother once ran a bric-a-brac stall at London's Portobello Market.

"But until I started doing up this house I'd completely overlooked the potential of second-hand furniture," she says. "Even if it's a little worn, it's unbelievably easy to transform with a lick of paint or new handles, or dress up with a cushion or throw."

She's also used eBay as a source for designer label fabrics or furniture for next to nothing.

Now Alexandra is sharing the knowledge and practical tips she's gained from her first-hand experience of shoestring style into a new book, Thrifty Chic, co-written with Liz Bauwens.

It features a host of desirable homes where reusing, revamping and recycling rule.

"This approach isn't just great for saving cash, but you also end up with pieces which are unique to you, have a history and are redolent with personality," she points out.

"I think, too, that's in tune with what people want for their homes today. A style bought 'off-the-peg' from one or two stores is boring and bland, but thrifty chic is so far from that."

True to her word, a local carpenter constructed her kitchen table from discarded Victorian church pews, and kitchen utensils are hung from a piece of garden trellis.

Instead of expensively refitting the kitchen, she's successfully revamped it by painting units in a trendy, chalky heritage colour to bring it fashionably up to date. She's even turned her grandmother's chintz curtains into a set of vintage cushions. Her only regret is allowing many of her mother's possessions to be sold in a house clearance sale. "Now I would have hung on to them," says Alexandra, "as I realise renovation and professional dry cleaning can work wonders."

She believes people are beginning to revel in the freedom of expressing their individual style.

"Not being able to furnish your home the way you want because of your budget forces you to look at things with a fresh eye," she adds.

"Really, the only limit is your imagination, rather than your pocket."

Thrifty Chic by Liz Bauwens and Alexandra Campbell (photography by Simon Brown) is published by CICO Books, priced £19.99. Call 01256 302699 and quote GLR1WY to purchase a copy at the special price of £17.99 including free p&p.

Never buy something just because it seems to be a bargain.

Spend time scouting around, checking out prices and brands, so you're sure what you really want.

Alexandra advises: "An empty living space often looks smarter than one that is over-crowded, so if you can't afford exactly what you want, leave a space for it for later."

Opt for simplicity and neutral colours when buying high-priced items because pieces will be more versatile and won't date. Also, it will be easier to change or adapt their look with accessories.

Small details make rooms special, whether antique handles on cupboards, or individual flower blooms simply displayed in a collection of milk bottles.

Remember that an old sofa can be transformed by new upholstery, although do make sure it's a traditionally made, fully-sprung one that's worth the investment.

Don't neglect the chain stores' affordable basics, just tailor them to your taste by painting or embellishing them.

Small mirrors cost little in sales from discount stores or factory outlets. Mix vintage and chain store ones in a display to instantly enhance the light in a room.

Look for unusual knobs in homeware stores or when on your travels, and mix and match for even more effect.

Painting stairs to mimic a stair runner can be cheaper than carpet, but use hardwearing floor paint, or give the finished look a coat of varnish. Also, bear in mind it will be noisier.

Vintage blankets or traditional plaids used as they are or lined with a pretty fabric make great throws for beds and chairs.