Dec. 22--Editor's note: This story first appeared in the House + Home section on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008:

If you have Champagne taste during these beer-budget times, no problem. There's plenty of chic home decor available for cheap prices.

Lucky for us, Kansas City is a bargain bonanza. The area's underground storage caves hold treasure troves of great furniture, some of which can be sold for less because the pieces are botched custom orders, overstock items or "scratch-and-dents."

Savvy shopper Beth Kapke has unearthed prime places to find these deals and steals.

"I will go anywhere," says Kapke, whose Independence ranch home is a showplace of beautiful objects. "I can easily find expensive, stylish things. But I can always find something I like just as well for less."

At the top of Kapke's short list is Shocking Prices, a surplus store tucked into an Independence strip center (see shopping guide). Dining sets, sectional sofas and four-poster beds are crammed next to racks of clothes, big-screen televisions and crystal chandeliers. Hidden gems on a recent excursion included a lamp with a red drum shade, a mirrored bar and Italian leather chairs.

For her home, Kapke recently found a large tufted, pleated ottoman for $150 at Shocking Prices. The piece is high quality with lined fabric and the mocha, rust orange and aqua-blue pattern matches all the way around. She's seen similar pieces for $500. There are no flaws, so Kapke figures someone custom ordered the piece and it came in the wrong material.

Kapke's daughter found a dining table at Shocking Prices and bargained for a lower price. Owner John Olivarez says his store --like some other discount retailers -- will come down on prices, especially if more than one item is being purchased. Kapke isn't afraid to bargain but didn't with the ottoman because she thought the price was fair for the piece because it was flawless.

Kapke's home also includes damaged pieces. A metallic-finish credenza she paid $100 for has a hairline crack that runs along the top. An ebony-finish Drexel-Heritage buffet has a slightly fractured leg.

"Most of my furniture isn't perfect when you look up close," she says. "I know that distressed furniture bothers some people, but I don't mind it. I have grandchildren, and it's going to get beat up anyway."

Kapke credits her thrifty ways to her mother, who would haunt bargain stores while her friends shopped at ritzier places. Kapke's mother painted inexpensive home accessories to improve their appearance.

"She said if you have taste, you don't need money," Kapke says.