For some, doing something “green” on Earth Day feels forced. But what could be more natural, rewarding and eco-friendly for design types like us than repurposing old furniture, fixtures and architectural relics into chic new pieces for our homes. (And you can save money!) I consider myself a pretty creative person, but I would never have thought to turn an old headboard into a coat rack or a salvaged sink into a bird bath. Luckily, there are plenty of experts in the design world coming up with cool step-by-step projects that are good for the planet. Here are my favorite repurposed design ideas, five easy DIYs from HGTV.com that give tired and unused items a stylish new lease on life.
HGTV.com: Paint Eclectic Chairs for a Cohesive Look
Way too often when I’m scouring Craigslist, I see a random dining room chair for sale and think, “What the heck would I do with one chair?!” Well, Brian Patrick Flynn suggests choosing an eclectic mix of chairs, painting them a unified color and reupholstering them in matching fabric for a fabulous we-belong-together look.
HGTV.com: Build a Shutter Console Table
I come across used shutters at flea markets and the Habitat ReStore all the time, which is great because I’ve discovered that shutters look amazing as headboards, wall art and apparently console tables, as well. Don’t feel like you have to use this as a sofa table; it’s perfect for placing by the front door to catch mail and keys.
HGTV.com: Stacked-Books Table Lamp
I love the look of timeworn books. I love them even more as an intellectually-appealing lamp base in this easy-to-make project by Dan Faires. Now that’s the perfect conversation starter.
HGTV.com: Turn an Architectural Item Into Art
If you find beauty in rustic architectural items, why not use them as one-of-a-kind wall hangings? Brian Patrick Flynn turned this old wooden door into a bedroom’s focal point by mounting it on a rich backdrop and hanging it directly above the headboard. So simple and customizable.
HGTV.com: 12 Ways to Repurpose Home Furnishings
If your attic is housing an old bedroom set, give it new life by repurposing parts of it into functional wall hangings. The mattress spring can serve as a floor-to-ceiling message board, while the old headboard can be painted, embellished and used as a stylish coat rack.
To our creative readers — tell us some of the ways you’ve repurposed items in your home. We can’t wait to hear your ideas!
Happy Earth Day!
[...] via: Earth Day: Repurposed Designs That Look Good and Save $ $ Category: Design Tags: Designs, Earth, Good, Look, RePurposed, [...]
I love this recycle concept. Just bought a mobile home in Fl. and plan to furnish all but mattresses with recycle materials. Want it to be my beach house. Plan to shop craigslist and consignment shops. Would love any and all suggestions. On strict budget but believe I can do it with help from HGTV experts. Any suggestions?
We need to reuse more it could look just as good as something new just use your imagination and some elbow grease.
Saw a segment recently on using reclaimed deck materials to build an outdoor table and benches. Love the concept and would love to tackle the project but can't find the instructions. Specifically how to finish off the table top after plaining to preserve the wood.