Earth Day is on Sunday and I can't think of a better time to talk about one of my favorite subjects, repurposing. I just love seeing old, tired, even useless items transformed into something new, beautiful and useful. Best part is it's not only inspiring, but earth friendly as well.
With a little imagination and elbow grease there's loads of cool things that you can do with 'waste' sitting around the house collecting dust.
This love affair began several years ago on a trip to New York at event sponsored by Interior Design Magazine at the Chelsea Hotel. Rooms on several floors were designed by up-and-coming designers, it was basically an 'indie' designer showcase. The coolest room was done with no budget by a group of design students from Holland. As they had no money, they created the space by transforming 'junk' they found in and around the hotel (the streets too.) The end result was artful and inspiring, cementing my love of repurposing forever. Check it out.
With a little imagination and elbow grease there's loads of cool things that you can do with 'waste' sitting around the house collecting dust.
This love affair began several years ago on a trip to New York at event sponsored by Interior Design Magazine at the Chelsea Hotel. Rooms on several floors were designed by up-and-coming designers, it was basically an 'indie' designer showcase. The coolest room was done with no budget by a group of design students from Holland. As they had no money, they created the space by transforming 'junk' they found in and around the hotel (the streets too.) The end result was artful and inspiring, cementing my love of repurposing forever. Check it out.
Picture from Interior Design Magazine
Now for some more practical ideas... a few things that you can do this weekend to celebrate Earth Day.
Update an old dresser.
Designer Nick Olsen painted an old oak dresser and changed the hardware. It turned out gorgeous. You could also get the same effect facing the drawers with wallpaper. How cute would this be in a girls bedroom?
Update an old dresser.
Designer Nick Olsen painted an old oak dresser and changed the hardware. It turned out gorgeous. You could also get the same effect facing the drawers with wallpaper. How cute would this be in a girls bedroom?
From House Beautiful
Use old magazines or books as wallpaper.
A Guest Bath in a Beach House is covered with pages from the owner's "Book of Natural Curiosites." The images of seashells, sea creatures, botanicals and coral are just perfect for a seaside retreat, but you can do anything. One of my clients has stacks,and stacks, of old New Yorkers in her small home. She LOVES looking at all the old covers, so I suggested using them as wallpaper in her powder room. She loved the idea and approved it. We cannot wait to see how it turns out!
A Guest Bath in a Beach House is covered with pages from the owner's "Book of Natural Curiosites." The images of seashells, sea creatures, botanicals and coral are just perfect for a seaside retreat, but you can do anything. One of my clients has stacks,and stacks, of old New Yorkers in her small home. She LOVES looking at all the old covers, so I suggested using them as wallpaper in her powder room. She loved the idea and approved it. We cannot wait to see how it turns out!
from Elle Decor
Old clothing as upholstery fabric.
At a Montauk 'surf shack' the owner pulled from his old Hawaiian shirt collection when selecting fabric for his deck pillows. How fun and practical. You can also use sheets, blankets, and towels too!
At a Montauk 'surf shack' the owner pulled from his old Hawaiian shirt collection when selecting fabric for his deck pillows. How fun and practical. You can also use sheets, blankets, and towels too!
Remodel a lamp.
Designer Abigail Ahern re-cooled an old lamp by spray painting it black and removing the shade fabric. So chic.
Designer Abigail Ahern re-cooled an old lamp by spray painting it black and removing the shade fabric. So chic.
from abigail ahern
Repurpose.
Have one too many colanders cluttering your kitchen cabinets? All you have to do is drill a hole and voila. Perfect for a foyer or hallway.
Have one too many colanders cluttering your kitchen cabinets? All you have to do is drill a hole and voila. Perfect for a foyer or hallway.
from pinterest
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