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Decorating on a Budget: 12 More Repurposing Ideas
Breathe new life into that old stuff for little to no cost
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
When it comes to decorating projects, this month has been all about sweat equity for me. I'm switching things around, painting, checking out that stuff in the attic that I was tired of four years ago to see if that feeling has passed, doing some cheap framing, rotating art collections, swapping table lamps and just shaking things up in general. This keeps me from shopping, keeps me from snacking, keeps me from watching too much Bravo and most important, keeps me from feeling décor ennui.
Don't have any extra items laying around for repurposing? Maybe this ideabook will help you look at someone else's garage sale castoffs with new eyes. Also, if you've completed a repurposing project recently, please share it in the Comments section below.
Browse salvaged finds in design
Don't have any extra items laying around for repurposing? Maybe this ideabook will help you look at someone else's garage sale castoffs with new eyes. Also, if you've completed a repurposing project recently, please share it in the Comments section below.
Browse salvaged finds in design
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by Turtles Creek
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| I love rusty and crusty when it comes to repurposing projects. This shutter from Turtles Creek still has its hinges, holes and chippy paint intact in its new life as a rustic mirror. |
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This one goes in the "make sure it's aired out" category. Seriously though, this very old barrel that was once used for shipping dried fish had plenty of years to lose any odors before getting a new gig as a nightstand.
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See the rest of this house
by Cristi Holcombe
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Here a simple shipping pallet was repurposed into a headboard.
See more ways to repurpose shipping pallets
See more ways to repurpose shipping pallets
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We've seen a lot of pieces turned into bars and buffets of all sizes, from a nightstand topped with a tray to this wonderful office cabinet. A fresh coat of paint and refreshing or replacing hardware can give a piece an entirely new look.
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See the rest of this clever blogger's home
by Atypical Type A
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This is a very simple way to stay very organized. Using an inexpensive shoe rack to hold cosmetic and first aid items will end all that digging through a bottomless pit of old lotions and expired prescriptions.
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| I know I showed you an old window being used as a frame for a series of pictures last time, but I didn't show you what great mirrors these can be. This will require a trip to the glass place, but it will cost you a lot less than buying a wonderful patinaed mirror like this retail. |
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| Did your child beg you for a drum set, only to get addicted to "Rock Band" and forget all about it? Add a glass top and you have a perfect perch for your cocktails. |
by decordemon
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Don't you hate when Campbell's soup labels add weird new graphics? They need to stick with this classic look that Andy Warhol made so famous, so that we can rinse them out and use them to display utensils on a buffet or pens and pencils on a desk.
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| Have any galvanized utility tubs from old projects lying around? If not, they are usually very reasonable and come in a slew of sizes from lunchpail size to this tub They make fabulous organizing containers, laundry baskets and planters, depending on which size you choose. If you opt for the plant container project, drill some holes in the bottom for drainage and line the bottom in stones or gravel before adding dirt. The final product will be rather heavy, so make sure to put it atop a surface that can support it. Move it to its permanent spot before adding rocks, soil and plants. |
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| This set of stairs borrows the look of vintage soft drink cases — in paint. |
by Jane Kim Design
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A reclaimed copper window casing salvaged from Albany, New York made its way into this loft in Tribeca, where it now serves as a stunning mirror wall in the powder room.
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by Aristea Rizakos
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I can tell that headboard has a really interesting history, I'm just don't know what it is. It says "Danger" at the top. Is it a former lion cage from the circus? Please share your guesses in the Comments section.
More:
Decorating on a Budget: 10 Repurposing Ideas
DIY: Fluffy Paper Lantern
DIY Project: How to Recover a Seat Cushion
More:
Decorating on a Budget: 10 Repurposing Ideas
DIY: Fluffy Paper Lantern
DIY Project: How to Recover a Seat Cushion
Ideabook updated on Jan. 19, 2012.
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and my neighbour handed over her collection of galvanised orchid pots, nicely weathered and with wire handles either side - these now hold hanging succulents along my fence, and pens, scissors, stamps and samples over my desk.
Is it just that I hate paying for anything?
Amy, I lied, there's no such thing as too much Bravo.
Tricia, we want a picture when you are done!
patscats, really? I had some on my old patio for about five years without a big rust problem. That would be a total mess though!
patscats, galvanizing steel is intended to inhibit corrosion so maybe you had regular old steel.
all are great reminders of very special men in our lives...
(Houzz won't let me upload a photo, or I would)