We’re currently a bit obsessed with antique and vintage shops (and a good job too, we’ve got some fantastic ones in Aberystwyth to visit). There’s something really very satisfying about giving an old item of furniture a new lease of life – and spending some quality time giving it that TLC too.
Plus, we’re always a bit disappointed with ‘new’ furniture these days, it seems to lack the old character of furniture you used to get. Perhaps we’re getting old…
The other element of repurposing your items is the recycling / green aspect too – did you know that around 14 million tonnes of rubbish goes to our landfills every year? So, why not look at how you might be able to save even a small amount, with some sandpaper and paint brush?
Where to start?
Well, the first point would be to decide – repurpose, or give a new lease of life? Repurposing an item could be giving it a completely new purpose or use, whereas you might decide to give a new lease of life with a fresh new look.
Repurposing is very popular at the moment – for example, using tyres as garden planters, old pallets into garage side bars or compost bins. Lots of original ideas, using items that no longer have a use.
Giving a new lease of life might be adding some quirky colours to your old chest of drawers – we’ve seen this in holiday cottages over the year. Bedside cabinets you recognise from your parents’ house, but with one coloured draw, and new drawer nobs – suddenly lifts an old item of furniture making it cool, chic or different.
Some ideas for you
If you have a great imagination and are creative, you’ve probably already looked around the house and decided what you want to repurpose or recycle. If you’re struggling for ideas though, how about these?
Old wooden ladder: we LOVE seeing pictures of people using old wooden ladders, in particular an easy one, is to use it as a book shelf.
Old tennis rackets: you could install a little mirror in the tennis racket, as a quirky new feature in your bedroom or hallway.
Using old toilet rolls: into an organiser box
Old cutlery: bend them up, use them a coat hooks or towel hooks, perhaps a quirky addition to your kitchen to hold your teatowels.
Glass marbles: why not drill some holes into your fence, and pop them in for a splattering of colour?
Old wine bottles: turn them into stunning pendant lights!
There really as so many ideas online. Emma even has an old drum that she uses as a feature piece to hold wine bottles!