Turning something old into something new again is environmentally, aesthetically and financially a fantastic idea. Poland real-estate developer Yareal repurposes wind turbines into outdoor furniture, turning blades into nature-side seating. Others transform their grandmother’s dresser into a bench through creative repurposing of a bureau into a seat. With endless, transformative DIY repurposing projects ready to be born, grab a hammer and some nails and turn something old new again.
Before turning a palette into a nightstand or switching out old knobs with eclectic hardware, first comes the materials. New places to pick up inexpensive old items include Facebook Marketplace or buy-sell-trade groups, Craigslist, thrift stores, and Habitat for Humanity. Neighborhood bulk pick-up days are the most affordable because everything is free.
There is nothing like salvaging a hidden treasure and bringing it home.
Though larger pieces may require borrowing or renting a small truck for the day, it is still cheaper than buying new. Create a space in the garage, basement or back terrace open enough to inspire out-of-the-dresser thinking.
Now, it is time for that fresh coat of paint, handle switch out and the addition of wheels to turn a dresser drawer into an ottoman. First, measure out the size of the drawer. Find a fabric and padding that matches the couch or chair the ottoman will compliment. This will create a comfortable footrest with the perfect amount of padding. Next, place the wheels on the bottom of the drawer. Now the ottoman is mobile.
Need a temporary coffee table? Paint an old wooden tray table to match the ottoman fabric and place it on the ottoman to hold that cup of Joe and the latest issue of Guide to Greater Tampa Bay.
Looking for a larger project? Consider using wood pallets.
WooHome offers tips on turning commercial wood into bed frames or headboards, wine racks, planters, hanging benches and more. Then, go bigger and strip the wood from the pallet to turn a boring white wall into a backdrop. Or, literally take it to the next level and create a set of stairs to the second floor.
Want some in-store help?
Check out Schiller’s Salvage in South Tampa and save money and the planet simultaneously.
What was originally the passion project of owner Larry Schiller became a thriving business in 2009. This salvage warehouse off Rome is filled with an ever-changing array of eclectic items. Find anything from small gadgets to impressive architectural elements spanning through centuries.
Long gone are the days when drawers just held things.
Diyncrafts.com offers up to 15 ideas on how to take that junk drawer and turn it into a planter. Better yet, strip down some old drawers and turn their faces into wall hangers for jackets or towels. Personalize the front of the dresser for the kids with hot wheels or large sparkling rocks.
Stencils, funky designs and, of course, crackled paint are just some ways to turn the old dresser face into functional one-of-a-kind wall art. Redesign with Prima is the perfect spot to find inks, molds and one-of-a-kind transfers that help resurrect old wood into flamboyant furniture covered in vintage florals. Stick and stencil rolls, décor tissue paper and more are all available to start that DIY project now.
So, take a look around and find the inner Picasso to inspire that cool piece of furniture that will be the envy of every guest who walks through the door.
By Angela Underwood
