How to find recycled home decor....make it useful again!

Don't you just love the idea of making something that's inherently good, a little broken, perhaps, just better again??? That's how I feel about upcycling home decor and even fashion items. A little creativity can go a long way. Keep a keen eye open for things that you see out on the side of the road on trash day. Seriously! It's amazing what some people will throw away. I will post some of my "redone" finds soon...

Upcycling...will keep you in the black and little green too!

Upcycling furniture, home decor and fashion items is not only good for the enviornment, it's great for your wallet!

There is an art to finding the perfect peice of furniture that has great "bones" but needs a little paint or fabric. How about that classic black dress that was your grandmother's that really just needs a visit to the tailor? What about old costume jewlery? I could go on and and on, but the thing to keep in mind is being fashionalbe with both your wardrobe and your home does not have to be expensive. Think outside of the box and visit your local consignment shop, salvation army, or goodwill. You will be surprised about what you can find on the cheap! Send me pictures of your finds and I will post them on my blog!

XO
J.

Upcycled Chair...I can't just leave things alone...

I needed a chair for my desk and I'm never happy with what I find in traditional furniture stores. Everything is always too expensive, not the right color on not "me". So I found this basic chair at a salvage shop for $30.00.

It was a dirty white, so I sprayed it black (looked good just black), but noooo, I couldn't leave it alone. I added a layer of crackle glaze, then longjohn red over the glaze. I thought it looked too dark, so added white over the red and crackled it again.

The result is this really cool weathered looking chair. I wanted it to look like it's been out in the elements and really old, and I think I achieved my goal. It's perfectly imperfect- just like nature. :)

XO J.

Darling Little Bench!!!

I am in love with this bench that I found posted online at an antique shop in Pembroke. It is a bench made out of an old Jenny Lind headboard! How cool is that???I learned of the store through another blog and keep going back to the site to see what new finds they have brought in. I think I am going to get this bench over the weekend...I just have to be sure it fits a desk in my room. I am trying to make a funky home office....I will be sure to post the pictures as soon as I get everything in place!

Design Tip of the Week

I have a feeling I'm going to regret calling this tip of the week, but I will try to keep it up on a weekly basis.....Anyway, friends of mine have been complaining all winter about having to replace their kid's hats and gloves on a regular basis and I started to wonder why ours haven't gotten lost so often. Then I realized it's because of the simple solution that I came up with to design our entryway, which in our case is usually the entrance between the kitchen and the garage. Everybody's home is set up slightly different, but there is usually some place to set up an organized entryway, weather you have a small hallway or large foyer.

The most essential piece of furniture you will need is a table or bench. I found the table in the picture at a yard sale. It cost under $70. I added two large white wicker baskets to collect hats, mittens and scarves. The boots get tucked underneath. We use the top of the table for mail, keys and other small odds and ends. A plate or basket is a good idea to use a catch all for small items that usually get scattered around the table and look messy or get lost otherwise.

We also added some hooks above the table for jackets...this is why I believe that we haven't lost any winter paraphernalia this year!

One Last Simple Idea....

I had some plain paper boxes that I felt I would use to put trinkets such as jewlery coins, etc, if it was prettier looking. I decided to use some toile paper to cover it and added the adorable Barbie head for some reto flair! I now use the box- I saved it from the trash collector.

Continuing On the Paper Craze.....

I reclaimed an old step stool. This was originally a purchase from Target years ago, but was so plain and awful looking that I painted it green and distressed it. After 4 years of that, I decided that it needed a face lift- with the new Amy Butler paper! The results are clear to see--totally eclectic- but the colors have a reoccurring theme. It is fun and whimsical while being on trend and chic at the same time!

Look around your house/apartment space for things that seem old and tired- don't be afraid to "remake" these objects into unique items that bring comfort and joy to your eyes- it will uplift your mood and leave a small mark of your individual style on the world.