Upcycling is taking something or group of things that previously served one function and turning it/them in to something else.
Remember that episode of Friends where Rachel kept bringing items home to the apartment she shared with Phoebe and lied to her about where they came from? They were all from Pottery Barn, but Rachel lied and said they were from a second hand store. Remember it? Anyone? Anyone?
Anyway, what I’m getting at is—unless you want your place to look like page 25 of the IKEA catalogue or like the set of a (more contemporary) TV show, you’ll want to add one-of-a-kind touches to your décor. Here are 5 Places to Find Items to Upcycle:
- ReStore – Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores have building supplies and furniture donated from building sites and renovations as well as chain stores with surplus/discontinued materials
- Garage Sales – You can often find great prices on furniture and other materials to turn one person’s trash in to your treasure
- Craigslist – Check out the free section for things people are getting rid of
- Your home – Have things lying around that are chipped or broken? Maybe you’re just bored of your coffee table and think it could easily be turned in to a night stand or dresser with a few additions. Use your chipped china or plates to add a fun mosaic pattern to the top.
- Dumpsters or Alleyways – I was able to upcycle an old desk that I found in the back alley by turning it in to a cooking station in my dining room.
One of my newest books, Upcycle: 24 Sustainable DIY Projects, shares lots of upcycling ideas that will have you looking for good pieces to use for your projects everywhere you go.
What upcycling projects will you be working on soon?
