There are tons of home décor trends that come and go just as fashion does, with new trends emerging each season. Some décor trends fade away quickly, while others join the family of timeless décor styles. Among the latest décor trends, upcycling and repurposing are some of the popular ones that have arrived with all the good things to offer.
What is Upcycling and Repurposing?
Upcycling, also referred to as creative reuse, is the process of transforming discarded items into something of higher quality or value. Examples of such discarded items could include, but are not limited to clothing, furniture, electronics, and appliances. Repurposing, on the other hand, means taking existing materials and converting them into altogether different and new functional items. Colorful scarves, fabric remnants, and other materials that are suitable for craft-making can be upcycled or repurposed into unique home décor items.
Advantages of Upcycling and Repurposing
Let’s take a look at why homeowners are leaning more towards upcycling and repurposing items for their home décor.
Cost savings – Repurposing and upcycling old items can save you a lot of money as compared to buying something new. It reasons that when you work with existing materials, you are able to cut down on the costs associated with buying a replacement part or even a new item. This can further free up some space in your budget to be used on other things.
Environmentally friendly – One of the major benefits of upcycling and repurposing items is that it helps to reduce the overall waste a household produces. Items like furniture, toys, or bikes which may otherwise have been thrown or left lying around can be transformed into attractive, usable décor items. The result? Before you know it, you’re helping to save the environment without even setting foot outdoors.
Unique pieces – With upcycling, you can create pieces that are truly unique and one-of-a-kind. Not to forget, many of these pieces come with stories and memories of the past that can lend a touch of nostalgia. This could make for an interesting conversation piece for your guests.
Tips for Upcycling and Repurposing Home Décor
Upcycling and repurposing items for home décor can be quite overwhelming, especially if you are new to crafts and DIY projects. To help you out, here are some tips on how to get started.
Choose the right items – The first step is to choose the right items that you plan to upcycle. Choose items that have potential and look for items made of durable materials like wood, metal, fabric, and leather. If in doubt, opt for items that have a classic shape or design as they can easily be transformed into something new.
Pick colors and finishes wisely – Choosing colors and finishes can be quite tricky. To make things easier, select a unifying color palette that is cohesive with the existing colors in your home. To fix your colors and finishes, rely on fabrics and textiles that you can add to your upcycled items as accents.
See it from all angles – Make sure to look at your item from all angles and develop an overall concept for how the finished product will look like. Ask yourself how you can add value and functionality to the item and ensure that you’re familiar with how each piece should look like before you start the project.
Get creative with paint and effects – Now comes the fun part – adding effects and giving the item a new coat of paint. Such effects can range from distressed wood to hand-painting, to stenciling. This step can also be used to create a unique focal point.
Know when to stop – If you decide to repurpose or upcycle an item, you can get carried away with adding too many details or effects. To make sure that your project doesn’t end up looking too cluttered, stop when the item looks perfect and use minimal accessories to accessorize it.
Start Small – If you’re still overwhelmed and intimidated by the idea of upcycling and repurposing items, don’t worry – you can start small and adopt a subtle approach instead. Try repurposing an old piece of furniture by refinishing it, using chalk paint, staining, reupholstering, or adding more decorative details like knobs and pulls. This can be a great way to start experimenting with materials before you move on to bigger projects.
Upcycling and repurposing items for home décor is the new way of expressing yourself and getting creative with your spaces. Make sure you are mindful of the cost, eco-friendliness, and fun of the DIY projects before you get started. Above all, don’t forget to be creative and have fun. With this spotlight on upcycling and repurposing trends, have a great time reinvigorating all your home décor items!
