Over the years it has become a family joke that I will paint anything that has lost its luster or is in need of a fashionable upgrade. I habitually repaint walls and trim work as I enjoy a 'change in scenery' when it comes to our interiors. The fireplace brick, kitchen cabinets, dining room table, chairs, dressers and outdoor furniture have been lightened, brightened and colored with a few strokes of a brush. If I cannot find something at home to paint, I volunteer to help friends. I've also been known to look curbside on trash day. You never know what you might find! One man's junk can become another man's treasure, especially with a coat or two of paint.
I may enjoy painting but there are others who truly have an eye for reclaiming junk and reinventing it. Allow me to treat you to work from some incredibly resourceful, creative types with whom we are privileged to share this planet.
Two shutters and corner brackets become a shelf with character!
Vintage wine glasses turned upside down become sparkling crystal candle holders.
Truck springs turned into bar stools! It's so industrial chic!
A collection of vintage doilies make an artful, cottage style table runner.
A crystal chandelier in the bedroom juxtaposes the wooden door headboard. Romantic!
Wooden skewers packed into a box can be used as a standing knife block. Keeps knives sharp!
Garden gate handles make unique towel holders for the kitchen or bathroom.
Hardware store metal bin (we used these for feed on the farm) becomes a utility sink/pet bath!
Step ladders make clever bedside shelves. Guest room?
Bath mat created with upended wine corks inside a frame.
Friends would have to save their corks for us to get enough for this project!
Acrylic or glass vase with coffee beans (or glass marbles?)
to hold make-up brushes (pencils/pens?)
Vintage metal egg basket or bottled milk carrier turns into toilet paper holder.
A bathroom that oozes personality! The 'shrunken' ladder makes a great towel holder/dryer. Desk lamp mounted on the wall becomes vanity light. Stump is a sitting stool.
Framed mirror and photos. Lovely vignette!
Oh, for the love of shutters! Paint-able! Hang-able! Fabulous organizational tool!
Hang one inside the pantry door to hold favorite recipes and shopping lists.
When kiddos outgrow the crib... turn it into a pint sized office/craft space! (Totally paint-able!)
Mason jars recycled!
An old bike as garden art!
Redefining the traditional 'window box' with reclaimed wood and shelf brackets!
Soda bottles, rubber boots and wine crates are converted into container gardens. Brilliant!
Editor's note: Photos are shared for your enjoyment via Pinterest and Google.