If you’re one of those people who spends the day jumping between their Pinterest tab and their actual work, you’ll be familiar with the term ‘upcycle’. For those who don’t know, upcycling is like recycling – only a whole lot prettier!
Whether you’re a hoarder, a DIY fanatic, a green activist or just someone who appreciates beautiful things, you’ll love our ideas for turning these five unwanted household items into gorgeous new creations.
1 Wooden crates
You’ve seen them all over your Instagram feed for the past few years, so why not give them a try yourself? Stack up small crates for innovative storage; group them together to create a two-in-one room divider and bookshelf; or go all in and build your own desk. Keep the wood natural or give it a coat of enamel, then line the insides with attention-grabbing patterned paper.
2 Drawers
If you have an old desk you’re not using or a dresser that’s taking up too much space, you’ll love these ideas. Pull out all the drawers and turn them into a unique headboard with built-in storage! If making lists is your thing, then drawers can also be used to make awesome pinboards (or a place to display photos). Just line the back of the drawer with cork or chipboard and cover with pretty fabric. Alternatively, give them a splash of fresh paint, and they’ll look great as hanging shelves.
3 Stepladders
Never throw away a stepladder – you won’t find anything more versatile or more appropriate for a DIY project. Add a touch of old-fashioned charm to your bathroom by using them as towel holders or shelving for your hand soaps and body lotions. Small double ladders make cool, rustic bedside tables or shoe racks. With a great paint job, a ladder can even look good in the lounge as a bookshelf to hold all your GLAMOUR magazines (we like this idea best).
4 Glass jars
Go full hipster and turn old lidded glass jars into quirky drinking glasses. Punch a hole through the lid of a jam, pickle or mayo jar, and insert a fun straw for party glasses you DON’T have to worry about breaking. Jars painted in pretty colours also make beautiful vases. If you like sewing, fill a small bottle with foam and cover with fabric to create a pretty pincushion.
5 Multi-paned window frames
Turn old multi-paned windows into a super fresh, attention-grabbing display. They look great on top of your mantelpiece, decorated with foliage. For a colourful headboard, fill each pane with a different wallpaper pattern. Or create a funky noticeboard for your kitchen by adding a simple shelf and nailing a chalkboard behind a few frames.
For more DIY inspiration, be sure to visit Decorex Cape Town, which takes place from 29th April to 2nd May at the CTICC.
Need some help decorating your den? Check out these 8 celeb bedrooms that’ll inspire your own.
