Design
The 8 Best Ways To Repurpose Decor That You Already Own
If you are a person who lives in the modern world, then you are a person who is constantly bombarded with a “newer is better” ethos. We, of course, are not totally innocent of this, given all the products we love showing you in case you do need something new, but we also do try to repeat over and over a “only if you need it” message. This post, however, is about bringing new life to pieces you already love – personal vintage, if you will. FYI, these aren’t ideas that are free, like swapping throw pillows or art between rooms for a fresh feel (a great hack BTW). Instead, these ideas are made to take what you have and make it feel brand new and avoid a trip to the dump. The more we can invest in what we already own, the better our hearts, homes, and planet feel. Let’s start with the one that sparked this post idea…
Repurpose Decor: New Sofa Contrast Cushions
When I’ve seen “contrast” sofa cushions (seat and/or back cushions that are in a different fabric, color, or material to the base), they’ve been custom pieces that started out that way. Like this stunning piece from a Nina Freudenberger space:
The mismatch of those pillows makes for such a fun yet welcoming and completely intentional design moment. I truly love it so much.
Same with this one! I can’t get over how cool this is. If you have a slipcovered sofa, this type of look could be fairly easy to achieve if you can purchase different colored cushion covers from the frame.
However, it was this photo that really sparked it all for me. Now, potentially this sofa was made with way from the jump, but to me it looks like a beautifully worn sofa that got its seat cushions reupholstered for a brand new look. I then watched an AD small home tour where they did the same thing! Of course this isn’t free, but if you have a sofa you love that deserves a second life, this would be an incredible one.
For more ideas, check out this one with the all-velvet tonal look. It’s just so cool, and I will do something like this in the future.
I cannot confirm that this is an actual vintage home and not just a cool set, but for all of you who have dark-blue velvet sofas (and might be looking for something to replace it), look at the possibilities! This type of style wouldn’t be for every home, but for the right one, this contrast is SO good.
So yes, the downsides are that you’d have to pay for fabric and labor, but the upside is that you’d have a sofa that no one else has AND it’s not in a landfill.
Repurpose Decor: Written On Or Embroidered Seating
This next one is really not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but hear me out…
This home is obviously beautifully unique and the home of artists…Emily Adams Bode and Aaron Aujla, which means if they draw on their sofa, it’s going to be awesome.
Here’s a close-up! While again this style wouldn’t be for everyone, what a cool way to bring an old (and maybe stained?) sofa back to life. Maybe you’re an artist too, and this really inspires you?? Maybe you have kids that could use a sofa, either in their rooms or a designated hang space, and an old sofa they can create art on would be their dream!
This one, I think, is a better example of what a teen “art sofa” might look like, but it’s extremely creative; then with this one “regifted,” you can get a great new sofa while they can make your old one their masterpiece:)
If you are a master embroiderer, I am so jealous. This sofa was a limited edition collection with Hay that was inspired by Loji Höskuldsson’s work and is extremely cool, but maybe you have the skills and have your own vision. This post has a lot of “think outside the traditional interior design box” ideas because I think we should all give ourselves more permission to play and experiment!
Here’s another example that’s also pretty specific but so cool. Getting inspired??
Talk about a beautiful way to mend. While this design wouldn’t be right for me, I love love the concept and think it’s such a great jumping-off point. Think of all of the cat-scratched sofas and chairs that could be creatively restored??
This was another fun idea I saw and wanted to share. If you have a sofa that’s looking like it’s in need of a refresh, embroidery is a very cool option.
All in all, if your sofa is on its way out, why not have some creative fun and work with your hands? It’s a no-lose situation if it’s headed out the door anyway.
Here is another post that Arlyn wrote on how to extend the life of your sofa in case you want more ideas:)
Repurpose Decor: Painted Lampshades
Love your lamp but the shade…not so much? Get those art supplies and see if you can spruce it up yourself!
I don’t want to diminish the artistry of any of the pieces I’m showing you to an easy DIY anyone could do. But if you are skilled, they are incredible inspiration. This one above, I believe, is a paper on paper, not paint. I love the texture it gives, and the design is so beautiful!
This one says it’s by artist Jeffrey Cheung, and it’s so cool. It’s wild and whimsical, and next to all of that panelling, I’m sure it’s an incredible, unexpected moment.
I love how these kinds of lampshades can be both incredibly chic pieces of what feels like modern art as well as a fun art project. The contrast between the design on the shade and the chinoiserie lamp base above is such a delicious combo to me.
This shade was from a collab artist, Wayne Pate. I love his work so so much, and this shade is no different. By showing one of his pieces, hopefully it shows you that whatever style or design is in your heart, you can take a stab at your own.
See? There are no rules, only unique-to-you lamp shades that will literally light up your room.
Or if you really aren’t interested in DIYing, swapping out with a new cool shade shape or color is a great option…
Velvet Empire Lampshade | Linen Square Lampshade | Ochre Yellow Linen Pleated Lampshade
Burlap New Drum Lamp Shade | Cone Lamp Shade | Uno Rattan Shade
Repurpose Decor: Embellish Casegoods
Ready to get a little more wild??? If you read this post, you might have seen this one coming:)
You can customize your casegoods, people. This wildly beautiful one above is, of course, so special, and again I don’t want to sound like anyone could make something like it…but maybe in their own style. You take that old cabinet you’ve been wanting to replace and take a chance on creating something beautiful. That could be paint, a stain, carvings, etc.
I mean, I LOVE this one and dare I say I think the medium might be a black marker. That’s what Emily’s vintage submarine art is! I think a piece like this is perfect when it’s on the smaller side. It makes it a very cool accent as opposed to a giant focal piece.
For something more vintage and folk, how sweet is this piece? Just enough art to make a statement but quiet enough to be friends with the rest of a room. If you’re nervous about creating shapes, I would get a stencil, paint over that, and then after it’s off, take a brush and soften the edges to make it cool more freehand;)
Repurpose Decor: Add Fringe To Curtains
This is a classic for a reason! If you want to add a bit of lux to your room, maybe all you need is a little fringe at the bottom of your curtains.
For this tonal beauty, you wouldn’t even need to get them hemmed! And if sewing isn’t a skill, you’d likely be able to use iron-on tape.
There are so many different types of fringe like this one that looks more modern and organic.
It’s also a chance for more color:)
You can also add tassels, solid trim, or even dye your curtains a different color if that makes sense for the material. Don’t be afraid to modify something you already own.
Repurpose Decor: Cool Framing
I am fairly obsessed with art that is framed unexpectedly… placement-wise. Let me show you.
This is from a framing company, but see how those three large framed pieces have the art placed asymmetrically? I think it looks so cool and intentional in the best way. Of course these art pieces are behind the mats and are properly cut to fit them, but you could easily buy a new mat, cut it to the size of the frame, and float mount your art, photos, etc, in a new and interesting way.
I did something similar in my living room (it wasn’t a frame I already had, but you get the gist:))
Another great idea that this brand is showing us is using colorful mats! Either grab one at the framer or art store, or choose your desired paint color and make your old mat new again. If you feel like really going for it, paint the frame too for a monochromatic look!
Tell me that’s not elegant.
Repurpose Decor: Spray Paint A Decor Piece
Speaking of painting, do not underestimate the power of a can of spray paint. It’s an oppurtunity to turn something you may not love anymore and make it new. This may seem elementary in repurposing decor, but it’s a classic for a reason.
Take my cousin’s DIY nursery. That metal dome floor lamp was something she had found on the side of the road years ago. It was actually not in the best shape in its original black color, so she took some red spray paint and made it the chicest nursery floor lamp maybe ever.
This painted purple chair, amongst many other things in this incredible Ibiza home, was a discarded piece that was seriously brought back to life in its new color. Painting a piece is truly the easiest way to make a bold design change and statement. Have fun!
Repurpose Decor: Reglazing
Now, this is a bigger one but could be totally worth the investment…Reglazing a sink, tub, or toilet!
Financially, this is clearly a bigger investment than a can of spray paint. But if you are really looking for a big design shift and want to avoid a renovation, this could be a very cool option.
I remember when Ajai had her old tub reglazed in a light tone, and I believe it cost her around $300. That was a handful of years ago, and I don’t remember the scope, but it did stick with me as a possibility!
So while it’s something you will likely need to do again eventually as it doesn’t last forever given wear and tear, it could be worth it if you are really looking to make that visual shift. I mean, how great are all of these examples?
What do you think? I know that a lot of these aren’t “cheap,” but I think if you love something, why not invest in its future? It holds meaning, is sustainable, and is still likely more affordable than something brand new. If nothing else, I hope these examples got those creative juices flowing:)
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Design by Jess Bunge | Styled by Emily Bowser | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Makeover Takeover: It’s FINALLY Here…Jess’ Art Filled Living Room/Office Reveal
Love these ideas. They get the creative juices flowing and you get a home that’s uniquely you!
Cute! The sofa with the little squares on is darned rather than embroidered, btw.