Repurposing Furniture

I was running short on time yesterday and didn't want to rush completing the drop cloth slipcovers...so one more day and I should be done. In the meantime, I was just sent a link to a new article at HGTV.com which includes a couple of my projects, along with projects from some of my favorite bloggers!

12 Ways to Repurpose Home Furnishings

"Check out these easy ways to repurpose old home furnishings before you decide to toss them out. From a ladder display shelf to cabinet mantel decor, you will find a way to repurpose many forgotten household items."  By Farima Alavi

Salvaged Home Office

This home office is filled with items from the junkyard. Sawhorses make up the legs of the desk, a wood pallet works as the desktop and an old ladder provides the framework. Donna (of Funky Junk Interiors) used wood pallets to create an industrial-style shelving unit to maximize storage space. Fill the shelves with vintage-inspired objects to finish the rustic look.

Practical Antique

A piece of old, unused furniture can become functional again with a little creativity. This Hoosier cupboard, popular in the early 20th century, was sitting in a woodshop for years. With some refinishing and paint, it was turned into a practical home office desk. The crisp white cupboard against the chalkboard walls makes it the focal point of the room. The cupboard drawers allow for an abundance of storage space, and the size of the cupboard provides plenty of room for office equipment. The piece not only adds to the design of the room but holds great memories as well...hang framed memorabilia to add to the timeworn look. (To see the entire room click here.)

Bright, Bold Focal Point

Sometimes a fresh coat of paint is all a piece of furniture needs to breathe new life into a space. Melissa Michaels (of The Inspired Room) painted this once-dull coffee table into an eye-catching royal blue color. "The unexpected pop of color is a fun contrast to its otherwise traditional lines," she says. The bold color makes the table the focal point in this mostly neutral living room.

Playful Kid's Dresser

If you don't like the look of an old dresser, update it with a bright color. Here a forgotten dresser was painted with bright pinkish-red chalkboard paint for a playful look that works perfectly in a kid's room. The dresser allows kids to use their imaginations by drawing or writing anything they want on it, keeping the walls safe from any unexpected drawing. (See my step-by-step tutorial here.)

No Damage Here

Damaged furniture doesn't have to be thrown away. Marian Parsons (of Miss Mustard Seed) suggests hiding imperfections on furniture with decoupage. She used aged sheets of music to hide imperfections on this neglected dresser, while also giving the all-white bedroom a shabby chic look. Other items great for decoupaging furniture are maps, book pages, letters and postcards. "The treatment will hide gouges, water marks, missing veneer and other signs of abuse on furniture," she says. Decoupaging furniture will also add dimension and distinct style to a room.

To see more ideas, visit HGTV.com to read the entire article.