Going Green

 

I've started noticing a subtle shift in my design interests. It's not an overnight process and I'm not particularly adept at executing the concept yet, but I find myself being drawn more and more to eco-friendly design and creative upcycling. I know it's almost trendy these days, but it would be better for all of us if it becomes a permanent trend.

I can't say exactly where it's coming from - more enticing designs that capture my attention and encourage me to think outside the box or an understanding that I need to be part of the solution, not part of the problem, or maybe just being the mother of a child who wholeheartedly embraces the idea of recycling and already is more clever with it than I am.

Whatever it is, as I find myself making changes to my home and thinking about what I'd like to add or what I need, I have first begun to question whether there's a way to repurpose something else.  As I've begun to travel down this particular design path, I am constantly inspired and encouraged by the efforts of others. Here's some of what I've found:

 

The steel shelving system I've had my eye on for the kitchen costs upwards of $400 and I can't say that I like it any more than this vintage fruit crate solution. {via Country Living}

What a clever way to repurpose a carriage seat! {This, and title image of repurposed champagne corks via Poetic Home}

A vintage suitcase turned into a chair {Image via Recreate}

A shipping pallet turned dish display rack {via The Green Children}

Spoons and reclaimed wood turned into a useful coat rack {via Etsy}

I love how effortlessly recycled wood pieces mix with contemporary elements {via French by Design}

Upcycled wooden crate cabinetry {via Web Urbanist}

Yardsticks adorning stair risers {via Design Sponge}

Ruler Tabletop {via Country Living}

A clever way to repurpose old sweaters {via Country Living}

A plaster-dipped floral "sculpture" looks nothing like the artificial floral arrangement it started as {via Daily Danny}

Admittedly, this has nothing to do with the home, but a wedding dress created from repurposed doilies - brilliant! {via Handmade Bits and Pieces}

Comments

[Wendy]

Ahh... that dress!!! So beautiful! I love the idea of the fruit crates on the wall too!

[teresa granath]

I LOVE this, would you let me repost as a guest post on Green Bag Lady??? Please. Teresa :)

[Greg Bulmash]

Love that suitcase chair and it's within the level of my crafting skillset.