Reinventing the Old: Repurpose & Reuse Design Ideas

As a home stager, I keep an eye on current trends in construction and design incorporating them into the final staging plan.

Sometimes my recommendation is as simple as a new paint color or different light fixtures. Other times new kitchen cabinets or a complete bathroom remodel are part of the plan. Through it all, I have developed an eye toward creating a place someone would want to call “home.”

The latest trend in homebuilding and home decorating lies within the recycle/reuse and green building movement that has taken firm hold all across America.

It seems to be a reflection of our times as people look to simplify their lives, protect the environment and stretch the almighty dollar. As a result, softly worn finishes and hand-hewn details are finding themselves throughout our homes. Whether you want to experiment with a few accents or dive right into a complete room remodel, there are a few key things to keep in mind when bringing the reclaimed movement into your home:

You are not contributing to overflowing landfills. This trend is the perfect opportunity to let your creativity out to play! Take a second look at that old dresser in your attic. With a few changes perhaps it could become a bench or even a TV stand. Pallet furniture is a great example of reimagining the possibilities. Don’t be afraid to deconstruct an old piece of furniture and breathe new life into it. Pinterest is a great resource for ideas!

This is where the reclaim/recycle/reuse/repurpose trend has really taken the world by storm! “All that is old is new again!” has never been truer. It seems as if everyone is taking a second look at their furniture asking themselves, “What if I built a bookshelf out of plumbing pipes?” “What if we sawed the legs off that old table and made a coffee table out of it?” The possibilities are limited only by your own ingenuity.

Shelley Baker, owner of McKibben House in Clayton, NC, opened her doors to share her love of bringing new life to furnishings that have been “well loved” through the years. In her words, “Reusing/recycling furniture is re-loving the furniture. Much of the furniture we have has been inherited one way or the other and it doesn’t fit into today’s casual living world. Paint provides the freedom and flexibility to create whatever style you want!” Her passion is contagious as she explains all of the possibilities: milk paint, chalk paint, and gel stain to name just a few of the products and techniques featured at McKibben House.

Always a favorite, hardwood floors are still number one thanks to their beauty and durability. Darker stains (such as Jacobean and ebony) have taken center stage because they complement both the softness of the time worn details as well as the bright energetic colors found throughout this trend. What I appreciate about the darker stains is that they are more forgiving when working with older floors that have developed a, shall we say, “patina” through the years. Gray stains are starting to catch on too. I believe they will gain popularity as more people see them in place. Either way, I recommend using a matte water-based stain as they dry more quickly, don’t yellow over time and don’t have the dangerous fumes of their oil based counterparts.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the gorgeous reclaimed floors available today. You might be surprised at the variety of exotic woods you’ll discover. Whether gathered from an old schoolhouse, tobacco barn or factory the imperfections of these floors make them one of a kind. I’ve seen them sanded and stained but the hand-hewn finish is everyone’s darling. Its texture and finish make it very easy to live with, especially if you have pets!

Keep in mind, one of the most renewable, beautiful and durable floors favored by green builders is not even wood but a fast growing grass…bamboo! Easily produced, accessible and easy to maintain, bamboo has shown itself to be a wise choice. Take a look sometime. You may just fall in love!

Shaker style and other clean line cabinets are enjoying their time in the sun. Unfortunately, many of us have cabinets with the arched recessed panels or some other detail that puts a time stamp on them. While you could order a whole new set of cabinets, Baker suggests a list of options that might have you considering this facelift soon:

Of course you can take advantage of one of the many classes Baker offers and learn how to do the entire process yourself. If your cabinets are in good shape but need a facelift, you can do it yourself for a fraction of the cost to replace them. Baker has created a fun and informative series of classes for “Do-It-Yourselfers” so you can take on a project like this without costly rookie mistakes. Her enthusiasm for all things “well loved” makes her an engaging natural teacher.

Shiplap is where it’s at! Adding this rough hewn wood to an accent wall or an entire room, whether whitewashed or left natural, will transform your room in one fail swoop! Once relegated to building barns, sheds or cabins, shiplap has found its way into the hearts and homes of many who love its texture and warmth. Use it in an entry hall or kitchen for an instant update! Not ready for a commitment that big? Try building a one-of-a-kind headboard or coffee table. The important thing is to just do it!