Earth Day Continued – Seven Great Repurposing Ideas
There is a special sense of satisfaction that comes from finding a new use for an outdated item. It can be an unexpected way to create a visual interest in your home, while also filling an organizational need – and best of all, it reduces waste and saves money. In honor of Earth Day, we’ve collected some of our favorite repurposing ideas from around the web.
1. Wine Rack As Magazine Holder
Using a wine rack to keep you magazines handy is not just a creative alternative to traditional magazine racks, it makes it easier to see what you have, and prevents you from collecting too many issues at once.
Photo credit: James Wojick
2. Funnels As Dispensers For Twine, Yarn Or Ribbon
This idea can be applied everywhere from the kitchen to the crafts room to the garage. Affix some inexpensive funnels to the wall or to a sturdy pegboard, and make your unruly string-like collections functional, easy-to-access and absolutely adorable.
Photo credit: Martha Stewart Living
3. Wood Shutters As Organizing Stations
There are countless uses for old shutters of every shape and size. Paint them to coordinate with your décor and use them to corral keys, mail and family messages or reminders. Add clips and hooks for extra functionality. Visit 5 Things to do With…Wood Shutters for more repurposing ideas.
Photo credit: lifeasathrifter.blogspot.com
4. Crown Molding As Shoe Display
For the shoe-lovin’ women who enjoy ogling their footwear as much as they love wearing it, this DIY tip will really deliver. Hang molding like shallow shelving to keep your shoe collection in view. It’ll keep them accessible, while allowing you to see what you have. No less than these little works of art deserve!
Photo credit: Fashion Diva Design
5. Cake Stands To Organize Clutter in the Bathroom
How many beautiful serving pieces do you have hiding in your kitchen cabinets that never see the light of day? This fantastic repurposing idea brings them out for you to admire, while clearing clutter from your bathroom counters or the top of your dressers. Collect lotion bottles, perfumes, hair accessories, or other odds and ends in your under-used cake stand… and clear out some storage space in your kitchen cabinets, too!
Photo credit: westerly_whimsies via flickr
6. Make That Rake Do The Work For You!
If rustic country charm is you’re your style, then you’ll love these ideas for repurposing old rakes. You can hang them with the handle, if your space allows, or use just the head of the rake – or several grouped together – to display everything from jewelry and scarves, to kitchen utensils and stemware. Be sure to scrub the rake well before hanging, and then enjoy your new clever and highly functional display.
7. Set A Place for Your Furry Friends
It’s easy to turn an old bench or children’s chairs into a unique feeding station for your beloved pooch. It will look great in your kitchen, and also raise their food and water bowls to a more comfortable height. Just cut holes into the seats to rest the bowls in and you’re done!
Photo credit: bhg.com
If you have a favorite repurposed item in your home, please tell us about it in the comments below. Or, let us know about a piece you’d love to find a new use for… we’re always full of ideas for breathing new life into your old treasures!
Written by Scott Roewer
Certified Professional Organizer®, Scott Roewer is founder of The Organizing Agency, a professional organization and productivity company devoted to teaching residential and business clients how to increase productivity, save money, and how to live a more organized and abundant life.
An award winning company, in 2013, The Organizing Agency was once again awarded the Angie’s List Super Service award, in 2012 the National Association of Professional Organizers recognized Scott with its top honor, the Founders’ Award, and later the same year, the U.S. Air Force commended his volunteerism, naming him Joint Base Andrews “Hometown Hero.” For more information on Scott’s team and how they can help you, contact the office online or call us directly at 202-249-8330.