Choosing Repurposed Home Decor To Save Money

By Sharon Anderson


Many people seek ways to improve their home interior for a number of reasons. While some tend to think of decor as strictly visual, some may renovate their home interior as a way to create more space. Another trend that is catching on is repurposed home decor items, which may come from a number of resources.

Some people think of this as buying goods at a donation thrift store or similar but this is only one part of it. Repurposing goes back many years and some designers will do this by adding a few details, and earning a nice profit in the process. Generally speaking, the objective is to get the best use of fabrics and materials for a similar or entirely different purpose.

When sustainable living became more common, manufacturers and some independent designers found ways to use materials that did not contain chemicals. Materials like bamboo, hemp, and recycled plastic are not only safe to use in the home but sometimes more durable. Scientists are always discovering materials that follow this protocol and will be affordable for the buying public.

Furniture and interior designers find ways to make these materials visually appealing by using fun colors or styles that vary from contemporary to traditional. The idea here is to make these equally functional for the home or small office. As people become more educated about sustainable living, there will be no need to buy items made from toxic materials.

Using objects over and over again is not a new concept. There was once a time when family members would pass things down to younger members or their neighbors as a part of goodwill. College students often found repurposing necessary as a way to survive while studying full time. Although this may be considered a trend now, most people are happy to own something that is different.

Manufacturers are discovering that denim and heavy cotton fabrics are the best for repurposing clothes and some home decor items. Formal wear that has limited use may be used as a window treatment or fancy table cloth. Anyone interested in learning more will find a number of tutorials and books for beginners. People who do not know how to sew can create something simple and useful in less than an hour.

For those who are not interested in creating, there are a numbers of designers who specialize in converting old items into a one of a kind piece that looks fantastic. They may dye the fabric and modern color or combine it with like materials that are economically sound. Many designers have online galleries and some are happy to share their knowledge of green living or repurposing with others. Creative types may also find these design sites inspirational.

As long as there is innovation and imagination, this is one trend that is not likely to go anywhere soon. It has become about more than using old newspapers for paper mache projects or converting milk cartons into planters or homemade piggy banks. It is about saving money and sparing natural resources whenever possible.




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