The three Rs, reduce, reuse and recycle are at the heart of the re-purposing movement. Finding new uses for everyday items can do a lot for the environment. With a little face lift, an object can have a second life.
You can start by repurposing objects as charming storage solutions. To stay fashionable, look for a refined version of shabby chic.
Paint a garden bucket to go with your kitchen décor. A pail is great to hold all the cooking utensils. Construct a vignette, like Cosas did, by surrounding the pail with a few vintage items.
If you are into gardening, recycle Kathy Scully’s idea. Convert old incandescent light bulbs into vases to start your plant cuttings. Be careful as you hollow out the light bulb. For the finishing touch, align a bunch against your window.
Everyday items make great creative flower vases. Place sunflowers in an old pewter beer mug for an instant centerpiece.
Collect small tea boxes. For a modern arrangement, cut the lavender to see only the flowers. Then cut all the stems at the same height and fill another tea box. (Photographed by Elizabeth Delage)
By Kim Vallee, Lifestyle and Entertaining Expert who runs a daily blog: At Home with Kim Vallee.