The shopping diet for decorators.

While flipping through my new InStyle, I came across a summary of a book and was completely inspired. The Shopping Diet by Phillip Bloch identifies easy ways to give old clothes new life. The examples listed consisted of changing blouse buttons to re-lining a blazer to adding/reducing the amount of ruffles on a skirt. While I am totally purchasing and trying these tips out to some of my old duds, I got to thinking about potential ideas for the home. Not only is reusing materials pocketbook friendly, it's also a way to customize your home design to fit your personal style. 

Here are some ideas to consider and any other ideas are welcome and greatly appreciated. Thanks for the idea Phillip and happy hunting!

Using cloth napkins to make a couch pillow cover.

Scrap cotton fabric (or an old dress) as a way to revamp an old lamp shade.

Creating a duvet cover out of some old sheets and buttons.

Weaving old denim to make an upholstered bench cushion 

(bonus if you have some colored denim lying around). 

photos from top to bottom: world market, posies for lulu from flickr, bed bath & beyond, gap

Blog Spotlight: object bis

I have been working on a solution for the mess-I-call-my-craft-area for quite some time now. Please note, Exhibit A:

On top of the mess shown above, I have collected a giant basket of fabric swatches, a plastic 3-drawer bin of more craft stuff, a new printer, a chair I found while dumpster diving and a ton of shoe boxes from old shoes I've donated. I want to organize by type of craft and material.  So... I have been trying to find an old dresser to convert into an organizer but am having absolutely no luck with it.

While looking for other options (since clearly I need a Plan B), I came across this amazing blog, object bis, that offers fantastic ways to reuse old furniture and home accessories along with other information pertaining to sustainability. Please note, Exhibits B-E:

Thank you Google Translate and thank you object bis!

reusing freight pallets (may 2010)

using branches (october 2009)

reusing wine boxes (august 2009)

using old drawers (june 2008)

In with the new and out with, well, nothing.

I'm not sure what the main attraction was but it became known that every college girl has a requirement of at least a dozen candles per room. Pillar candles, votive candles, tahitian treat, cinnamon caramel apple pie... they all became a necessity in the eyes of an 18-22 year old. The same went for frames. For some reason, there was an undeniable urge to surround yourself with every single person you knew. At least twice. Three times if they were really important (or cute). 

Because of the need to collect and consume, I have become the proud owner of at least 700 candle holders and about a bajillion frames. And since the times of Ramen noodles and bunk beds, I  have adjusted my style to reduce the amount of candles and/or scents to one per room and only hang framed photos of family and very close friends. That said, I needed to find a purpose for at least some of the excess while still maintaing my new-found sense of style.

First, I used some old candle holders to support my new hobby of gardening. These candle holders were too expensive to get rid of so I bought some plants and small pots from Ikea and turned them into plant stands. The artwork behind the stands is an old canvas I stenciled using bronze and silver spray paint.

Next, I took some old frames, spray painted some white, and used them to create a photo montage that filled the wall without becoming overwhelming to the eye. I kept the overall tone of the composition sporadic and unexpected by using an assortment of frame types and sizes. I then started the montage in the upper right hand corner and had it progressively thin out as it moved toward the middle of the wall (sketching definitely required). Having the empty white frames created a sense of consistency throughout the composition without having it come across as symmetrical.

DIY OPPS:

Add a little color by spray painting your candle holders a bright color like yellow or orange. Just be sure to prime the candle holders first.

Expand the top of the candle holders for slightly larger pots using wood, glass, mirror or ceramic tiles. Try using Liquid Nails or Gorilla Glue to affix. 

Use the frames as a jewelry holder. I borrowed this idea from my friend, Corrin, and am anxious to make a few of my own. Just take an old frame, spray paint it, staple some tightly woven chicken wire to the back of the frame and display away.