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Month: February 2013

How-To Make a GIANT Inspiration Board

Pinterest is a favorite for many (including me) who want to organize and keep their online inspiration in one place.

As a visual person though, I feel there is nothing like seeing and holding a picture in hand.  I still buy and subscribe to magazines.  I still tear out pictures and reference them when looking for inspiration.

Until recently, I didn’t have a “place”, a specific go-to spot, for all my collected loves.

I needed something! Thus the creation of my mega, giant, humongous, and amazing inspiration board…

HUGE, Giant Inspiration Board created by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

I am in heaven.  This newly created inspiration board is not only functional, but the pictures that are displayed are gorgeous and make the space colorful and fun.

Here’s how I made it.

I started with these supplies:

  • MDF board (I used MDF because I had a large leftover piece from an old upholstered headboard.  A large thick piece of unwarped plywood could also be good for this project)
  • Fabric (I chose a neutral linen-like fabric which was $4/yd – I bought 3 yards)
  • Decorative Nailheads (I purchased them at Hobby Lobby for $2 for 50)
  • Sewing Machine
  • Screws and Anchors (I prefer plastic toggle drywall anchors – see below for a picture)
  • Painters Tape
  • Measuring Tape
  • Drill
  • Screwdriver
  • Level (optional, but very helpful)

1. I started off making sure the MDF board was the right size for the wall. The size was perfect, 3′-9″ X 4′-6″, and didn’t need to be cut.  If you’re using this tutorial as inspiration, you can create any size inspiration board that fits your space.

HUGE, Giant Inspiration Board created by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

One of the biggest obstacles with making this GIANT Inspiration Board was the difficulty of hanging it.

No doubt, this size board is HEAVY!   Drilling through the board was out of the question because it is covered in fabric and hanging it from wire wouldn’t make the back flush with the wall, which is the look that I desired.

SOoooo…  Onto a different solution.  The basic idea that I came up with was to drill 3 holes into the back of the board that would hang on to 3 screws in the wall.

Let’s take a look at the step by step…

2. After determining and marking the height at which I wanted the board to hang, I layed the board face down so the back was exposed.  I took a piece of painters tape and added it to the back of the board making sure it was completely level with the top of the board.  The tape does not have to go from edge-to-edge, but I made sure each end was within 12″ of the side.

With a permanent marker, I marked three places on the tape – they do not have to be evenly spaced.

HUGE, Giant Inspiration Board created by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

3. Using a drill, I carefully drilled about 3/4 of the way through the MDF back (I DID NOT go through to the front).

HUGE, Giant Inspiration Board created by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

4. Once the 3 holes were drilled, I removed the piece of tape and put it on the wall at the height I had determined before.  Also I made sure to hang the tape so it was placed horizontally correct – my board is centered on the wall, but that might not be the case for your creation.  Be sure to hang it vertically (up and down) and horizontally (left and right) correct.

Something to watch out for…

A laser helps with this part, but if you don’t have one, measure down from the ceiling so that all 3 marks are at the same height.

Also, when the board was laying down, the marks went 1,2,3.  Now the marks will be 3,2,1 because of how the board will fit onto the wall.  It will make more sense once you’re in the midst of it.

HUGE, Giant Inspiration Board created by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

5. Once the wall was marked with the three locations, I drilled the holes.  Then added plastic toggle drywall anchors (which hold mega weight) and then the screws.  These are like my all-time favorite anchors and screws!!

HUGE, Giant Inspiration Board created by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

HUGE, Giant Inspiration Board created by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

6. Once the screws were secure, it was time to put on the board.  It takes alittle time figuring where the holes meet the screws, but if you measure right and take your time (which thankfully we did), it should work perfectly and be level!

Unfortunately I don’t have a picture of us hanging the board since it was a 2-man job and the kiddos were already asleep (they are my backup photographers), but here’s the result (and part of the next step)…

It’s hanging + straight – YES!

HUGE, Giant Inspiration Board created by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

Before hanging this bad-boy on the wall, I covered it in fabric.  I chose a loose natural linen-like cotton.  Because of the width of the board, I needed to piece the fabric together to make one large piece.  I ended up cutting and sewing 4 pieces of equal sized fabric.  The result was fairly good, but my lines were slightly wavey.  Toss it up to DIY, right?!

Anyway, to jazz up the board (and distract the eye from my wavy lines), I decided to use decorative nail head trim and follow the lines of the seams horizontally and vertically.

7. To start off, I used painters tape and made a level line from top to bottom and then from left to right following the seam.

HUGE, Giant Inspiration Board created by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

8. On that edge of the tape, I hammered in the nails with a mallet (a hammer will do but sometimes the metal on metal ruins the nailheads), then removed the tape.

HUGE, Giant Inspiration Board created by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

And now was the point of happiness!

I could finally fill up my inspiration board with all the things I love…

HUGE, Giant Inspiration Board created by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

HUGE, Giant Inspiration Board created by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

MDF board is not exactly like cork (obviously).  Pushpins aren’t as easy to push in, but with a bit of muscle and oomph, it works fine.  As an idea, a layer of cork could have been added to the front surface of the MDF before the fabric was wrapped around, to make it more “cushiony” and pinnable.  For me though, it works fine.

HUGE, Giant Inspiration Board created by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

If you know me, I LOVE COLOR, and I have a favorite article pinned on my handmade GIANT inspiration board that I ripped out a recent issue of HGTV Magazine…

I adore the glittery gold disco ball.

HUGE, Giant Inspiration Board created by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

Now I have lots and lots and lots of room to fill up.  I’m sure it won’t always look this clean.  I actually am in love with some of these other GIANT Inspiration Boards!

HUGE, Giant Inspiration Board created by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

I hope you’re inspired by my new HUMONGOUS Inspiration Board!  I’m loving my new home office / family room.  Not only is it inspiring to work in this new space, but I really enjoy flipping through my favorite magazines and actually pinning them I.R.L.

Aside from Pinterest, how do you collect and organize inspirational things?

I link my projects to some of these parties: Skip to My Lou, Dittle Dattle, Between Naps on the Porch, Today’s Creative Blog, Stories of A to Z, All Things Heart & Home, House of Hepworths, Finding Fabulous, The Shabby Nest, Serenity Now, Tatertots and Jello, Thrifty Decor Chick, Tip Junkie

Publication Feature: SAS Interiors Featured in FIRST for Women Magazine

I was thrilled to announce last week that I had a 3-page article published in a local magazine, and I’m just as thrilled to announce that this month I have been published again in a national magazine, FIRST for Women.

My feature in FIRST is new news to you, but not to me.  It was been in the works for quite a while…

It proves to me and hopefully for you, that any article you read or any TV remodel home show you watch, hasn’t been put together over night or even in just one week.  I’m sure all of those amazing makeover shows that we watch where the house has been transformed in 30 minutes, has actually taken months – probably 6+ months – to put together.

Sorry, I digressed…

Anyway, I was contacted by the Decor Director of FIRST back in early November 2012.  I was shocked one afternoon to receive this email:

FIRST for Women Magazine feature

They think “my ideas are just genius” and they wanted to feature my styled bookcases.  Yes, the laminate bookcases that I styled with books, accessories, pictures, and more after I painted them last Summer.

After an ‘Absolutely, thank you so much’ email back, the story was approved for the March issue.  I was elated to say the least.  I just couldn’t believe, my work was that much of interest to actually be featured.  Honestly, I have all of YOU to thank for your continued following and support of my blog.  Without the love of pinning and sharing my work, this never would be possible.

FIRST for Women Magazine feature

After a few rounds of phone interviews and confirmation of my blog and name in mid-December, it was complete and the waiting game began.

All that waiting brings us to this weekend.  The coveted March issue that I’d been waiting to get my hands on was finally on the newsstands.

FIRST for Women Magazine feature

I can be such a dork at times and took a few snapshots (that I shared on instagram and facebook) of when I first saw the magazine at Barnes & Noble.

I was totally pinching myself…

FIRST for Women Magazine feature

And here’s the feature on my styled bookshelves

FIRST for Women Magazine feature

What’s funny is that this bookcase and it’s matching partner (which were separate in this picture), are now side by side in my newly created home office / family room.  I just featured the space last week.

Home Office / Family Room Space

Home Office / Family Room Space

But I will say, the bookcases are still styled the same as they appear in the article.

I know, feel, and believe that this is just the beginning of many more amazing opportunities to come.  Again, thank you so much for your continued support – I can not tell you how much it’s appreciated!

DIY: How-To Hem (no sew) and Add Stripes to Curtains Using Paint

I hope you had a great weekend!  I know it’s Tuesday, but since my husband and kids had off yesterday for President’s Day, it feels like the first day of the week for me.  In spite of having a no-plan weekend, the 3 days flew by and we were majorly busy (new projects, photographing others, food shopping, car buying, etc.).  How does 36 hours fly by that fast?  Anyway, since showing you my newly created home office / family room last week,  I’ve got a slew of DIY projects to share.  First up…

A ‘how-to’ on how I hemmed and created the thin-striped curtain panels (I know a few of you have excitedly been awaiting this tutorial).  I was surprised how easy they were to create and they look like they cost alot of $$$ (but they totally didn’t).

DIY: Tutorial on how to hem a window curtain panel and how-to add stripes using wall paint; Designer look for less by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

When the royal blue walls were complete last Summer, I knew white curtains would be a great, striking complement. Thankfully, I had an extra pair of panels from my son’s room that were purchased from Ikea 5+ years ago.

DIY: Tutorial on how to hem a window curtain panel and how-to add stripes using wall paint; Designer look for less by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

I wanted to jazz up the white panels a bit though, and at first thought of a leading edge similar to what I created for my daughter’s room.  As more ideas developed, I had seen this living room and pinned it a while back. The thin-striped lines stuck in my head and I knew they would be just the touch to add interest to the stark white panels, yet not overwhelm the room.  I’ve seen many striped fabrics in window panels lately, but I wanted something softer and thought thick horizontal lines would be too heavy for the space since the dark blue walls are dramatic enough.

Inspiration for thin-striped curtain panels

The area for where the new curtain panels were to go, started out like this…

DIY: Tutorial on how to hem a window curtain panel and how-to add stripes using wall paint; Designer look for less by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

To begin, I hung the white panels on the dark wood rods that were already in place.

DIY: Tutorial on how to hem a window curtain panel and how-to add stripes using wall paint; Designer look for less by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

Nope they didn’t work.

The dark rod blended in too much with the wall, and the panels looked so low and squat.  It totally went against my rule of thumb on how best to hang a curtain.

Onto the idea #2.

Because of the window height, I couldn’t put a decorative rod above (there wasn’t enough room), so instead I bought a $3 basic metal pocket curtain rod.

I created the “pocket” at the top of the curtain (fold over top edge, sew or use fusible tape to create a pocket of about 2″ for the rod to slip through).  Then the panels had to be hemmed at the bottom because they were too long.

Here’s my quick tutorial on How-To Hem a Curtain ~

1. With your curtain hung on the rod, loosely pull the bottom of the panel and add 2-3 pins at the spot where the panel hits the floor plane.

Hint: Don’t pull the panel tawt because if you pin and sew at that point, your panels will result too short.  You want to leave the panel(s) loose, so it just grazes the floor (this is how I feel a curtain panel looks professional.  It’s not a must, but it’s my opinion).

DIY: Tutorial on how to hem a window curtain panel and how-to add stripes using wall paint; Designer look for less by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

2. With the 2-3 pins indicating the line for which to hem the panel, I used a measuring tape to keep the same length and added more pins all the way across the width of the panel.DIY: Tutorial on how to hem a window curtain panel and how-to add stripes using wall paint; Designer look for less by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

O, and did I tell you the good part about this project – I didn’t use a sewing machine.  I was totally feeling lazy that day! You can of course, but it’s not a must.  That’s a major plus for my non-sewing friends!

3. Using fusible tape, I folded the bottom edge underneath and hemmed at the line of the pins.

DIY: Tutorial on how to hem a window curtain panel and how-to add stripes using wall paint; Designer look for less by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

Here’s the result…

Yes, much better!

DIY: Tutorial on how to hem a window curtain panel by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

A perfectly tailored window curtain panel that just grazes the floor.  Super easy!

Ok, so now on to the 2nd part of this tutorial…

How-To Add Stripes Using Paint ~

FYI – you could totally skip step one if you have already have the perfect length curtain and you can skip this step if you have no interest in adding stripes.  Just thought I’d share that tid-bit 😉

For this part of the project, I used the following materials:

  • Painters Tape
  • Wall Paint that is the same color as the wall
  • Paint Brush
  • Measuring Tape

DIY: Tutorial on how to hem a window curtain panel and how-to add stripes using wall paint; Designer look for less by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

1. To start off, I determined how many stripes I wanted and the width of the stripes.

4 stripes and 1″ wide.

I layed my curtain panel on the floor and using a little math (big UGH), I determined my stripe placement.  Using painters tape (because it’s easy to remove), I marked the 4 stripe locations.

DIY: Tutorial on how to hem a window curtain panel and how-to add stripes using wall paint; Designer look for less by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

2. Then I added the painters tape and my measuring tape to create the 1″ wide stripe.

DIY: Tutorial on how to hem a window curtain panel and how-to add stripes using wall paint; Designer look for less by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

3. * Important part!

Once the tape is in position, it’s important to press hard on it like you’re burnishing it into the fabric.  You want to make sure the tape is sealed so the paint doesn’t seep underneath. I ‘burnished’ the edge with my nail.

DIY: Tutorial on how to hem a window curtain panel and how-to add stripes using wall paint; Designer look for less by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

4. Then using the wall paint that I used in the room (Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue), I painted on the stripes using a craft brush.  I did not add anything to the paint to make the medium different.  It’s straight paint on fabric!

DIY: Tutorial on how to hem a window curtain panel and how-to add stripes using wall paint; Designer look for less by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

DIY: Tutorial on how to hem a window curtain panel and how-to add stripes using wall paint; Designer look for less by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

Once all four stripes were done, I took off the tape.  Some of the areas weren’t completely dry, and that’s okay.

DIY: Tutorial on how to hem a window curtain panel and how-to add stripes using wall paint; Designer look for less by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

5. When setting up the stripes for the second panel, I layed both curtains side by side so they were perfectly aligned.  Then, by eye, I created the stripes on panel #2.

DIY: Tutorial on how to hem a window curtain panel and how-to add stripes using wall paint; Designer look for less by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

Once they were completely dry, they were ready to hang, and admire! #happygal

DIY: Tutorial on how to hem a window curtain panel and how-to add stripes using wall paint; Designer look for less by @Jenna_Burger, www.JENNABURGER.COM

The bamboo shades (which I got from Payless Decor) are a fantastic compliment to the stark white window panels and white moulding trim.  You may have seen the bamboo shades in other parts of my home (check this post out) and I adore them!  They are of great quality (and an awesome price).  The darker hue and texture (which is kind of difficult to tell in the picture because of the natural light coming through) are just gorgeous.  On my windows you’ll find the tibet color.

DIY: Tutorial on how to hem a window curtain panel and how-to add stripes using wall paint; Designer look for less by @Jenna_Burger, www.JENNABURGER.COM

DIY: Tutorial on how to hem a window curtain panel and how-to add stripes using wall paint; Designer look for less by @Jenna_Burger, www.JENNABURGER.COM

O, and if you like it, would you pin it or share it? Thanks a bunch!

DIY: Tutorial on how-to add stripes using wall paint; Designer look for less by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

Have questions?  Don’t be afraid to ask – I’d be happy to help!

Want to see more drapery projects?

Then you might want to check out this post on Adding Decorative Leading Edge Trim to Curtains ~

DIY Tutorial on How-To Add a Leading Edge to a Curtain Panel by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

Or this project on How-To Make Curtains from Scratch and Line them with Drop Cloth~

DIY-Window Panels101

Of course you’ll want to know How-To Best Hang Window Drapery Panels, right?

The Right (and Wrong) Way to Hang Curtains

Thanks for checking out my 2-in-1 tutorial!  What a great Tuesday!

 Have you ever tried painting on fabric?  What about embellishing window treatments?  Or even making your own curtains?  Share your creations with me – would love to see them!

I link my projects to some of these parties: Skip to My Lou, Dittle Dattle, Between Naps on the Porch, Today’s Creative Blog, Stories of A to Z, All Things Heart & Home, House of Hepworths, Finding Fabulous, The Shabby Nest, Serenity Now, Tatertots and Jello, Thrifty Decor Chick, Tip Junkie

Publication Feature: SaratogaMama Magazine

It’s an exciting day for me.

My name, my picture, and my home have been published.

The feature is in the premier issue of a local family-related publication called SaratogaMama Magazine run by Colleen Pierre of SaratogaMama.com.

If your local to the Albany / Saratoga  Springs area of Upstate NY, you might have heard of it – SaratogaMama is so helpful to learn about important places, helpful resources, and “what’s happening” in our community.  The article I wrote is about Ideas for Infusing Color into Your Home for Spring.   So no matter where you live you might gather some helpful and creative ideas.  Plus, you can get a little sneak peak at the featured photos of my pad taken by Mark Bolles, a local photographer.

Here’s the feature, which you can read in it’s entirety by clicking {here}.

(left click on image to view larger – these directions are for you mom, lol )Feature Article in SaratogaMama Magazine

Feature Article in SaratogaMama Magazine

Feature Article in SaratogaMama Magazine

Have an enjoyable and creative weekend!  Any exciting plans?

Easily Change a Recessed Light to a Decorative Hanging Fixture

In my quest to make a few easy upgrades in the kitchen (I shared my new bamboo shades earlier in the week), I was really hoping for some sort of decorative fixture.  It was near impossible aesthetically because of the close proximity to the hanging fixtures in the adjacent rooms, plus there are 6 recessed lights (hi-hats) in the space and the layout just wouldn’t allow – I wasn’t wanting to change the space that much for an electrician to come in and rip out the entire ceiling to simply add a pretty new light.

But thenwww.JENNABURGER/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/RecessedLightToFixture2.jpg”>Easily and Inexpensively Convert a Recessed Light to a Hanging Decorative Fixtures by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

To easily make the upgrade, I used a Recessed Light Adapter Kit (a.k.a. Recessed Fixture Converter) which quickly and inexpensively allows a recessed light to be converted to any style hanging fixture or pendant.  Think about the possibilities for all those blah hi-hats that can now be WOW – hallways, bathrooms, kitchens…

Easily and Inexpensively Convert a Recessed Light to a Hanging Decorative Fixtures by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

To start off, the Mister and I removed the light bulb and the plastic can, so only the sheetrock and wires inside were exposed.  Then we took the new white plate from the conversion kit and installed it as specified in the directions (the electrical wires were still exposed and dangling).

Easily and Inexpensively Convert a Recessed Light to a Hanging Decorative Fixtures by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

Then it was time to hang and electrify the fixture.  If you plan on changing out your recessed light, follow the directions that come with the kit!  I am not an electrician and I’m sharing the pictures and steps that I took, but every condition is slightly different.

Easily and Inexpensively Convert a Recessed Light to a Hanging Decorative Fixtures by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

The hanging fixture we chose was from Lowe’s and it’s a great accent to the fixtures in the nearby spaces. Cute, right? It was less than $50 so it was a winner in my book. I’ve seen similar for a lot more $$$, so I was a #happygal.

Easily and Inexpensively Convert a Recessed Light to a Hanging Decorative Fixtures by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

Within about 20 minutes, the fixture was hung and we stood back to admire.

Easily and Inexpensively Convert a Recessed Light to a Hanging Decorative Fixtures by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

Check out how the kitchen has transformed over the years.

All DIY baby!!

Evolution of Kitchen Makeover revamped entirely with DIY projects (no professionals) by @Jenna_Burger via sasinteriors.net

It’s hard to believe how it looked less than 2 years ago.  I’m super happy with the recent revamp of the bamboo shades and the decorative light fixture.  (Who knows what will be next…)

If you want to read more about the DIY Kitchen Makeover, click {here} or feel free to ask me.

Have you ever changed a recessed light to a decorative fixture?  If not, where in your home would you like to?

A Simple Kitchen Window Upgrade

Do you ever feel with a little upgrade, a space in your home that you haven’t quite loved, will finally look exactly how you always hoped?  That little revamp which won’t take long, but the room doesn’t feel “right” without ?

Well, I’ve had that feeling in my kitchen for a while.  The part that needed a redo wasn’t horrible, but I was kind of tired of it.

It’s not the cabinets because I still love them 2 years later.

It’s not the hardware because I still love that too.

But instead it was actually the valance over the windows that I felt blah about.

So the kitchen window got a revamp!

Kitchen Window Revamp - A simple upgrade for a large kitchen window via @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

I created the previous valance 2 years ago and I never felt it was just right (don’t tell the Mister.  He didn’t see anything wrong with it).  To others, the valance was fine, but for me, it just wasn’t exactly what I envisioned.  Here’s how it looked before (with the old oak cabinets too – crazy to look at)…

Kitchen Valance

Anyway, since I’ve been adding bamboo shades (which I got from favorite resource, Payless Decor) to many of the first floor windows after I painted the mouldings white, it seemed like the most appropriate choice to continue the look + I love the wood texture of the shades against the light yellow wall color and crisp, white mouldings!

Aren’t they gorgeous?!

Kitchen Window Revamp - A simple upgrade for a large kitchen window via @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

This past weekend while the kids went out for breakfast with their grandparents, I found a few hours of free time to finally hang my new roman shades.  When does that ever happen – free time – huh??  I blasted the music – Katy Perry was my fav choice for this project 🙂 – and got to work.

You might have seen me post this pic on Instagram Saturday afternoon…Kitchen Window Revamp - A simple upgrade for a large kitchen window via @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

I removed the old valance + there was still a cellular shade from the old owners behind it.  Then in about an hour, I hung the new roman shades.  Usually I always choose inside mount shades because decorative treatments (long drapes) are on the outside, but because the moulding of the kitchen window hits the ceiling and I wanted to allow as much light in as possible, so I decided on an outside mount.  Now the new bamboo shades touch the ceiling.

What do you think?

Kitchen Window Revamp - A simple upgrade for a large kitchen window via @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

Such a difference and the new shades go so well with the open cabinet.

Kitchen Window Revamp - A simple upgrade for a large kitchen window via @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

O, and did you notice the new light?  That was an easy switch-aroo that we did a few weekends ago as well.  We changed the hi-hat to a hanging fixture.  I’ll share more on that later this week, so stay tuned…

Kitchen Window Revamp - A simple upgrade for a large kitchen window via @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

It’s amazing how small things which only take a few hours (or a morning filled with good music), change the entire look of a room.  I am thrilled with the new look of this room.

If you love the look of these gorgeous bamboo shades, they’re from Payless Decor and the color is Tibet.

Kitchen Window Revamp - A simple upgrade for a large kitchen window via @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

Ahhh… Much Better – #happygirl

What small adjustments have you made in a room of your home to completely change the look? If nothing yet, what changes do you want / hope to make?

 

How To Upcycle: Successful Tips for Changing Old Items into Creative Home Decor

One of my all-time favorite ways to save money and bring elements into my home that have purpose and meaning is with upcycling, a.k.a. reusing / repurposing an item into another use or function. I’ve upcycled a lot of things around my home and shared the process and result on the blog, like my recent light to vase switch-aroo!

Not only can you save $$$ in your pocket, but upcycling allows you to create something that is original and one-of-a-kind.  Yes, you may have to think outside the box a bit, but in the end I’m sure you’ll be happy with the result.

Since upcycling so many items around my digs, I thought I would share some tips and ideas on how to successfully change old items into trendy, fun, and creative new home decor.

How to Upcycle: Successful Tips for Changing Old Items into Home Decor via @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

 

1. Shop Your Home

One of my favorite ways to shop is with a $0 budget. What?  How is that possible (you ask)?

Well by shopping your home. Take a tour around your house and look for items that you’re bored or tired of.  Then with a little creativity, give them a fresh new look.  It can be as simple as a coat of spray paint (in a fun, vibrant color) or taking the item and completely changing it’s function {like my garage sale clock-turned-mirror}.  It can be a super simple reuse of an item, but I guarantee by changing it’s look, the item will be new again!

Sometimes the unimaginary can be made into something else.  Gail of My Repurposed Life did just that when she shopped her home and instead of ditching an old bed, she used the posts and upcycled them into candletsicks. How cool?!

How to Upcycle: Successful Tips for Changing Old Items into Home Decor via @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

Or how about these old lampshades which Viv of The V Spot revamped with new fabric and ribbon?  They were almost trashed, but now they look like something that you’d buy at a high-end boutique.

How to Upcycle: Successful Tips for Changing Old Items into Home Decor via @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

 

2. Good Bones

When thinking about keeping or tossing, it’s important to look beyond the surface to see if the “trash” is worth the work to upcycle.  Who wants to spend time on repurposing something and have it fall apart the next day?  Especially with furniture or larger-scaled items, look at the joints (dovetail joints are best, but not a must) and the structure of the piece.  Think about what you want to do with it – keep as is or change it’s function – before starting the transformation.  Like our bodies, good bones are important for a longer life.

A project that I saw, what feels like a gazillion years ago but never forgot, is Beckie’s vintage television turned console table.  How incredible is this furniture upcycle?! You gotta go check it out on Infarrantly Creative.

How to Upcycle: Successful Tips for Changing Old Items into Home Decor via @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

 

3. Thrift Store Finds

Thrift stores, estate sales, garage sales, and ReStore shops are all ideal spots to find items to upcycle into trendy and creative home decor.  Things that I am always on the lookout for are picture frames, small bowls, glassware, maps, candlesticks, old books, and chairs (that can easily be reupholstered).  These items are perfect for almost any spot of the home and usually cost very little ($1-$5).

  • Picture frames can always be revamped with a can of spray paint or chalk paint. Try sunshine yellow, raspberry, or tangerine.  Bold is better!
  • Small bowls are perfect to hold jewelry or simply rest on top of a cluster of books.
  • Glassware can be grouped together or displayed on their own.  I love glassware for mantel displays and table vignettes.
  • Maps can be used for SO many upcycling projects.  Decoupage them onto drawer fronts like Dinah did in her craft room.
  • An upholstering chairs is one of my favs! Check out my 1st upcycled chair {here}

Shannon and Dean of AKA Design rocked this upcycled project outta the park.   They turned an old wooden door, that they found at a ReStore shop, into the ultimate entry table – how amazing!

How to Upcycle: Successful Tips for Changing Old Items into Home Decor via @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

Here’s another one for you…

Lisa of The Pennington Point found this frame “thingy” (as she put it so perfectly) at a flee market.  She had lots of ideas for it, then came up with the perfect upcycled creation… a new wooden clock.  So creative!

How to Upcycle: Successful Tips for Changing Old Items into Home Decor via @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

 

4. Don’t Toss It – Save It

I’m not a hoarder (even though you may think differently if you peaked into my garage), but I often have a difficult time parting with things (specifically decor items) because I always believe that someday, somehow I will use it for something.   You never know when an item can be of use.  One day it’s trash and another day it’s treasure.  The best items can be created with something you almost threw out.  If you’re questioning whether an item is worth tossing or keeping, look at it outside of it’s traditional element.  Use your creative eye to see how it can be upcycled into something else.

Now, let me state, I am not condoning keeping everything that crosses your path, but items around the house that could potentially be reused, revamped, or recycled should stick around – you never know what they can be used for in the future.

Whether it be in your home or at an old school, treasure can be found all around you.  Jessica of Mad in Crafts got a hold of these awesome floor boards from the stage of her old high school.  Thanks to her mom who salvaged some of the boards, she upcycled them into some fun wall art…

How to Upcycle: Successful Tips for Changing Old Items into Home Decor via @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

 

5. Roadside Pickup

Never doubt a roadside pickup.  “Trash” on the side of the road can literally be some of the best finds ever… like my favorite turquoise chair (remember when I had the back of my truck filled with groceries and piled the chair right on top)

My friend KariAnne over at Thistlewood Farm calls her roadside pickups her “little slice of junk heaven”.  But clearly her house doesn’t portray “junk” one bit.  Check out the transformation of this curbside find, where she upcycled a 40 pane glass window into a huge chalkboard calendar.  Pure Gorgeousness…

How to Upcycle: Successful Tips for Changing Old Items into Home Decor via @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

 

6. Look for Inspiration to Knock-Off

Don’t be ashamed by copying or being inspired by something you see in a magazine or read on a blog.  Some of the best creations can evolve from what you see day in and day out.  Knock-offs can save Big Bucks and you can be proud of your thrifty, unique, one-of-a-kind creation.

Sara of The Clever Pink Pirate created the ultimate knock-off when she was inspired by $89 Pottery Barn mirrors, but saved big when she created her own version using wood bowls found at a local thrift store.  So neat!

How to Upcycle: Successful Tips for Changing Old Items into Home Decor via @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

 

7. Dumpster Divin’

Well there’s not much of an explanation needed here.  But honestly, who knows what you’ll find in a dumpster.  Since others may not be smart enough or have the know-how to successfully upcycle, then you can truly find some awesome treasures.  Be prepared to be up against some crazy, gross stuff, but who knows what you’ll discover.

*disclaimer: this is not (yet) something that I’ve tried.

This DIY dumpster divin’ creation makes it all worth it.  Can we give Karah of The Space Between a big, WOW! What an awesome upcycled project.  From door to coffee table…

How to Upcycle: Successful Tips for Changing Old Items into Home Decor via @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

 

8. Find a New Location

Sometimes the best upcycles involve nothing but moving the item from one spot to another.  Or buying it and just using it ‘as-is’.  For many who are reluctant to DIY or use tools to change something, this is the best way to upcycle because little time is involved.  ‘Shopping your home’ and moving items around is my M.O.!  A new spot gives new life to what was once boring.  Give it a try.  Gather a few items and move them to someplace else.  I bet your home will look like new in no time (while spending nothing).

I love how Angie of Country Chic Cottage displays this old, vintage, distressed ladder to hang beautiful quilts.  What a great way to reuse something old…

How to Upcycle: Successful Tips for Changing Old Items into Home Decor via @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

Want to see more creative upcycled projects?  Have a look…

Old lamp turned plant stand by Plucking Daisies

Luggage Rack to Tray Table by Mod Podge Rocks

Barn Door Desk by Cleverly Inspired

Memo Board by Eclectically Vintage

Window pane turned cork board by Mom 4 Real

Drawer pull turned succulent holder by The Scrap Shoppe

Clock turned mirror by Free Stylin

Valentine Sweater Wreath by Crafts n Coffee

Porch Entry Table by Domestic Imperfection

Upcycled Chair to Side Table by The Happy Homemaker

Wine Crate Show Storage by White House Black Shutters

Old Chair to Spring Planter by My Sister’s Suitcase

Reupholstered Chair by Streetwise Decor

Have you ever thought of or tried upcycling? If so, what have you upcycled in your home?  What treasures do you search for at thrift stores and garage sales?