Here are a few ways you can reduce waste and create a one-of-a-kind piece for your home.
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Reduce, reuse, upcycle

By Sunshine Menefee

Inside Dezign Writer

Upcycling

With a new focus on purposeful living, the current upcycling trend blends in seamlessly. Upcycling is the art of taking something that is meant to be trash and giving it a new life by putting it to use in a different manner than its original purpose. Essentially, it’s making treasure out of trash, and it is a hot trend that is both stylish, practical and beneficial. Here are a few ways you can reduce waste and create a one-of-a-kind piece for your home. The key is to see things is a different light.

Pallets

These versatile gems are an upcycler’s ultimate delight! Endless opportunities abound for pallet projects. Some of the niftiest include garden planters, oversized letters, coffee tables, and outdoor furniture.

A pallet is turned into a vertical garden.
http://theinspiredroom.net/2012/05/28/the-pallet-garden-re-mix-2012/
A pallet is turned into a vertical garden.
Adding legs to a pallet created a coffee table with a retro vibe.
http://www.upcyclethat.com/pallet-coffee-table/5996/
Adding legs to a pallet created a coffee table with a retro vibe.
A weathered pallet makes unique artwork.
http://www.upcyclethat.com/pallet-letters-2/6372/
A weathered pallet makes unique artwork.
Pallets are made into outdoor seating.
http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2014/10/diy-modular-outdoor-seating.html
Pallets are made into outdoor seating.

Glass jars

Drinking out of old mason jars is very trendy right now. But did you stop think about that spaghetti sauce jar before you threw it out? There’s a use for that...and all those empty wine bottles lying around can be put to good use, too!

Paint and hot glue transform sauce jars.
http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=71&sid=18825114
Paint and hot glue transform sauce jars.
Terrariums fit in a variety of glass jars.
http://urbancomfort.typepad.com/urban_nest/2011/02/indoor-gardens.html
Terrariums fit in a variety of glass jars.
A chandelier is made from old wine bottles.
http://www.diyrecycled.com/lights/7-diy-unique-upcycled-bottle-lights/
A chandelier is made from old wine bottles.
Old sauce and candle jars are used as candy dishes.
http://candacecreates.com/personalized-teacher-gifts/
Old sauce and candle jars are used as candy dishes.
Wine bottles make great tiki torches.
http://www.designsponge.com/2009/08/diy-project-eriks-recycled-wine-bottle-torch.html
Wine bottles make great tiki torches.

Fabric

Don’t worry if a t-shirt has a hole or a pair of jeans gets worn out. Turn them into something worthwhile with a scrappy happy project. That leftover fabric can become a feline hotel, necklace, bunting, bow tie, or drink coasters.

Your feline friends can benefit from worn out clothes.
http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-cat-tent/
Your feline friends can benefit from worn out clothes.
Necklaces can be made from old fabric.
http://www.howdoesshe.com/diy-fabric-necklaces-that-cost-mere-marbles/
Necklaces can be made from old fabric.
Scrap fabric can be used to make a camera strap.
http://www.modabakeshop.com/2010/04/custom-camera-slipcover.html
Scrap fabric can be used to make a camera strap.
Napkins rings are made from scrap fabric.
http://www.livingwithpunks.com/2011/06/sys-bhldn-napkin-rings/
Napkins rings are made from scrap fabric.
A mug rug can be made from scrap fabric.
http://www.stitchesandscissors.com/2011/03/wonky-starburst-mug-rug-tutorial.html
A mug rug can be made from scrap fabric.

Windows

Windows make for great display cases. Build a box around an old window to create an instant curio cabinet or like this one, a bathroom storage cabinet! Or use the same idea to add one to the top of a coffee table. Dig out those old family photos to display underneath.

A window made into a cabinet adds space in the bathroom.
http://www.upcyclethat.com/diy-bathroom-cabinet/6446/
A window made into a cabinet adds space in the bathroom.
Windows are fashioned to make a shower enclosure.
http://www.designsponge.com/2012/05/sneak-peek-evan-oliver-haslegrave.html
Windows are fashioned to make a shower enclosure.
Windows can be used as coffee table display cases.
http://ohgloryvintage.com/2012/01/16/reclaimed-window-coffee-tables/
Windows can be used as coffee table display cases.
A window is used as a jewelry organizer.
http://theborrowedabode.com/2011/01/tutorial-window-frame-jewelry-display/
A window is used as a jewelry organizer.
A new meaning for the term “window box”.
http://www.hgtv.com/design-blog/how-to/5-old-window-ideas-we-love
A new meaning for the term “window box”.

Furniture

Trash to treasure items can be found anywhere. Old furniture sitting on the side of the road can be cleaned up and repurposed. If a dresser is missing drawers, simply make it a display case. Make a new fabric cushion for a rattan chair that with a broken seat. That large entertainment center can become a hidden desk.

Removing drawers creates display space.
http://4theloveofwood.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-make-dresser-2ft-taller-cottage.html?showComment=1359089272733
Removing drawers creates display space.
An entertainment center is repurposed as a laundry station.
http://www.bhg.com/decorating/makeovers/furniture/diy-furniture-transformations/#page=29
An entertainment center is repurposed as a laundry station.
This headboard now serves as a bench.
http://theletteredcottage.net/headboard-bench-tutorial/
This headboard now serves as a bench.
An armoire is reconstructed to become a bird-cage.
http://makezine.com/2009/07/30/diy_aviary_from_old_armoire/
An armoire is reconstructed to become a bird-cage.
A vintage dresser is used as a new vanity.
http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/25-ways-to-upcycle-your-old-stuff-pictures
A vintage dresser is used as a new vanity.

Ladders

Even ladders can be reinvigorated to add much-needed storage solutions. They work great at holding towels or shoes. Hang one from the ceiling for an instant pot rack. Or hang it horizontally on a wall for a small bookshelf.

Small ladders can fit storage in cramped spaces.
http://craftingagreenworld.com/2013/05/10/10-upcycled-ladder-projects-that-will-leave-you-inspired/
Small ladders can fit storage in cramped spaces.
A ladder hung horizontally can offer storage.
https://thepinkhammer.wordpress.com/tag/upcycled-ladder/
A ladder hung horizontally can offer storage.
Ladders can be repurposed to hold items normally found in a closet.
http://hellosociety.com/blog/top-5-pinterest-pins-diy-earth-day-upcycling-home-decor-projects/upcycled-ladder-into-shelves/
Ladders can be repurposed to hold items normally found in a closet.
This chandelier has an idyllic feel.
https://thesouthernmermaid.wordpress.com/2011/12/05/mondiy-upcycled-ladder-chandelier/
This chandelier has an idyllic feel.
This old ladder has a new life as a display shelf.
http://www.shelterness.com/how-to-reuse-an-old-ladder-as-a-cloth-rack-10-ideas/
This old ladder has a new life as a display shelf.

Upcycling is a trend with definite staying that is not only functional and stylish, but also environmentally friendly. When you rescue a piece bound for the landfill, you are reducing waste and creating a piece that will add a touch of something personal to your home. So put on your “green” glasses and start looking for treasures!

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