In recent weeks, I have shown you a lot of examples of taking existing furniture and reimagining it—whether it is repurposing or just refinishing. I would like to take a minute this week to highlight a different aspect of upcycling. Making something out of leftover parts and pieces from other projects. Now I know I have repeatedly emphasized the importance of keeping old hardware and reusing it on other pieces. The same logic goes to salvaging doors and drawers (and screws, and scrap wood…but I digress) that have been removed from old pieces.
The drawers used in these wall shelves came from the dresser that I transformed into a kitchen island (see blog post from 3/7/17). For the island, I replaced the drawers with open shelving, so the drawers were no longer needed. 
Well, you know I would never let them go to waste! They are now adorable wall shelves perfect for a plant, battery operated candle (please—no flames) or small collectible.
The same thing goes for this coat rack. It started its life as a door to a cabinet (which was converted to an open shelved cigar bar). I loved the raw wood and simply stenciled the olive pattern on with stain. Add some sturdy hooks and Voila! A coat rack is born!
Now some of you may think that my insistence on salvaging parts borders on hoarding, or some frugal obsession. I will grant you that my habits have earned me more than a few eye rolls from my husband. Yes, it saves money, and yes it lessens the impact on the environment. But for those of you who are not tree huggers, let me point out the other important part of upcycling. These pieces are ONE OF A KIND! By incorporating these elements into your home, you are layering interest and personalization that you just cannot get in a big box store. So I encourage you to look at “junk” with a fresh eye. How can you breathe new life into something no longer useful in its original form? I just bet you might find yourself stopping along side the curb to check out that free discarded furniture!!
Hold my wine, I’ve got this…
Amy
