Blog Archives

Image

Decorating on a Dime: Upcycling Yard Sale Treasures

You never know what you’ll find at a yard sale, and with some finds, the possibilities for re-use and upcycling are limitless. This is what makes second hand shopping and “decorating on a dime” so exciting! Today we’re thrilled to introduce Linda Pokora of Designer’s Limited, an Interior Designer based in Greensboro, North Carolina. Linda shares once of her recent yard sale finds with us and shows us how to bring it to life in your home with a little creativity and imagination – this is an easy DIY project for anyone and the finished piece is a true gem!

“I found an old wooden flat used for flowers (greenhouses use plastic now) at a yard sale for $4.00. I lightly sanded it and gave it 2 coats of a water-based chalk paint (Annie Sloan’s). I imagine you could use almost any water-based paint. I intentionally left the name of the Greenhouse on the inside of the end to give it some interest. I stenciled it with a very inexpensive stencil I found at Michaels with a metallic paint. Then I sanded it in a few spots to show some wear. I buffed it with a clear wax (again Annie Sloan) but you could use any quality furniture wax found in antique or furniture stores. I added 2 inexpensive handles I bought for $1.98 each at Home Depot on each end.”

The tray is being used on a coffee table in an outdoor seating area. While it is an accent piece, it’s one that comes in handy for carrying snacks in from the kitchen or staging drinks!

Here are the before and after shots of this awesome find:


Linda has had her own design business for 20 years. Her firm specializes in new construction, residential design and staging. She’s also volunteering her time and talents for Chic Chateau, an up-cycled charity showhouse that benefits Habitat for Humanity of Greensboro. The showhouse opens September 21, 2012. Everything designers use in Chic Chateau must be up-cycled. And what would appear to be a limiting criteria actually squeezes a lot of creativity out of designers.

Image

Decorating on a Dime: Upcycling Lighting

We’ve seen some awesome DIY projects where people have purchased household items at yard sales or flea markets and with a little imagination and creativity, have created masterpieces. Today we’re excited to introduce and feature Marlaina Teich, a home design expert and remodeling specialist based in Long Island, NY. Marlaina shares a stunning lighting project for our “Decorating on a Dime” series today, this is awesome!

While working with a client on the renovation of their 100 year old house, we came across this chandelier at a local yard sale. We loved the fact that the piece was old and thought it could be perfect in the marine blue dining room that we were designing- if it was a different color and in working condition that is! Always up for a challenge, we first had the piece rewired for safety at a specialty lighting store (cost of rewire -$50). We then primed and painted the chandelier to give it a distressed white color. Actually- the distressed part was a happy mistake. We didnt prime the piece completely and the original iron color bled through!

The chandelier was purchased at a local yard sale. It cost $25 but we haggled to $20.

We hung the chandelier in the dining room. The house is a weekend house located on the water so I wanted to bring in the elements of sand, water and nature. The dining room is a marine blue shade, and the draperies are a subtly blue and white striped linen, perfect for framing the view of the water outside.

Marlaina is also the founder and principal designer at Marlaina Teich Designs (MTD), where she and her team create unique environments that reflect the personality and lifestyle of each client. Approachable and inspired, Marlaina’s clients all remark on her boundless energy, passion, honesty, and ability to bring their ideas, however raw, to inception and perfection. Marlaina received her degree from The Metropolitan Institute of Interior Design and is an Allied Member of ASID as well as IDS and has been a featured designer in various showcases, including the annual Mansions and Millionaires Showhouse.

Be sure to check out Marlaina Teich Designs website, www.mtdny.com

Twitter @marlainateich
Facebook marlainateichdesigns.facebook.com

Image

Decorating on a Dime: Upcycling Style

We are excited to feature Morgan Roberts, owner and designer behind King Soleil, a boutique specializing in children’s wear and home decor. A main force behind her designs is using upcycled fabrics and materials, all of which she has found at thrift stores, flea markets, estate and yard sales. Morgan says re-creating recycled items allows her to create one of a kind, eco-friendly items infused with modern, chic and sophisticated elements. Shopping at tag, estate, and yard sales, thrift stores and vintage shops is not only cost efficient, but keeps King Soleil eco conscious and allows Morgan to do her part to keep it green.

1. Upcycled Crochet Cherry Tree Rug
I purchased the fabric used to make this rug at a thrift store in CT. Made from 100% cotton sheets, I paid $6.00 for the whole set and was able to make this three foot diameter rug. Featured in Inside Crochet Magazine, Upcycle Magazine, Cheap and Chic Nursery, and various online sites, it all started with money in my wallet and a thrift store find. This rug was created to bring some zen into a nursery or children’s room.

2. Upcycled Crochet Vintage Rolled Roses Rug
I purchased this 100% cotton vintage floral sheet set from an estate sale in CT for $8.00. I fell in love with the colors and knew immediately I would make the set into an accent rug. For the white rolled roses I used sheer curtains that I purchased at a thrift store in CT for $3.00. I also used this fabric for the trim on this rug. This accent rug could be places anywhere from a sun room, entryway, library, children’s room or nursery, or can be used to create a special nook all its own.

3. Upcycled Modern Dandelion Crochet Rug
This rug was made from curtains that I purchased at a thrift store in CT for $15.00. I was amazed at the weight of this fabric even though it has some sheer qualities. Creating a modern dandelion applique makes the once traditional curtains new, minimalist and modern. The neutral color scheme can be placed anywhere in the home.

4. Upcycled Fabric Embroidery Hoop Art Set
The fabric used for the backing and all collage elements in these embroidery hoops was purchased at estate sales, yard sales, and thrift stores in NY and CT. Each fabric piece cost between $3 to $5. I collect fabric from vintage clothing, pillows, linens, draperies, and more, and then create embroidery hoop sets. I am also able to reuse fabric for multiple hoops. This specific set was purchased for a nursery, but I also make hoops for anywhere in the home. They can be used as wall art, or propped on a shelf, bookcase, or windowsill.

5. Upcycled Fabric Embroidery Hoop Art
Created from a fabric scrap purchased at a yard sale for $2.00, this embroidery hoop art adds some spring flavor, a pop of pink, and a fun print into the home. Whether used for a nursery, or as a Mother’s Day gift, this hoop can be placed in various rooms in the house. Fabric scraps, linens, clothing, curtains, tablecloths and more can be turned into embroidery hoop art, able to be personalized with any design or font you can embroider.