Spring is here and it is the perfect time to reinvent your furniture or start a new project. Today's post is written by Kaitlin Krull of Modernize.com and she will be sharing 5 tips to upcycle your furniture for a new look. Revitalize your home this Spring with one of these furniture update ideas. If your home is anything like mine, there are days when it seems dull and lifeless. While I know my home will never grace the pages of Architectural Digest (unless I suddenly become best friends with the Kardashians, which is unlikely), I should still be motivated enough to breath life back into it.
My exhausted furniture and I are crying out for a simple, affordable way to look fresh and alive again, and upcycling is the answer. If this sounds familiar to you, then check out some of my favorite ways to upcycle furniture in order to give it, and your home, a new lease on life.
(Image via Elle Decor UK)
Fresh Coat of Paint
Seasoned professionals in the home improvement market will all agree that a fresh coat of paint can completely change just about any room in your home. At Modernize, we think the same goes for your furniture, too.
Liven up your old dining room chairs, nightstands, or wooden coffee tables with a bold and different choice of paint. Choose monochrome hues for a sleek and sophisticated look, or bright colors for a bold and trendy feel. If you want to go for a shabby chic feel, simply distress your newly painted pieces with sandpaper (and maybe a hammer) for something old and something new at the same time.
Get Creative with Materials
If you opt to create your own upcycled pieces, then feel free to get creative with your building materials. Upcyclers tend to live up to their stereotype by working with interesting materials such as reclaimed wood panels, barn doors, pallets, and even marble and concrete (which are on trend for a striking and sleek modern look that is surprisingly simple to achieve).
We love a good Ikea hack, and this one from LoveLifeLoveFashon doesn't disappoint. It's a super simple marble-topped nightstand that anyone can accomplish, as long as you know how to place an order online.
(Image via LoveLifeLoveFashion)
DIY Upholstery
Reupholstering is perhaps at the very origin of upcycling: a new fabric, coupled with a paint or distressing job, can give an entirely new look to armchairs, sofas, or even ottomans. The DIY skill required for an upholstery job is generally in the moderate to difficult range, but the process is straightforward, and the Internet is absolutely full of step-by-step instructions that will help you on your way. Of course, you can always just pay someone to do the job for you.
Use Unique Pieces
Part of the upcycler’s code requires that you use unique pieces throughout the home in new and creative ways. Recycle your unused household objects (from wicker baskets and wooden crates to African drums and vintage toys) by turning them into side tables, coffee tables, or statement pieces. The sky’s the limit when it comes to your unique furniture creations, because if you have the supplies and the imagination, you can create it. This kind of upcycling style works especially well in eclectic and retro homes, or you can theme your unique DIYs to match the style throughout your home.
(Image via Home is Where the Heart is)
Mix and Match Styles
For those of you whose homes don’t have one particular “style,” never fear. Upcyling is all about mixing styles, and there is no wrong style combination. Mixtures of modern and hipster, rustic and industrial, farmhouse and industrial, traditional and modern, or even eclectic styles are easily achieved with DIY and upcycled pieces. We particularly love the rustic industrial look in homes, which intertwines looks like beautiful pieces of reclaimed wood with wrought iron bars for a mash-up of rural and urban design style.
(Image via Zw6)
I hope you have enjoyed this post by Modernize. Are you working on a Home Improvement project? Head on over to Modernize to get connected with lead-industry contractors to bring your home upgrades to life.
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