Make Old Items New Again! A Guide to Repurposing

Many of us can see an item's potential, even though it may be slightly older, dirty and worn. What may have once been a spectacular piece has now been tossed aside and donated to your local thrift store to collect dust. But with the ever-increasing desire for vintage-looking pieces in the home, more and more antique aficionados are ready and willing to take on the task of repurposing items and restoring them to their natural beauty. It's time to make old items new again! Here's a guide to repurposing...

Finding a New Purpose

When it comes to repurposing older items, finding the piece that speaks to you is a good place to start. After all, this is going to be a project and in order for you to stick with this project, you are going to want to find something that's worth working on. While you're perusing the local Goodwill, consignment shop or online auction, think of what an item could be and find a new purpose for that item. Give something that someone wanted to get rid of another chance at life. Perfect repurposing items can include:

• Suitcases

• Headboards

• Ladders

• Instruments

• Furniture

• Wine bottles

The key is to look past what the item is now and think of what it has the potential to be. Create a bookshelf out of an old ladder or a chandelier out of a collection of vintage wine bottles. With the right imagination, the possibilities are endless!

How to Repurpose an Item

The process of repurposing an item will vary based on the condition of the item and what you plan to do with it. Once you've located an item that you like and have come up with a purpose for that item, one of your first steps should be cleaning it up and making a game plan on what you plan to salvage from that item and what you plan to take away from it. If there's substantial work that will go into this item, you will need to allot some time to focus on it.

Once you've gotten your canvas prepared, it's time to get to work. Perhaps you need to add shelves to the item or give it a new coat of paint. It's important to have a dedicated space in your home, so that you can work on repurposing the item safely and properly.

Breathing New Life

Sometimes people may just see junk, but you may see treasure. Embrace your creative side and see where you imagination takes you. When you choose to breathe new life into an older item, not only will that item add charm and character to your home, but it will give you a sense of pride in what you have accomplished. So, when it comes to finding your treasure, remember that every item deserves a chance to be new again.