Repurposing

These days, everyone tries hard to subscribe to the 3R’s— Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Home design is all over that trend, and has its own 3R’s— Recycle, Repurpose, Reclaim. More and more, people are finding ways to use reclaimed elements— especially wood, when decorating their homes. Salvaged wood is not only hot in structural elements, like flooring, beams, doors and wall treatments. It’s just as fashionable when it’s used in furniture applications— like for a desk, dining table, headboard, mirror, coffee table, or even a set of shelves. Reclaimed wood lends a warmth to any room, but also infuses a space with a sense of history and charm that new materials lack. You may be surprised at all the places you can incorporate reclaimed wood into your home. Here are some of our favorites from around the web.

Before sending a bag of old sweaters to the thrift store, try repurposing them in creative new ways.

‘Knot’ just for sailing fanatics or decorating summer beach houses anymore, rope has found its way into homes of every style.

Don’t toss all that scrap wood left over from your last DIY adventure! Instead, put it to good use building one of these fun and functional projects for your home.

It’s a new year, which means it’s time to get started on your home resolutions for 2016. The best place to start? Out with the old! While it can be difficult to let go of prized possessions, the relief that comes along with decluttering can be well worth the brief pangs of sentiment. Start lightening your load with these 14 items that you can—and should—toss right now.

Declutter your home without adding more trash to landfills with these creative upcycling ideas.

These innovative projects will inspire you to dig through your discards and repurpose them into useful furnishings and interesting accents for your home.

Next time you sweep out your fireplace, don’t just dump those ashes! You can use them in the garden and around—and even inside—the house.

Learn how to dispose of old computers without compromising your safety or the health of the planet.

Irons aren’t just for the laundry room anymore. There are plenty of unusual ways to put this wrinkle remover to good use, whether it’s for candles, crafts, or cleaning. Discover 9 alternative ways an iron can make your everyday tasks easier.