REPURPOSING
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Say Goodbye to Your 1980s DecorWhether or not you want to believe it, the 1980s now belong to a bygone era—though you...
Old homes often have plenty of magical features and charm, but they also might have characteristics that no longer se...
Composting is an excellent way to reduce the amount of food waste in landfills and put it to good use in the garden i...
Candle jars come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Once the candle has finished burning, the glass container lends it...
It’s exciting to give your home the facelift you’ve always wanted. However, renovations can also be drawn out and tir...
Plastic is a massive contributor to global waste and pollution. In fact, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)...
DIYers and pros love their tools, but they’re also keenly aware of this harsh reality: They don’t last forever. Wheth...
Q: I have an American flag hanging on a flag pole outdoors, but I’ve noticed that it is beginning to look faded and h...
As consumers, we create a massive amount of waste, filling up landfills with all of the products we’ve used and throw...
Create a sense of peace and balance with the right spatial flow. Just make or buy one of these beautiful room dividers, and find a layout that works for you.
Putting a dent in your home improvement to-do list can often put an even bigger dent in your wallet. But these 21 humble DIY projects reduce, reuse, and reimagine...
Getting your house shipshape doesn’t always mean running to the home improvement center to load up on supplies. Many DIY maintenance tasks, home repairs, and othe...
Make today the start of an eco-friendly lifestyle change. Try these 20 easy ideas you can do right now to be kinder to the planet.
When used imaginatively, ordinary items can have practical magic. Here’s some inspiration for employing everyday household goods in unusual—and helpful—ways.
With a minimal amount of research, phone time, or legwork, you can nab plenty of household essentials for free.
Save cash and protect the environment by doing the right thing with your outmoded cell phone, tablet, and other gadgets.
Garage sales are go-to destinations for bargain hunters and antiques aficionados in search of one-of-a-kind pieces to complete their home or wardrobe. But make a ...
Life is expensive. Between the mortgage, insurance, car payments, and unexpected repairs, homeowners have a lot of money going out. It’s understandable, then, tha...
Cross-sections of a tree branch are all that keep you away from a house full of one-of-a-kind rustic, woodsy decor.
We all know that plastic isn't exactly eco-friendly, so if you want to do your part to protect the planet, the best course of action is to reduce the amount of pl...
While the thought of destroying a hardcover tome might make some book lovers squirm, there does come a time when an old, musty, or damaged book may have outlived ...
Bobby pins are the unsung heroes of beauty tools. The tiny clips can hold braids, pin back bangs, and give extra lift to a ponytail, but did you know that they ha...
Bubble wrap is a great material for packing, but it has a lot of other, very practical uses. When you get a box with bubble wrap in it, resist the urge to pop it ...
In nearly every bathroom, you'll find at least one package of dental floss, whether it’s waxed, unwaxed, monofilament, or multistranded. Believe it or not, that l...
Even greenhorn green thumbs know that applying compost to soil helps plants fight erosion, pests, and disease. But we...
Who says there’s no such thing as a free lunch? Many municipalities, for instance, offer freebies that go way beyond the occasional refrigerator magnet, key chain...
Open your medicine cabinet and you'll probably find several half-filled bottles of fingernail polish. Before tossing the containers, try one of these 10 unusual h...
By now maybe you've seen Dr. Bronner's Castile soap in the personal hygiene aisle at your local grocery or health food store. While Castile soap isn't new—it's be...
Composting is an affordable way to nab food for your plants while reducing waste in your home or apartment and in loc...
Don't trash that dead telephone, scrap that torn sweater, or haul that lifeless bed frame to the junkyard just yet! As these functional and fanciful projects prov...
Introduced in the 1920s, the original Q-tips were merely wooden sticks with cotton wrapped around one end. Today, the improved two-sided version with its flexible...
More than simply a quick fix for leaky pipes, cracked windows, or torn fabric, duct tape can also lend its versatility and durability to your original DIY creatio...
Ah, your coffee machine! It’s your daily savior first thing in the morning—because does anything smell better than a fresh-brewed pot of coffee? But the appliance...
You already know the value of spices for giving the dishes you love that perfect savory or sweet taste, but you may not know that many of the spices found in your...
Cinder blocks may used as the material for load-bearing walls or in the foundation of a house, but their sturdy, heavy composition and stackable design also make ...
Maintaining a home can be pricey. Between furnishing the interior, keeping up with regular maintenance, and improving curb appeal, costs can skyrocket. But there’...
Drinking straws seem to have only one purpose, but they have become a DIY darling. It’s not hard to see why: They’re produced in an endless range of fun colors an...
From vertically sprouting succulent gardens to converted colanders that bloom with living greens, these unconventional homemade planter projects require only a ca...
“Leftover wine” may seem like a freak of nature, a mythical beast along the lines of fairies and unicorns. But sometimes, even the most dedicated oenophiles simpl...
Bungee cords aren’t just for securing luggage and equipment. Bungees—those stretchy elastic bands covered in a woven cotton or polypropylene sheath, with metal ho...
Most homeowners’ desk drawers conceal dozens of paper clips in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Fortunately, you can put these tiny metal fasteners to work...
Plastic cups are incredibly cheap and convenient, but most of them end their lives in landfills across the country. Rather than pitching the disposable beverage h...
Ice cubes can transform any beverage into a refreshing treat. But did you know that ice has myriad practical uses beyond chilling your drink? Ice can solve a bevy...
Despite our greatest efforts to minimize our use of plastic grocery bags by opting for reusable shopping bags, that pesky plastic always has a way of ending up in...
Most people associate chalk with elementary school blackboards and sidewalk hopscotch games, but chalk can be a surprisingly handy helper to have around the house...
Though small and unassuming, a tiny tube of Chapstick packs a lot of utility into its minuscule proportions. Whether brand-name or generic, lip balm can do so muc...
Reading the morning newspaper is a relaxing ritual for many people, but unfortunately, this admirable habit results in the waste of a lot of paper. Rather than si...
Before sending a bag of old sweaters to the thrift store, try repurposing them in creative new ways.
Before you make your next shopping list, shop your home for some of these ingenious household supplies. From the garden to the bathtub, these zero-dollar solution...
Looking to enhance your backyard escape with little more than an hour-long DIY project? Consider the charm of an acce...
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.
From clearing clogged drains to filling nail holes, maintaining your home can seem like a MacGyver-esque challenge—but it doesn't have to be this way. Make light ...
Before you drag those mismatched shelves, broken chairs, worn-out sofas, or just plain ugly eyesores to the curb, check out these creative examples of repurposed ...
Paintbrushes aren’t just for painting anymore! In fact, even if you don’t have a painting project in your future, you may want to stock up on paintbrushes the nex...
Rub-a-dub-dub, soap is great for a scrub! But bar soap is handy to have around for many reasons that go far beyond the bathtub. It can serve as a lubricant, fresh...
Whether or not you have a slight shoe obsession, it seems that everyone has an abundance of old shoeboxes taking up space in the closet. Put those sturdy cardboar...
Don't toss that candle stub! Discover some creative ways to use the wax that is left after burning a candle.
That humble brown kraft paper typically used for grocery bags has recently gained a surprising—and strikingly beautif...
Duct tape is an extremely durable and versatile product that can be used to mend, patch, hem, and more. Here are 12 ways that you can put a roll of this ubiquitou...
From patching holes in drywall to removing bathtub rust spots, aspirin has some surprising household uses beyond the medicine cabinet. Next time you're looking to...
Struggling to create order in the chaos of a full house? These 18 space-smart DIY furnishings and home accents will help you manage your humble home in an ultrafu...
There’s no place for tarnished silver on the holiday table, especially not when company is due for dinner. But if rem...
Let’s face it, appliances don’t last forever. And when they bite the dust, we’re left wondering how to dispose of them. Here’s an idea: don’t! Instead, try one of...
Your holiday spirits may be high when the champagne and the conversation is overflowing, but after the guests leave, ...
Think a coffee filter is only good for brewing your morning cup of joe? Think again! Disposable paper coffee filters are great multitaskers around the house, used...
Soggy sandwiches, messy leftovers, and dried-out cheeses have been a thing of the past since the 1960s, thanks to the invention of a ubiquitous kitchen staple: th...
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 cle...
Maybe you’re a new homeowner, still unsure about what tools and supplies you need to own. Perhaps you've just downsized to a tiny house or apartment, and you’re l...
The trash can doesn't have a lot of positive imagery associated with it, especially when it comes to the smell. But a...
The abrasive quality of sandpaper is good for more than painting prep and getting a smooth finish on wood furniture. Check out our favorite alternative ways to us...
Few things are more relaxing than curling up with a nice cup of steaming hot tea. In fact, next to water, tea is the world’s most popular beverage. But all those ...
Wire clothes hangers are inescapable. They seem to multiply overnight, and they pile up every time you go to the cleaners. Instead of throwing them out, try one o...
Elmer’s glue is much more than a back-to-school staple. It has applications that range far beyond the classroom. Whether you’re crafting, gardening, or crossing o...
Instructables user deluges, a self-described amateur tinkerer, has nothing against custom screws—just the added cost ...
You may not describe yourself as a sports enthusiast, but chances are that your garage or attic contains a surplus of extra athletic equipment. Don't let old golf...
Sure, they come in bright colors and are handy for jotting down reminders, but there's more to the Post-it than meets the eye. Learn how you can use this standard...
Having a backyard is a luxury and lets face it, also a lot of work to keep it looking like the oasis you want it to be. You could spend a ton of money on planters...
Looking for ways to spruce up your home for little to no money at all? It's not as hard as you think! These smart decorating tricks show you how to transform your...
An empty picture frame is the quintessential blank slate. Sure, you can fill it with a photo of your dog, a poster, or a drawing. But why not take it further? Wit...
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of plastic shopping bags you’re harboring underneath your kitche...
Sometimes the best things come in little packages. Take the fasteners that you may remember fondly from your childhood shoe straps. Their tiny hooks and loops wer...
One of the enjoyable things about reading Thistlewood Farms is the playful way that KariAnne puts things. But when sh...
As you welcome spring, bring a pop of the season into the house with a newly handmade vertical garden. This space-con...
When you think of cork, your first thought might be of a bulletin board pinned with reminders, but cork's handiness knows no bounds. This renewable resource is ac...
Spring promises all things fresh: flowers, air, even perspectives. What better time to a dust off an old window or two for a different point of view? These glass ...
Whenever you're assembling materials for a tiling project, it's recommended that you purchase a little extra—about 10...
The thrift store, a neighbor's junk pile, Craigslist, or your own garage—just a few of the places where you can probably get your hands on an old ladder that’s do...
Where do mattresses go to die? The landfill, most often. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There’s still life under what looks like old junk, if you’re willing ...
Certain household items are so commonplace that we scarcely notice them anymore. But it may be time to take another look at some everyday household staples—like p...
Think you know how to use a sponge? Well, think again! These colorful little squares of cellulose can be used for a lot more household tasks than just wiping down...
Before antismoking campaigns and the advent of disposable lighters, matchboxes and matchbooks were very common. They ...
Don’t junk your tree after the holidays are over. There are lots of ways to salvage part, or all, of a Christmas tree to give it a second life. Bestow an end-of-s...
Doesn't it seem like there's always at least one board game in your house that's no longer playable? Maybe there are pieces missing, or you've given up on the gam...
Bedside storage is a must. Where else would you set a glass of water, nightly reading, phone, and alarm clock before settling in for slumber? And in a room so per...
Tools were made to be used, even long after their heyday of tough DIY assignments has passed. Whether you've shelved your older tools for newer models or you've i...
What do you do with an extra 5 gallon bucket? Once its contents are gone, its usefulness is only beginning. That's because there are so many practical ways to reu...
Decorative uses of straight-from-nature wood have been on the rise for a few years now, and the trend shows no sign of slowing. Why should it? Bringing the outdoo...
The dresser is a sturdy staple of almost every bedroom, but daily wear and tear can put even the best one into disrepair. When it's time to for a new dresser, don...
Old wooden crates tend to evoke feelings of nostalgia—of the simple, good life. They also happen to be an amazingly versatile (and often free) source of inspirati...
An outstanding perk of hosting friends and family for a potluck affair can be the copious volume of alcohol left over...
Wheels have come a long way since their Stone Age introduction. No longer just for transporting objects from place to place, wheels have become a starting point f...
Is your recycling bin overflowing with old wine, beer, and soda bottles? Glass bottles fill local dumps and monster landfill sites all over the world. While house...
In today’s culture of downsizing to reduce carbon footprints, tiny houses and recycled homes are getting increasingly desirable—in both conventional and unconvent...
If you have a few especially beloved books in your collection, why not use a pair of DIY bookends to set them apart a...
While you may have no idea what polyvinyl chloride is, chances are you have some in your home, in the form of PVC pipes. PVC is an inexpensive, hard yet flexible,...
While technology is constantly giving us new ways of doing things, there are some things that stubbornly stay the same. Take the good old cardboard box, for examp...
Every time you dump used coffee grounds into the trash, you’re adding to the millions of tons of coffee waste that pi...
Chances are good that in some remote corner of your home there lies a box full of dusty cassette tapes. Be honest: Wh...
Shipping pallets are the DIYer’s standby building material for many good reasons. They aren’t hard to come by, and even damaged pallets can be salvaged for smalle...
Everyone hates email spam, and rightfully so. It does have one redeeming factor, though: It's relatively easy to mana...
What good is a rake you can no longer use in the garden? Actually, there are countless ingenious ways to give a secon...
If you’re planning on improving your home's curb appeal by installing a new garage door, don’t be so fast to throw out the old one. Disposing of a large, cumberso...
Cozying up to a roaring fire is a winter evening pastime that no one would reject. Disposing of fireplace ashes? Well...
Are you looking for more storage or workspace in your kitchen but are reluctant to splurge on a custom kitchen island? Here are 12 creative DIY kitchen island des...
Without cardboard boxes, what would the world be like? At times, it seems like cardboard is nearly as ubiquitous—and ...
The pen is mightier than the sword, everyone knows that. But when a pen runs out of ink, its power diminishes—or does...
We interact with them daily and seldom think twice, but do-it-yourselfers have found plenty of reasons for us to focu...
Eventually, we all find ourselves with more hangers than we know what to do with, and when they are not keeping our s...
The first clothespins served the sole purpose of hanging laundry. But today, these humble wooden clips inspire all sorts of home improvement projects, from managi...
Whereas our desks were once crammed with 8. 5" x 11"-inch documents, sheets of loose-leaf paper, and manila folders, ...
When it’s finally time for old tools to retire, don’t ship them off to Florida. Give them a second career as a crafty DIY project.
For as long as people have been cultivating these relatives of pumpkins, squash, and cucumbers, they have been adapti...
At first, leather belts don't seem like they would be much use to do-it-yourselfers. Then again, creative minds with ...
This post has been brought to you by Dickies. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. A compost bin is a g...
Wondering what to do with all those empty paint cans? See how others have cleaned and repurposed them into everything from smart storage to fun works of art.
These innovative projects will inspire you to dig through your discards and repurpose them into useful furnishings and interesting accents for your home.
From soda bottles and bicycle chains to cutlery and toothpicks, these dazzling chandeliers illuminate the value—and fun—of putting unremarkable old stuff to brill...
Incorporating a variety of materials, these truly one-of-a-kind doormats are not something you would simply walk on—or by—without noticing.
Old doors, wine bottles, shipping pallets—and even bowling balls and surf boards—can be repurposed into alternative fence material. Here are 8 surprising ideas th...
Plumbing may be best left in the hands of a pro, but getting creative with pipe fittings is a DIY project that can yield surprising results. Here are ten designs ...
‘Knot’ just for sailing fanatics or decorating summer beach houses anymore, rope has found its way into homes of every style.
Dusty suburban basements and chockablock urban thrift stores have no shortage of neglected old furniture with marred ...
If your impression of corrugated metal is that it belongs on a barn roof, take another look. Lightweight and inexpens...
We can all agree that vintage dishes are pretty, but in today's home, they’re not very practical: most can't be used ...
Sometimes an old piano is just beyond repair. Before paying someone to cart yours off to the landfill, check out these nine harmonious reinterpretations.
Homeowners who plan to undertake a do-it-yourself job should know the difference between waste and salvageable buildi...
Reclaimed LumberGorgeous rediscovered and recovered woods are being offered by fine mills and merchants throughout th...
Inspired by DIYers transforming old discarded materials and objects into something new, we couldn't help but turn the spotlight on these smart upcycled designer c...
If you have a tired table lamp, a lackluster lantern, or a pooped-out pendant, take inspiration (and instruction) from these fresh and easy DIY ideas—and let ther...
If your wicker furniture has seen better days, transform it into whimsical but useful accents for your home or garden.
For the most part, free-standing coat racks are a thing of the past. They belong to a time when closets were only dee...
Tin cans are like air—they're all around us. Most families go through several cans each week, and some even use that ...
With imagination and elbow grease, you can transform that old door into a one-of-a-kind piece that's both useful and beautiful.
With a little ingenuity, you can move your antique armoire into the 21st century without sacrificing any of the furniture's old-fashioned charm.
The other day my roommate came home from IKEA with a pack of 100 tea lights. One hundred. To be fair, my roommate als...
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, Re...
For about $5 to $10 you can pick up a bale of straw at your local hardware store or nursery. That means you can have ...
Custom furniture is expensive. And let’s face it, while many of us have custom tastes, we don’t have custom budgets. Enter, IKEA— the Swedish furniture company th...
Wooden crates used to be the way to get everything to market, from fruit and produce to soda bottles. These days, tho...
The old adage goes, "It's like riding a bike. " Meaning of course that cycling becomes so integrated into your muscle...
Chances are that, languishing in your basement or garage, you have an old wooden ladder splattered with coats of pain...
Here are just a few listings of the antique fairs, flea markets, reclaimed lumber businesses, nonprofits, and archite...
The new addition's footprint is essentially a whole other house, yet it will integrate visually with a matching roofline to the existing house. New technologies h...
Architect Mary Kennedy and Bob tour her Georgian Colonial family home in Westchester County, NY. After a flood ruined the house, the challenge was to salvage and ...
Bob discusses the best ways to discard debris and unwanted items before starting a renovation.
Stone workers install a granite retaining wall, replace a front walkway, and build a backyard patio.
Bob meets with the construction foreman to discuss the demolition work that's underway. Having removed the elevator shaft, the crew plans to move ahead by taking ...
Bob pays a visit to Jane Walentas, a member of the artistic community in DUMBO.
Project supervisor Dave Southard of DS Woodworks explains why high-rise demolition is different from demolition work that takes place elsewhere. Also, Southard la...
Bob introduces an 1890s Brownstone on New York City's Upper West Side.
Reviewing the architectural floor plans for the Brownstone remodel, salvaging the vintage sink, and removing asbestos tile uncovered at the start of demolition.
Carpenter Bob Ryley and contractor Grady Garrett install a reclaimed Yellow Pine hardwood floor.
Bob Riley and Howard Brickman install a reclaimed hard pine floor. The orientation of the boards is explained, and the moisture content of the subfloor is checked...
Bob takes a final tour of the home workout area, discussing the tub surround and the new exercise equipment.
Bob and carpenter Cortney Lofton review and demolish the original kitchen cabinets. Bob then visits a salvage yard to view the turn-of-the-century cabinets purcha...
Bob and carpenter Bob Ryley rebuild the deck in the rear of the addition using salvaged lumber from the demolition.
Bob watches as the mason lays a new hearth in the old fireplace using salvaged Charleston brick.
Bob helps contractor Bob Ryley install a salvaged door on the side of the dream garage, which is undergoing construction.
Bob tours the furnished, decorated Martha's Vineyard Victorian project house. The designer has sourced pieces from antique stores, salvage yards, second hand stor...
A window is recycled during the remodeling process and placed back into the frame of the new addition. Bob explains the reason for recycling and assists with the ...
Two recycled windows are used to create one large window. Once carpenter Bob Ryley demolishes the old frame, supports are installed to hold up the new combined wi...
Flooring contractor Leo Boudreau shows Bob how to recycle hardwood flooring. First, the floor must be salvaged. A pry bar is used to lift and remove the wood, pie...
Bob shops an architectural salvage yard for used, inexpensive doors and bathroom vanities.
Bob heads to the Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago, the largest wholesale design center in the city, to see a selection of bathroom fixtures at K & B Galleries...
The crew lowers the recycled "ell" onto the new foundation with a crane.
Bob compares kitchen appliances at the Irv Wolfson Showroom, part of Chicago's Merchandise Mart.
Bob travels to Chicago’s South Side to tour the Salvage One architectural warehouse with Anne Steinweddel.
