With the increasing awareness of the importance of sustainability, more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their waste – whether that’s through thrifting their clothes or upcycling old items. Upcycling your own home decor is a brilliant way to not only be more eco-friendly but also express your creativity and save some money. It is essentially the process of transforming old, unused, broken, or discarded items into something new, useful, and beautiful for your home. Here are the very basics on how to get started with it!
1 Find inspiration
Coming up with unique ideas on what and how to upcycle is not always easy, particularly as you will likely view any contender item as something that has been uselessly collecting dust. However, if you think outside of the box, you will certainly find some unique and creative DIY ideas for them. Have a look through various interior or home decor websites and magazines and pick out ideas that inspire you. Use your surroundings too, such as nature, art, and your personal style. Try to find exciting ideas on the kind of vibe you want to create in your home interior, which will translate into great inspiration for your projects.
2 Choose something to upcycle
Choosing the right item is essential in upcycling. You can upcycle pretty much anything, from clothing to kitchenware to furniture. Pick an item that you love, or that has the potential to serve your home for many years to come. Look for durable materials, such as wood, metal, or glass. Items that are broken or damaged can also be upcycled, but make sure that the damage is repairable, by sewing it up or using fixing glue, for example. Don’t forget that the item does not necessarily have to serve the same purpose after you upcycle it – you may turn old curtains into decorative cushion covers, a new piece of furniture from an old dresser, an old teapot into a flower vase, or make a lamp from an old bicycle wheel. Again, this is your chance to think outside of the box and be creative!
3 Clean and prepare the item
Once you have chosen the item, the next step is to clean and prepare it. Remove any dirt, dust, or grime from the item. If the item has any stickers, labels, or glue residue, remove them with a solvent such as rubbing alcohol or vinegar. If the item is made of wood, sand it to remove any rough spots or splinters. If the item is made of metal, clean it with a metal cleaner to remove any rust or stains. Cleaning and preparing the item is essential for a smooth and successful upcycling project as well as to ensure that the decorative work you’ve put in lasts a long time.
4 DIY Techniques
Now that you have chosen and prepped your item, it’s time to start the upcycling process. There are various DIY techniques that you can use, such as painting, decoupaging, stenciling, distressing, sewing, and many more. Choose a technique that matches your skill level, and that fits your vision the best. If you’re new to upcycling and feel slightly intimidated, start with a simple technique such as painting or stenciling. Of course, don’t let the lack of experience stop you from trying a more complex technique, such as decoupage or distressing if that’s what you want to do. Treat this DIY project as a fun and creative activity during which you can learn new skills and create beautiful decor pieces for your home!
5 Use the right materials
There are a variety of materials you may use for upcycling, including fabric, paper, paint, glue, and any other types of craft embellishments. Using the right materials for the type of item you are dealing with is key. For instance, not all types of paint will look nice on metal, and not all types of glue will work well with wooden materials. This is not only to ensure that your final project is aesthetically pleasing but also to make it as long-lasting as possible. If you want to keep this project as budget-friendly as possible, use materials that you already have at home, such as fabric scraps or leftover paint, and adjust your ideas according to them.
6 The finishing touch
Once you are happy with how your brand-new item looks, make sure you add a protective coat of varnish or wax to ensure that your upcycled item lasts even longer. Let it dry thoroughly before using, as well as make sure that it is safe to use for the intended purpose (e.g., if you are using it for cooking or holding food, make sure the varnish is food-friendly and the inside has been washed well). The finishing touch is also a great time to add a unique and personalized detail to make the item stand out, even if it’s just your signature on the bottom.
In conclusion, upcycling is a great way to turn old items into chic home decor while also being very budget-friendly and sustainable. It is a rewarding activity for the whole family, which gets your creative juices flowing and teaches you new skills. Have fun, and don’t be afraid to experiment!
