Another great trend of the year is recycling. It’s not just about separating paper from tinned goods. You can create brand new decorative fixtures using old furnishings. What better way to give a room that personal touch?

If your dining room chair breaks and the first thought is to replace it. Stop. If you’ve politely refused that old rocking chair or antique dresser because it doesn’t fit into your home…think again. Before chucking it out think about repairing it and giving it a new leash of life with a fresh coat of paint. Not only is it helpful to the environment, it’ll be good for your finances too.

Your wardrobe getting full? Looking to lighten the load? Choose carefully about what you get rid of. That striped shirt or floral dress that you’ve outgrown but like the pattern, keep. You may find use of them to reinvigorate old cushions or create a patchwork quilt.

A great idea for the bathroom is to use an old chair to create a shelf and towel rack. As well as being a practical addition, it adds a touch of vintage to your bathroom.

We’ve all collected some form of magazine in our lifetime. The problem comes when we wonder where to store them. Why not re-create this stool? It will give your living room or bedroom that retro look, whilst displaying your tastes and interests.

Rather than paying for expensive dyes and paints, use things around you to put your stamp on some plain wallpaper or fabric. Using natural elements, such as flowers and leaves, provides much more vibrant colours than artificial dyes. Check out this two-step process of the preparation and the result to creating a statement print for your home.

Before you consider throwing away that battered piece of furniture, think about what you could do to renovate and rejuvenate. The possibilities are endless as it’s an expression of you…get recycling!