The definition of repurpose is to change something to be used for a different purpose. When we built our house a few years back, this guest bedroom became a catch-all for the miscellaneous left-over items. What is the solution for mismatched pieces? Paint and creativity.
Let’s begin with the furniture. The white buffet, repurposed for clothes storage, was purchased at a thrift store. A few coats of white gloss paint brought the curves and details to life. I love that the white paint emphasizes the highlights and shadows.
The nightstand was a small chest that I found a flea market. There were many dings and dents, but the style coordinated nicely with the buffet. I began with white paint, but found that it needed more. Stripes in a color that matched the valance and bed scarf were the answer. I made the valance for this bedroom. It is very similar to the valance in this tutorial.
The headboard is the only piece of furniture that was purchased new. For months, I scoured yard sales and flea markets trying to find the perfect headboard in a queen size. No matter what I found, I only thought of the one I had seen in a Ballard Designs catalog. I knew I had to have it. Besides, if you purchase something that you truly love, you will love it for years. How could I not love the curves on this bed? I purchased only the headboard. I already had a queen-sized mattress and frame. You can find that headboard here. The monogrammed velvet pillows were purchased from Ballard, years ago. You can find these here.
The pillows and throws were items that I pulled from my attic. You can find the Mongolian sheep skin pillow here. They had all served a purpose at some point in another room, or another house. I use mostly neutral colors throughout my house. Using a similar color palette allows you to move things from room to room effortlessly. The pleated bedskirt was a hand-me-down from my mother-in-law. I love the way that it adds a different texture. I have a passion for texture.
I had purchased the chair and the rug before our move, but had no place to use them. After sitting in the attic for months, they found a new home in this bedroom. The small foot stool has been recovered a thousand times as it has made it’s way around the house.
I purchased the chandelier more than fifteen years ago when I moved into my first house. With every move I’ve made it’s followed me. There’s no way that I could part with it! I am a sucker for anything sentimental. Amazon has one that looks identical to this one for the bargain price of $80.00. You can find it here.
Besides the headboard, one of my favorite things is my antique lamp. I was driving through my small hometown one day and literally stopped in my tracks when I saw this lamp in a store window. Immediately, I went in a purchased it! With a new lamp shade, and a little cleaning, it was perfection.
To accessorize, I used other things that I had found in the attic, or at yard sales. I used several mirrors in the room, because they were already in the attic. I painted them white because it emphasized the texture and details on the framework. Mirrors reflect light and help a small room, such as this, look larger. I wanted to emphasize the main mirror over the buffet, so I found a silver tray that would work nicely to hang above the larger mirror. The tray was special because it was a family item, gifted to me by my mother-in-law. However, the silver was terribly pitted. As horrible as it sounds, I painted over the sterling. I felt guilty. But, I’d rather find a way to use it then have it being unloved in the attic.
The crystal plate is part of a set that my mother gave me. The beaded jewelry that is displayed once belonged to my grandmothers.
This room is special to me. What once was a hodgepodge of different things is now a peaceful, meaningful room. I often visit this room to relax and to refocus myself. If I had the money to buy all new furniture, I’d wouldn’t. There is a great joy that can be found in repurposing.
What item have you repurposed? How did you repurpose it?
