Well, we all know that celebrities are masters of reinvention. From Madonna to P.Diddy, celebrities know how to make themselves relevant in a changing culture. And although there may not be a whole lot we should emulate from celebrities’ lives, reinvention is definitely something we should consider. Not reinvention of ourselves, but reinvention of our stuff! 🙂
Modifying, adjusting, or completely overhauling things you already have to fit a new space or style will save you a ton of money. The rest of this post covers just a few of the pieces I’ve reinvented over the years.
This shim sunburst frame (above) was in a very masculine space at our old house. The wood tones were very attractive, but not exactly what I was looking to put in our new space. With a little gold and white paint + a mirror, I was able to create a bright and fresh feel for our new entry way wall!
This dresser above went through a couple of different looks. A family member gave us the piece a while back, but it’s country feel wasn’t what we were looking for. I promptly painted it white and modified the base. As I was finishing up our guest bedroom I felt like the piece was a tad bit boring for the space, but with a little bit of silver leafing I felt like it fit the space perfectly.
Amanda is one of my favorite clients. She totally trusts me and allows me to have free reign in her spaces. In Amanda’s first studio (above), I used these sunny yellow chairs to add a pop in the her pink office. But when Amanda switched studio spaces, we wanted the color palette to be a little more sophisticated. The yellow and green combo had to go. Green and gray however was a great fit for the new space (below)!
The table that acted as our media console (above) when we were first getting started was nice and simple. I loved it’s clean lines. When Tim built our new media console though, this piece was in need of a new home. It made it’s way to the “craft room.” In order to go with the feminine feel of the space, I repainted the piece, added some curvy brackets in the corners, and sewed up a fabric skirt. Same piece, totally different look.
This next piece has yet to be reinvented/reused. I created this paint chip wall for Tim and I’s photo shoot about 6 months ago. I love it and will absolutely be using it somewhere, somehow. Look for it in the coming months! 🙂
So the moral of the post today is to look at the pieces you already have and how they can be changed before you go out and buy something new. Pieces with a story are always better anyway! 🙂 Have you reinvented anything lately?
When we reinvented our floor plan by swapping a few rooms, the dining room moved into a multipurpose / sunroom space; above the dining table I inherited a ceiling fan. I yearned for a large modern drum shade fixture but with this being a “sun room” we needed the function of the fan. So I hacked {reinvented} that fan into a “chandy-fan” 🙂 In case you’d like to see it: http://happilyhomeafter.blogspot.com/2012/03/updating-ceiling-fan-light-how-to.html
Robin @ happilyhomeafter.blogspot.com
I am in the process of reupholstering a chair. It’s going slow. But at least I’ve started instead of just continuing to say I’m going to do it! I just love that paint chip wall. It’s been in the back of my mind ever since you made it – I want a version of it sometime!
Kara, you always amaze me with your creativity and way of seeing new ways to use your pieces. I’m not as good at that, but my sister is! Maybe it goes with the name – she is also a Kara.
She took these library card catalogs, which lacked sides, and cut them apart, painted them, added tops, sides, and feet, and turned them into these beauties and this guy, which she calls the Jolly Green Giant but I have affectionately nicknamed The Grinch. (Click the link and you’ll see why!)
Meanwhile, the one I bought a few years back remains in its original state, but I do love it so: What to Store in 72 Junk Drawers – My Beloved Card Catalog (A Farewell To Can’t)
I do have a coffee table to upholstered bench project I’ve been meaning to get around to. I’ll let you know if it ever happens! 🙂
Cool post – I love being inspired to use what I have (or what I can maybe pick up cheaply) and turning them into something better 🙂
You are so talented!! Everything you’ve created as so much character. How long did that paint chip wall take?! You have a new follower 🙂
I love the vintage flair of your craft room. It is gorgeous!