A few weeks ago I was commissioned to do a window display for IDA RED on Brookside. I was extremely pumped because this cool store is not only in a great location but they have this Hippy-Rocker vibe that I really dig! We decided to not only create a display that would be visually intriguing, but intellectually intriguing as well!
1ST WINDOW BEFORE
1ST WINDOW AFTER
2ND WINDOW BEFORE
2ND WINDOW BEFORE2ND WINDOW AFTER
Did you get the point I/IDA RED was trying to make? I believe that design is important for many reasons, and I feel especially fulfilled when I think what I have created could better the world in some way. My hope with this display is that other’s eyes would be open to the possibilities of recycling/repurposing objects to form beautiful creations. We are stewards of what God has given us, and I believe it is our responsibility to take care of the world around us.
Let’s break the design down. In the first window, I placed a bunch of “junk” in a visually pleasing arrangement. The “junk included: fabric scraps, glass coke bottles, and wood scraps. In the second window each of these items was repurposed to create something of value and/or purpose. The old windows served as a backdrop to both settings.
Below you see this trash can that I dirtied up with some different aging techniques. It holds and is surrounded by items that I found around my house or in IDA RED.
This is the “oh so lonely” lightbulb that needs a little love to be a sweet chandelier.
Here it is surrounded by glass coke bottles. Because IDA RED sells a variety of old fashioned sodas, this chandelier speaks to what you can find inside the store!
In this photo you get a good look at how I reused old wood scraps. Instead of being doomed for the dumpster, these pieces can come together to create a super cool wall or flooring option.
And the fabric scraps you see here. . .
were knotted together to make a “garland” of sorts. Inside the store, these scraps are sold as recycled scarfs. They are really cool because they are all made from vintage t-shirts that are super soft. Stylish and eco- friendly- what a combo!
And just to make sure people get the message without actually spelling it out, I placed these two items in the the 2nd window.
So look at your trash pile through a different lens and up-cycle items to create a space that is interesting and eco-friendly. Oh, and if you just aren’t that creative- I know someone who is!! Shoot me an e-mail, I would love to help you out!!!!
UPDATE: IDA RED has gotten so much feedback from their new eye catching windows, they have asked me to do a new one every month!!! AND I will be re-designing their whole store in the near future! Stay tuned to see how it all comes together!
What a great idea/ message. I love being a good steward!
Kara — what an awesome concept. I love the story. I have dabbled in some window displays throughout my career and I’ve come to really appreciate a window’s potential for art and story-telling. Thanks for more great inspiration!