Recycling & Up-cycling – Paint Swatches

Do you have difficulty choosing a paint colour for your walls? Yes...well there's lots of people who do, so you're not alone. Paint swatches are a great way to bring a sample home to see what it looks like in the area you're planning to decorate, they're also brilliant for deciding what the colour will look like at different times of the day.

However, if you're still undecided and torn between which colours to use you could always make a multi-coloured wall using the swatches – it's a bit like patchwork on a wall I suppose. Whichever way you look at the idea it's a fabulous way to recycle paint swatches – furthermore they're free!

Image: Babble

Suitcase Bedside Table

Old suitcases can be given a new lease of life in many different ways. A small suitcase is perfect for transforming into a bedside table. You can use a basic folding stand – the type you often find in hotels, to sit the suitcase on. If you want or need a little more stability a sturdier block base will give you the ability to screw the suitcase firmly in place.

Another great advantage, if you don’t put too much on the surface area, is that you can use the inside of the case to store your special treasures to keep them safe and close to you while you sleep.

Image: SowingRoom

Helen

Today I'm Loving - Recycled broom stick headboard.

If you have a collection of old broom handles - I'm not sure that many people would to be honest! - however, you can always make a point of collecting them, if you want to upcycle them and turn them into a stunning headboard. I'm loving the worn paint which adds subtle flecks of colour to this gorgeous headboard.

Image: broken burger

Helen

Recycling Old Tyres (Tires)

The concept of recycling old bike tyres isn't new, but it is good to reminded every now and then of just how elegant they can be. With warm weather making our outdoor living areas more usable it's great to see that recycled objects can be beautiful as well as functional.

The great thing about using old tyres is that they're able to withstand getting wet!

Don't you agree that this patio set is truly remarkable?

Image: via Flickr

Upcycling an Everyday Object such as a Bucket

If you're looking for an unusual way to light up your home and have an old plastic bucket, the thin type, then be inspired by this bucket light by Guisi. Like all recycling objectives this one was to take an everyday object or something as random or as mundane as a bucket, and give it a new life as something completely different.

Image: Vito Nesta

An Old Kettle = New Light Shade

If you love the ingenious ideas people come up with for recycling and upcycling you'll love this concept. Take 1 old kettle (the type that are used on gas hobs) and transform it into a light-shade – great idea that will look fabulous in kitchens or over breakfast bars.

It never ceases to amaze me that people have the forethought and desire to use an everyday object and give it a completely new life.

Image: Jonas' Design

Interior Design Ideas - Recycling & Upcycling Belts

Ever wondered what to do with your old belts? You could always use them for helping to hold small tress against stakes in the garden or you could be inspired by TING London B and use recycled vintage leather belts to make your own floor tiles.

Admittedly you'd need to find vast quantities, so start searching through your wardrobe, ask friends and family and scour boot-fairs and flea markets – you could also visit Design Blog for further inspirational ideas.

Image: SOCIALisBETTER