Most people can’t afford to donate or get rid of all their old furniture and go out and buy all the new pieces. That is not a realistic possibility for most people. I also wouldn’t necessarily recommend that you throw everything out and start from scratch.
Most likely, you have acquired certain furniture, either inherited or through your own purchase. Those pieces may have sentimental value to you, may have very good bone, or may just be neutral enough to easily work into your design. Repurposing those oldies but goodies is a great way to conserve your decorating budget and breathe new life into older pieces and your home décor.
-Try moving things around: Simply rearranging the room can give your space a whole new look. There’s an entire design field that focuses on “redesigning” a space, using what you already have but rearranging it to maximize flow and fit the pieces together. Take an afternoon and try different floor plans and layouts. You might be surprised that a design you thought wouldn’t work actually works.
-Give it a new function: get really creative with great pieces. Wall sconces can be sculptures on a table. A small bookcase can be a great room divider or accent table. An old sideboard could make a great buffet. An old vase could make a great lamp. Get creative with your pieces. Try to see the potential in them and use your creativity to make it happen.
-Give it a makeover: If the piece is sturdy, consider giving it a face lift. New paint or stain could completely change the look and function of the part. Adding a cloth tablecloth to an old table can liven up a space. A new shade from an old lamp can make it look like new.
-Consider reupholstering: If the piece is of quality, solid in its structure and foundation, consider finding a great new fabric. The reupholstered should be reserved for pieces that are well made and in good condition. It’s not necessarily less expensive than buying a new part, so make sure you really love the part before going down this route.
There are many ways to use great old pieces within your interior design. All it takes is a little creativity and thinking outside the box to give that piece a new lease on life and conserve your decorating budget.
