Repurposing
We often hear from our clients “I want to decorate my house and have it last forever.” Like so much in life, trends and styles fall in and out of fashion. This also holds true for interior design. In any home, there will likely be a collection of heirloom pieces that were either inherited or purchased with great thought. Those are special items and should always find a way to be incorporated. There will also be filler pieces, bought for the greater good of layering your rooms, which are likely more cost effective and add to the overall look.
As trends change, the best approach is to think about repurposing items already in your home. Sometimes it is just about rearranging your space with existing items or putting them to use in different rooms. Other times, you want a new look with fresh textures and colors to inspire you.
When buying upholstered pieces, a sofa, club chair, ottoman, etc., one should focus on the overall frame of the piece. Is it a style you’ll be comfortable with for years to come? Be willing to invest in quality, well-made products that fit your family. Seek out sleek and clean lines that will stand the test of time. Pay close attention to scale and steer away from an exaggerated depth or height on sofas and chairs.
Over time, even your most cherished pieces will start to appear dated or worn; consider giving them a face lift with new upholstery. Changing fabric and refreshing cushions can give good frames a whole new life while keeping your home fresh and current. Reupholstered pieces will be new again and you’ll save the expense of having to purchase an entirely new frame just to keep up with a new look. That is a large savings!
Repurposing is also a great way to refresh case pieces like tables, mirrors, dressers, etc. A fresh coat of paint on furniture can make a big impact in any room. Be brave in your color choices to give a bigger boom! For pieces with a flat surface, like table tops, adding a layer of wallpaper can also be an interesting choice. And, of course, changing the hardware is always an excellent way to add new life to an old piece. Just remember before you agree to have any of your pieces painted or adjusted, if they are true antiques their value will diminish if altered from their original state.
Reuse, recycle, and repurpose!
- About the studio
Alex Deringer and Courtney Cox combine their formal training in design and fashion with their renowned sense of style in Ivy Lane, a full-service interior design firm that curates casually elegant family dwellings that are elevated by a unique spark. Whether an entire house renovation or a one-room makeover, Alex and Courtney’s extensive experience and collaborative dynamic inform a successful design philosophy: thoroughly understand the client’s lifestyle, bring a thoughtful spatial perspective, and enliven the space with the freshest aesthetic interest.
309C Cameron Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
studio@ivylaneliving.com
703.566.6582
3 Comments
I love the nightstand. Any suggestions on where to buy?
Hi there, This nightstand was a vintage piece already owned by our client. We just updated it with a fresh coat of paint! If you’re looking for side tables, stop by Ivy Lane and we’ll be happy to help.
Nice article! Decorating is one of my passions! I would love to update a few beautiful pieces of furniture that I own. Could you recommend good reupholstering place? thanks!