In a world filled with constant consumption and the desire for more stuff, there’s something deeply peaceful about reimagining and reusing the things we already have. Upcycling and repurposing not only breathe new life into old objects but can also transform your home into a space that feels uniquely yours—one that reflects both your style and your values.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I don’t want more things just for the sake of having them. Instead, I want to bring items into my home that spark joy and create a peaceful atmosphere. After all, if I spend most of my time at home, it makes sense that I want my space to be a place of calm and contentment.
Several years ago, my mom bought me a buffet with a hutch from a garage sale. It was a total score! The piece was a honey wood color—nothing spectacular, but it served its purpose. It gave me a place to store my china and hide away all sorts of other things I didn’t want cluttering up the space. (Let's be honest, I had plenty of stuff to hide!)
When I downsized, I decided it was time to breathe new life into the buffet. I had it painted a soft, serene blue and had the knobs spray-painted in a subtle pewter tone. It was just the touch of tranquility my new space needed. The hutch was perfect for displaying decorative items behind the glass, while the bottom section became a handy storage space for my art supplies.
Then, I moved across the country to Colorado. Unfortunately, the moving company damaged the hutch beyond repair, but I was able to repurpose it as a nightstand in the guest room. The color still worked beautifully with the serene blues I’d chosen for the room, and it continues to store my art supplies.
There are plenty of other ways to upcycle and repurpose in your home. For instance, you can update the frames of your artwork. Changing a dark wood frame to a sleek, gold metal one can completely transform a piece you’ve had for years and give it a fresh, modern look. After all, if something doesn’t bring you joy or a sense of happiness, is it really serving its purpose?
What are some of the creative ways you've up-cycled or repurposed items in your own home?