SHM Designs: Save Money using the 4 R's in Design: Reduce, Reuse & Recycle = Redesign

Sunday, February 27, 2011

My #1 Goal as a designer is to find ways to Reduce Cost, Spend Wisely and Save MONEY:

Sometimes all it takes to create a "Redesign"(new look) in your home is to Reduce the amount of accessories you have. A bookcase, for example, that is filled to the brim can acquire a great new look. Pack away a few of those novels - at least temporarily - and open up the shelves. Bookshelves are great places to artfully intersperse a favorite collection. Make random space on each shelf for one or two items such as a childhood toy, a unique souvenir or family heirloom.

Circa Interiors & Antiques

Better Homes and Garden

Reusing accessories and furniture in a Redesign is also a great way to get a new look at no cost. Go through the rooms in your home and look for items that can be rotated into other living areas. Don't limit yourself to accessories; furniture can just as easily be rotated. Create a cozy corner with a writing table that has been tucked away or place a chair near the fireplace. Also create new natural centerpieces with items you find outside or with fresh fruit. Even though you are reusing items you already have, they will look and feel different to you in their new space.

Bosworth Hoedemaker

Centerpieces created with fruit and fresh flowers.

Courtney Giles

A cozy new corner.

Graham Moss

Move pictures around to create new arrangements.

Recycling in decorating is a fun great way to use items you already have and give them a whole new look creating a custom Redesign. Recycling is one of my favorite parts of designing. I love the lines of older pieces and the challenge of giving them new life. I also love taking something and changing its whole purpose. Recycling allows a person the opportunity to truly express themselves. Pictures below are from Eddie Ross Blog. (I blog highly recommend)