Storage Ideas - DIYInspired.com
18th Jan2012

Repurposed Crate Ideas

by Dinah Wulf

A few months ago, I did a blog post on recycling old crates.  It included using crates for shelving, bike baskets, and side tables.  Since then, I have gathered a collection of old wine crates from a wine tasting party I did in October.  I’ve been searching for more inspiration for a new project and found some other great repurposed crate ideas.  Here are a few pictures.

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This wine crate dog bowl would be a perfect DIY project for me, especially since I have two little pups, Harley and Pablo.

I like these ideas of layering and using a crate as a planter.  This would also look nice outside, on a patio or atrium. The problem with this idea is that I don’t have a green thumb, so I don’t really have that many plants.

How cool is this… creating a rustic work space in the garage complemented with a wood bench. The problem with this is that my garage has no room for it.

I’m guessing these are milk crates? Love this look, but my collection of crates are too small and are in different shapes and sizes.

This is also great.  These crate shelves have two purposes. It’s functional for holding kitchen necessities as well as displays a collection of antiques. My issue with this idea is that my kitchen is so small that I have no wall space for this.

I started a list a while back of how I should repurpose my collection of wine crates including making a jewelry case, a cornice, a seat, or a dog bed, but I still can’t decide.

Any ideas or suggestions? I feel stuck… help!

 

Photo Sources: Eco Salon, funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot, Green Dairy, Love1, Remodelaholic, tangledepartment.blogspot

 

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13th Jan2012

Flea Market Finds

by Dinah Wulf

I am completely obsessed with Flea Markets.  Ever since I started blogging, I have come across so many fun places to go. I wanted to share some of my flea market finds and show how you can get hunt for inexpensive great pieces and repurpose them into something new.

I found this old milk crate for five dollars at a flea market in Orange, California. I decided to add mason jars, turn it on its side and use it for my makeup and hair products.

Old crates and boxes can be repainted and used to display collections or for storage.

Copy a Restoration Hardware look and collect old books.  Antique books are very easy to find and can at times literally cost pennies.

I found these old rusty horse shoes at a local flea market for two dollars apiece and turn them into a coat/hat rack.

I love the industrial look of these old metal card drawers.  I use them to store craft supplies.

Check out this old wooden basket turned upside down.  Add an inexpensive lamp kit from a hardware store and Voila!

Antique seltzer bottles are great to display in a bathroom or guestroom.  They can run anywhere from $10 to $50 a piece.

Window shutters are fairly easy to find.  Use them to prop behind a side table or place two or three side by side to create a headboard.

 

By the way, for all you SoCal locals, the Long Beach Antique Swap Meet is this weekend! Click here for a discount coupon.

**I heart comments! If you have any comments, ideas, or suggestions, please feel free to comment below.  Is there a craft project you want me to try? I’ll gladly do my best to take on your craft challenge and I’m always looking for new ideas! Just let me know! Also, if you have a project you’d like to share, please email me at dwulf@diyinspired.com.

 

 

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6 Comm
18th Nov2011

Repurposed Media Cabinets

by Dinah Wulf

There are so many great things about the flat screen television of today.  For example, a) the picture is almost better than real life, b) they have a great sleek modern look, c) although the screen is bigger, they take up less space because you can hang them on your wall. But the WORST thing about the flat screen TV, especially when you buy your first one, is what the heck do you do with that media cabinet that no longer fits your longer, flatter, modern boob tube?  Well, here’s a little inspiration to help transform your old media cabinet into something more useful.

Here are four great ideas for repurposed media cabinets.

Toy Storage

What is great about these outdated cabinets is the depth.  They can potentially store a lot of things.  I used my old cabinet for my daughter’s toy storage.  I also saved pictures one of her best friends colored and taped them to the inside doors.  When it is closed, the toys are hidden away.

The second picture is also for toy storage.  I saw this on an episode of Home Made Simple.

Craft & Sewing Storage

How cute is this from Girl in Pink? It’s perfect for all your craft or sewing supplies and fabric can be neatly kept and organized in the drawers.

Laundry Station and Organization

I saw this in a Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Add a tension rod to hang clothes and attach a folding ironing board on the side… brilliant!

Kid’s Play Kitchen

This last one is my favorite!  I plan to do a variation of this one (coming soon).

This one is from Design Dazzle. I love the chalkboard door on the front.

This blue kitchen is from an unknown source.  I did find it on Pintrest.  I love how they added a fake outdoor scene out the window.

This last one is adorable! It is from Better After. My favorite part is the mini chandelier… so cute!

 

 

 

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5 Comm
16th Sep2011

6 Ways to Repurpose Suitcases

by Dinah Wulf

6 Ways to Repurpose Suitcases

I love the look of vintage suitcases.  There are so many beautiful styles and colors.  Made of many different materials, vintage suitcases are perfect for repurposing and adding some character and style to your home decor.

Vintage suitcases can be purchased at any thrift shop, flea market, or antique store. Don’t forget to check the basement or attic of your parents or grandparents house!

Here are six ways to repurpose suitcases.

This Craft Storage Case (source unknown) is a great repurposing idea.  Line the inside with pages of books or decorative paper or newspaper.  Add elastic and or pockets to hold items. Small boxes for additional storage and organization are perfect for a snug fit.

Have an entire luggage set?  Make a matching Luggage Case Table Set by adding legs in a fun color.

Check out this dog pet bed and cat bunk bed.  Just remove the top of the case, screw in wooden legs, and insert a pillow or existing bed.  Legs like these are inexpensive and can be found at any hardware store.  I am definitely going to make this one!

This suitcase vanity chest I found on Etsy in brilliant!  I would have never thought of it.  I love how the interior is lined with maps and a world atlas.  The mirror, drawers and lighting adds to the use and function.

I saved the best for last.  This luggage chair is gorgeous.  I love the colors and the white tufted fabric that was chosen.  The curvy shape of the legs and the original brass fixtures complete the look and style.


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Category : DIY Furniture, Trash To Treasure
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6 Comm
02nd Sep2011

Trash to Treasure: Recycling Old Crates

by Dinah Wulf

Trash to Treasure: Recycling Old Crates

I’ve blogged about it numerous times and I have to do it again!  This is yet another post on reusing, recycling, and repurposing.  Today I decided to take on recycling old crates!

Who knew shipping crates could look this good? This was a post on Design Squish that I had to share. Check out these amazing ideas. Love these shelves, bike basket, and crate furniture from Design Squish; Shipping Crate Bike Basket from Globe Revolution; and Crate Shelves from Baileys Home and Garden!

The shelving system has to be my favorite.  It has a vintage modern look that I love. Also, if you notice the last crate shelf picture, there is a crate on the floor with wheels added.  What a great idea for additional storage for toys, or a bassinet for baby dolls!

How cool are the colorful plastic chair, side and end table? Depending on the size and style, you can purchase wooden legs from Home Depot for about five to twenty dollars a piece.  There are several choices from traditional to modern styles.

I had mentioned the other day that you can get wine crates for free or for less than five dollars each from most spirit wine and liquor specialty stores.  Just ask!  Call to find out when they receive shipments and ask to take them off their hands.  Otherwise, they will likely get broken down and thrown out.

 

Thirty creative ways to recycle, reuse, and repurpose:

 

 

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6 Comm
24th Aug2011

Repurposed Kid’s Storage Solutions

by Dinah Wulf

Repurposed Kid’s Storage Solutions

Summer is almost over, which means it’s time for back to school!  There’s no better time than now to make sure your little ones are organized and clutter free. Better Homes and Gardens is one of my favorite websites and magazines to peruse for innovative storage solutions and ideas. Here are some of my repurposing favorites to get your kid’s rooms organized.

Repurpose an old computer/media cabinet for kid’s toy storage. The depth of these cabinets are perfect and keeps the clutter and toys hidden away.  Add storage cubes, baskets, or shelves inside.  You can also add a tension rod to hang things for another storage solution.  Also consider adding hooks on the inside doors to hang other items or display your child’s artwork as well.

Repurpose office storage containers for your child’s supplies.  An unused letter or mail sorter is the perfect size for lotions, wash clothes, and bath wash.  Use a pencil holder for cotton balls or Q-tips. Use bins for diapers or blankets.  Add decorative paper or photos to match the nursery decor.

Repurpose kitchen tools like rolling pins and baking pans to hold jewelry and pictures.  Baking pans are magnetic, and perfect for holding artwork or notes.  Another option is to paint the baking pans with chalkboard paint.  Use S hooks on the rolling pins to hang hats or purses.

Repurpose a chest of drawers for tools as a side table with extra storage.  Metal tool boxes are perfect for a little boys room.  Red is a great color too!

Photo Source: BGH.com

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0 Comm
05th Aug2011

Repurposed Furniture & Décor

by Dinah Wulf

Repurposed Furniture & Décor

Repurposing furniture is all the craze these days.  At least it is to me!  Repurposing is just that… giving a new purpose or use to (in this case) a piece of furniture or household item.  I subscribe to several magazines including
Ready Made and Better Homes and Garden’s DIY magazine and there is rarely an issue without a repurposing feature in it.

Getting inspiration from reading books, magazines, blogs, and other online material has allowed me to think and re-think before I throw something away.  Often times if a friend is throwing an old piece of furniture away, I’ll take it…just in case… I can find a way to update it or turn it into something else. You never know!

 

 

Martha, Martha, Martha!  If you couldn’t tell already, I heart Martha Stewart! She is the Goddess of all things domestic, so of course she has some awesome reporposing DIY projects.  Check out these fabulous, yet simple repurposing ideas from Martha.  They are easy eco-friendly solutions for unwanted or broken furniture.

 

Basket turned Table
Garden Shed Crate turned Cabinets
Broken Table turned Table Console
Benches turned Stacked Shelf
Stepladder turned Night Stand
Wooden Shutter turned Wall Organizer

 

Budget Saving Tip: An alternative to the garden shed crates turned cabinets, is to use wooden wine crates.  Most spirit and liquor specialty stores will give them away for free if you just ask!  They will be broken down and thrown away later anyway!

 

You may also like these Before and After DIY Projects:

 

 

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1 Comm
04th Aug2011

5 Clever Ways to Reuse Tin and Aluminum Cans

by Dinah Wulf

5 Clever Ways to Reuse Tin and Aluminum Cans

So after doing this blog I have officially become a hoarder because I no longer want to throw anything away, in hopes that I can turn it into something fabulous!  I have also become a huge advocate for recycling, reusing, and repurposing.  Taking the eco-friendly route feels good and also gets your creative Do It Yourself juices flowing.

If you strive to be the Hostess with the most, I have discovered that reusing cans, jars, boxes, and the like are perfect for party centerpieces and other decorations.  By covering them with decorative paper, or painting them, recycling items like these gives them a whole new look to fit any party theme.  For example, use wrapping paper to cover old boxes and create height and dimension to a candy or dessert table, or use glass mason jars embellished with ribbon or raffia as a tea light holder.

Check out these five ideas for reusing tin and aluminum cans.

1. Aluminum Can Tea Lights - Turn your favorite cans of soda into  decorative lighting.

2. Food Can Centerpiece - Use vintage cans to create an interesting centerpiece.

3. Food Can Storage Containers - Paint food cans to store office supplies.

4. Tin Pincushion - Make a cute pincushion out of a small tin.

5. Craft Supply Tin - Cover food containers with scrapbook paper to store scissors, paint brushes, or other craft supplies.

 

Check out these other creative ways to recycle:

 

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7 Comm
20th Jul2011

Make Your Own Tote Bag

by Dinah Wulf

Make Your Own Tote Bag

Making a tote bag is a great DIY Spring or Summer craft or project. I always have several tote bags in the trunk of my car for groceries or other purchases. No more plastic bags for me!  I found these four cute creative ideas to share. The crocheted tote made out of plastic bags is genius! Click on the links for a full tutorial.

A grocery bag tote from Design Sponge. This tote fits any style, as you can personalize it by embellishing it with buttons, brooches, and fabric scraps.

A beach tote from Country Living. Perfect for Summer, this tote is embellished with seashells. Just stitch each shell using upholstery thread in a design of your liking.

Recycle plastic bags and make this tote from Marlo’s Crochet Corner.  Using colorful plastic grocery bags and an M hook, crochet this fabulous eco-friendly tote.

A giant flower tote from Tatertots and Jello. This is an old tote from Walmart that was updated with cute ruffled fabric flowers.

 

Check out these other creative ways to recycle:

Find great links for perfect gift ideas here:

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3 Comm
29th Jun2011

Trash to Treasure: Recycled Beer and Wine Bottles

by Dinah Wulf

Trash to Treasure: Recycled Beer and Wine Bottles

You know you’ll party like a Rockstar on the fourth of July in a few days, so what do you do with all the beer and wine bottles? Don’t throw them away! Save them all! Recycling bottles is a must these days; so start thinking GREEN and turn your trash into treasure.  Check out these creative ways to reuse recycled beer and wine bottles.

So a few of these may be challenging for a first time DIY’er; but fun to look at nonetheless.  It’s tough choosing the best idea (they’re all ingenious).  If I had to choose, I’d have to go with the wine bottle wind chimes… eco-friendly, creative, and beautiful.

Wine Bottle Wind Chimes- So pretty and unexpected!

Beer Bottle Chandelier- All I can say is WOW!

Wine Bottle Chair- I love the shape and style of this.  However, it doesn’t seem to look too comfortable!

Beer Bottle Tea Lights- Very cool and one I need to try!  I LOVE the look of the mercury glass.  It’s very timeless.

Wine Bottle Shelves-  These would be cool painted a fun vibrant color.

Beer Bottle Clock- Can you see the bottles?

Check out these other creative ways to recycle:

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10 Comm
03rd Jun2011

Trash To Treasure: 4 Ways to Reuse Old Boxes

by Dinah Wulf

Trash To Treasure: 4 Ways to Reuse Old Boxes

Think twice before throwing away your old boxes. What better way to be eco-friendly and recycle than by turning trash into something functional.  Recycling and repurposing boxes is budget friendly as well! There are many many ways to recycle boxes, but here are four ways you can repurpose cardboard cereal, food, and other boxes very easily.

The plate and napkin holder is for my daughter’s Paul Frank themed birthday party. The party is outdoors at a park and I wanted to make sure the paper plates and napkins did not blow away and came up with this solution. I covered an old wooden box with themed wrapping paper and scrapbook paper and added a personal sign… simple, cute, and festive.

1. Plate and Napkin Holder for a Themed Party

 

2. Cereal Box Magazine Holder

3. Food Box Organizers. A perfect and inexpensive way to stay organized.

4. Recycling Bin - Recycle to recycle!!

 

More Ways to Repurpose! 

Creative ways to recycle, reuse, and repurpose:

 

 

 

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8 Comm
31st May2011

Recycle Glass Bottles and Jars

by Dinah Wulf

Spaghetti jars? Baby food jars? Pickle Jars? Recycle Glass Bottles and Jars by getting crafty!

It IS easy being green! Everyone has glass bottles and jars just waiting to be recycled in their cupboard.  I actually didn’t realize how interesting spaghetti  jars and pickle jars were until I peeled off the label the other day. They actually make perfect sized drinking glasses or craft storage containers.  Mason jar crafts are omnipresent.  I’ve done a few of my own!

Here are six eco-friendly crafts from recycled glass bottles and jars. These are some of my favorite.  The flower vases and glass bottles make elegant centerpieces… such a fun and inexpensive idea for a wedding.

  1. Spice Rack from Natural Modern Materials
  2. Storage Containers
  3. Flower Vases from Wedding Number Three
  4. Glass Jar Frames from Apartment Therapy
  5. Terrariums from Crafting A Green World
  6. Candle Centerpiece from Natural Modern Materials

Think Green and repurpose and recycle glass bottles and jars!

 

More Ways to Repurpose! 

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3 Comm
28th Apr2011

Updated Baby Storage Bins

by Dinah Wulf

Wait… did that sound right? Not storage for babies babies, but storage for all the crap that comes with them! So, I wanted to do something fun for my daughters bedroom and decided to add a little life to these bland storage bins for her toys, books, and diapers.

Here is how I made these updated baby storage bins.

Materials needed:

  • Fabric Storage Bin
  • Material of choice
  • Wooden frame
  • Hot glue gun
  • Staple gun
  • Oval wooden plaque
  • Computer
  • Colored scrapbook paper of choice

Using a staple gun, staple fabric to the wooden frame and hot glue it to the fabric bin. Wooden frames can be found at IKEA for $1.99 for three! The design is up to you. I printed out symbols that my brother designed with my computer on scrapbook paper and glued it to an oval wooden plaque.

Here are a few close up pictures.

Inspired by this post? You may also like, Easy Lamp Shade Update.

 

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