Interior Design with Julia Luttrell
Turning trash into treasure
Well here it is folks, our fifteen minutes of spring has finally arrived. The start of the grand garage sale season. Time to root through the rubble and create cash from your cast-offs to make room for more room makeovers.
But wait, are you sure that lamp, sofa, or old stereo cabinet is better off on the bargain table? Perhaps a dash of design savvy can instead turn that trash into treasure. Recycling instead of replacing items, can be creative fun that personalizes your project and stretches your design dollar.
Over the years I�ve rescued many riches from rummage sale rejects. A wonderful bar made from a wood stove became a client�s recreation room �wonderbar�. I�ve made a mule chest from a mantle, turned an old chest of drawers into a marvelous vanity and a 50�s stereo into a terrific sofa table.
Think you can�t afford to reupholster that worn loveseat? Who says upholstery fabric has to be expensive? How about recovering the body of the piece with dyed painter�s drop-cloth, the seat and back cushions with toweling, and covering the throw pillows in those charming �curly Kate� type twisted bathmats!
To do this all you need is:
One painters canvas drop-cloth (approx. 15 by 30 feet), $35
One package of dye (cold water type), $5.
Eight Wal-Mart Bath Towels (approx. 24 by 48 inches), $56
Two �twisty-type� Bath Mats (approx. 24 by 36 inches), $ 40
Two pillow fillers (approx. 16 by 16 inches), $14
Total cost $150
As for various other furnishings and accessories, with today�s technology virtually any surface can be resurfaced. Various types of paint, glaze, varnishes and plasters can now be stenciled, stamped or applied to any materials. Applied to metal, mirror, glass, drywall, wood or fabric, these surfaces can now mimic granite, stone, wood mouldings, or a host of exquisite faux finishes.
The only limitation is imagination, so before you relegate your rejects to the rummage sale, look them over with an inspired designer�s eye to see what can be salvaged. You�re bound to be amazed at what a creative mind can conjure from clutter, and transform into untold treasure.
