HOW TO Repurpose Old Furniture
The saying goes , “ one man ’ s trash is another man ’ s treasure .” But before you kick your hand-me- downs to the curb , try breathing new life into them as useful and stylish pieces for your home .
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA LABRECQUE
ON ISLAND TIME If your kitchen doesn ’ t come with a sizeable island topped with a gleaming marble countertop , don ’ t fret . Repurpose an old dresser or desk ( for a larger floor space ) or a dry sink ( for a smaller floor space ) as your new-to-you island . This simple yet effective DIY not only provides a storage solution but also additional counter space .
Things to consider :
• Counter height is typically thirty-five to thirty-six inches tall .
• If your antique piece is too short , consider adding caster wheels to the bottom . Bonus : it ’ s easy to move !
• To change the aesthetics of the piece all together , paint , stain or strip / sand it to its natural wood tone .
• Place a slab of quartz , marble , granite or even butcher block on your repurposed piece to match the rest of your counters .
CATCH-ALL CART You don ’ t need a brand-new bookcase or shelving unit to organize your mementos , dishware , linens and more . Repurpose a vintage baker ’ s rack or industrial shoe rack as an open-air catch-all . The raw wood of the rack typically features spindle shelving that was once used as a cooling rack for fresh-out-of-theoven goods in a bakery , or for the latter , shoes in a factory .
Use the vintage rack for :
• Dishware that ’ s too pretty to pack away .
• Extra blankets and pillows , plus other linens .
• Decorative pieces like vases , candles etc .
• Books , books and more books .
• Storage for additional towels , toilet paper and other self-care products in your bathroom .
6 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY ’ S NEST | 2021