I don't know about you, but I love contemporary decorations that give off that creative, crisp look to a home. Yes, there are those lavishly decorated houses with expensive decorations that are absolutely incredible, but there are ways to have beautiful and extremely unique decorations that you can make using items that might otherwise end up in a landfill. You will enjoy looking at these creations every day with a unique perspective. One, you helped the environment by recycling, and two, you created a totally cool decoration that fits perfectly within your home and without breaking the bank. So, why not make it a hobby?
Here are a few ideas for using junk to make something cool and functional. Please share any ideas you may have in the comments section!
If you have a small box-like casing, you can use it as a contemporary planter for a cactus or other small plant. Shown in the photo is the metal casing that is usually placed behind electrical outlets in homes. Take the casing and fill with your potting soil and plant of choice. Make sure there are a few small air holes in your planter so excess water can drain. Paint or texture it using your favorite techniques if desired. Layer the top with smooth rocks or any other interesting covering to give it a clean look.
Create artwork for your walls using scraps of any composition (metal, plastic, wood, coil/wire, etc.) by overlapping loops and shapes in an abstract manner. Sometimes, keeping your design simple is better. Paint it a metallic color or finish it however you like. It's your creation.
Candleholders can be made from a lot of junk. Just make sure it is not flammable and can withstand heat. Find old items that we all know we have packed somewhere in our closets that is never going to be used. De-assemble them and convert them into something that fits beautifully with your home. Oh, and use the tea lights from the mega-count tea light bag you bought about eight years ago.
Think of the possibilities with even your everyday trash: bottles, jars and jugs, cardboard, paper, styrofoam, electronics (de-assemble for parts), and more!
I love to reuse, repaint and repurpose things! Instead of them ending up in landfills they get a second life!
Jenny, something I've always wanted to try is making some wall art out of old cogs and computer parts. Neiman's had a bunch of that in their windows one time, and it was amazing! I wish I would have taken a picture.