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9 Inspiring Trash To Treasure Projects

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I’ve got flea market fever lately, y’all.

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When Kevin asked what I wanted for my birthday earlier this month, I told him something sugary, or something to read, and a couple of hours at Amy’s Antiques. 🙂

Well, lucky for me, and thanks to my thoughtful hubby, June 5th brought with it a coconut cream pie (my favorite!) and the book in pictured above (so inspiring!), but it was a busy week, so the flea market trip had to wait. I carved out some time this afternoon though, and boy was it just as fun to wander around a week late! Amy Antique’s was closed, but Eastbrook was open, so that’s where I went. If you’re on Instagram, and you’d like see to the videos I captured while I was out and about, you can click on my profile pic over there (on the app) to watch.

And in the spirit of my flea market fever, I thought it would be fun to share a post about some fantastic “trash to treasure” makeovers today. They really make me want to transform something!

1. Piano turned desk:

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Such a fun way to give an old piano new life!

2. Palets turned kitchen island:

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Now *that* is definitely one of my favorite palet projects.

3. Regular mirror turned floral mirror:

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Tissue paper never looked so good!

4. Boring file cabinets turned fun file cabinet center:

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I can’t tell you how many old inexpensive (or free) file cabinets I’ve come across. I love the idea of painting them a fun color and topping them with wood!

5. Old window turned window art:

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What is it about lettering on glass? So charming!

6. Shutters turned table:

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There are so many great shutter projects out there but this one *really* makes my heart sing!

7. Suitcase turned side table:

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I’m smitten with this idea. Vintage suitcase + wooden tray table = beautiful bedside!

8. House parts turned four-poster bed:

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Hello, bed of my dreams!

9. Headboard turned fence gate:

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Such a pretty place to pass through!

Have you upcycled anything lately? I’d love to hear about your projects, too!

Layla

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Comments

  1. Brenda

    We mounted some old green shutters on a kitchen wall. We then put to two Ikea rods with the different sized hooks for a cool pot rack. I think the rods are called Finthorp rods.

  3. Marie P.

    So many fabulous, creative ideas! The piano/desk and headboard/gate are beautiful and wonderful. Thanks for sharing!

  6. Marianne in Mo.

    Love this post. I’m looking for a mirror similar to the one you showed, so I can hang it in our farmhouse styled bath. Wonder if I could find farm-type designs to put on the mirror? Hmmm. food for thought! I like the bed, piano desk…heck, I like all of these ideas!

  7. MS

    Layla, Please advise how I can get in touch with your regarding the design service? I was able to purchase one (!) and I am unsure how to contact you. Looking forward to hearing from you!

    • Layla

      Hi! You should’ve received an email from me, but I’m guessing it didn’t make it through. I’ll resend! 🙂

  9. Liz

    I love the color of those blue/grey painted kitchen cabinets! Can you tell me where you found that so I can try and find what color it is? Thanks!

  11. B. Folk

    First, Happy Birthday!
    Lovely and inspiring photos, all.
    My “trash-to-treasure”: took two white, melamine closet organizer shelf units and a wooden board cut in two; primed the organizers and painted them black semi-gloss; stained the boards walnut, then screwed them onto the organizers to make a desktop (with room between organizers to put my legs/feet). Sounds boring, but I like it, it was simple, and cheap. Already had the organizers and board for years). With the addition of pretty baskets to corral office stuff and papers, it’s a fine desk.