How to use recycled material in interior design

When it comes to interior design, the definition of eco-friendly is not only about preserving the environment and conserving energy. The use of recycled materials play a major role in conceptualizing and designing the interior of the space or room. Many commercial and residential spaces nowadays use recycled materials in creating wonderful interior design concepts. These ideas have widely influenced other owners such that they were able to improve them. Many advocates admire these ideas not only because they help in preserving the planet, but also has created interiors that are eye catching and inspiring.

Sustainable development and interior design

One of the leading problems our planet is facing nowadays is pollution. Pollutants are everywhere: air, water, land. Name if, you got it! The accumulation of these pollutants is alarming since they are now leading to detrimental effects to the environment and health. Many organizations have been formed to help in alleviating this crisis. Even government of different countries has their own laws to help preserve the environment. As sons and daughters of the Earth, we can always do our share in saving the planet. As simple as segregating our garbage will contribute a lot in having a healthy environment.

Many of us are familiar with the “reduce, reuse, recycle” slogan. The fundamental principles of which are now being applied in interior design as the goal is to minimize the waste that is produced by the household. Some of the things that many consider wastes can actually still be used in many ways. If you are going to check for some information in the internet, it will not just give an idea or so. You will receive tons of information about recycling. All you need is your creativity so that you will be able to incorporate these ideas in your home.

Recycled material ideas for the interior that you will love

Recycling is defined as converting what we consider wastes into something useful. We all are aware that a small country can produce tons of garbage every day. It is a fact that most of these garbage contains items that can still be recycled. If we can harvest these items, or if we can use these items before throwing them away, then we would be doing a great deal for our environment. After all, we will all benefit from the small things that we contribute to our environment.

Here are some recycled material ideas for your interior that you may find interesting:

• Suitcase pet bed / side table – do not throw old suitcases. They may have dual purposes. An open suitcase filled with cushion or cloth can serve as bed for your cats. If you close it, it can also serve as a side table where you can place your night lamp and/or picture frame. Do not forget to customize it by adding legs of your desired height.     

• Decorative suit jackets – old suit jackets or coats can still be recycled by creating a cover slip for pillows. Make it more stylish by making an alphabet pillow and using the suit jacket as cover.

• Wooden picture frames – do you have barn wood that must be discarded ASAP? Think again. These wood products can be recycled into picture frames that appears great especially in cabin or log house.

• Recycled bike chain ring – bicycle chain ring can be recycled into a decorative item such as a clock which will be loved by many bike enthusiasts.

• Coffee sack basket – your old coffee sack need not be stored in the basement. Make a stylish basket made from coffee sacks and place magazines, towels, and others.

• Quilt coasters – no need to throw or keep old quilt fabric. Style them into something useful and attractive by creating fabric quilt coasters that will look nice when placed on the table.

• Milk crate stools – milk crates are made from durable plastics. Customize it by adding wooden legs and cushioned top to have an attractive stool your kids will love.

• Fabric wall decals – kids love to draw. Sometimes you will just see them drawing and painting the walls of your home. Keep them busy by using your old fabric wall decals and let them use their imagination and creativity in decorating the wall. This will likewise boost their self confidence as their art work is displayed in your home.

• Wallpapers - scraps from your wallpapers can make an instant art in your home when you frame it with molding. Or you can use it to brighten your lamp shades, or to make privacy shades, or even use it as a wrapping paper for your kid's birthday!

There are other good ideas in making use of recyclable materials. Think out of the box so that you will be able to create something from nothing.