Reclaimed Home was inspired by the rehabilitation of a Victorian house. After restoring the home to its former glory using antique salvaged materials, a business was born. Reclaimed Home takes old, discarded objects and reinvents them. Today they share some of their ideas for reusing and upcycling trash into decorative home treasures.
Upcycling is a fairly new term for an ancient practice. We’ve all been upcycling for years without even realizing it. Have you ever cut your pants to make a pair of jean shorts? You upcycled. Ever made a frame out of old moulding? Yup, upcycled. Tire swing? You get the picture.
I sort of fell into reclaimed materials when I was restoring my 120 year old brownstone. The home was filled with original details, but it was in bad disrepair. Rather than replacing with new, I hit the salvage yards.
The house is (nearly) finished, but I’m still hooked. I now see life in discarded table legs, old beams and tin ceilings. My projects range from easy (coat of paint) to skilled (shutter cabinets) to bizarre (let’s just say I have a doll fetish).
If one person’s trash is another person’s treasure, where do you find this trash? My favorite resource is
Craigslist curb alert, free and garage sales.
Freecycle is another great site.
Habitat’s ReStores are always useful. After nearly two years in the business, I have my “clean out guy” connections. They call me BEFORE they have their tag sales. I must say, there’s nothing better than getting something for nothing. Dumpster diving and bulk trash day send shivers down my spine.
The thing about upcycling is that anything goes: it doesn’t have to look perfect or even make sense. Whatever it looks like, it’s better than it will look in the landfill.
Below you’ll find some of my favorite “inventions.”
Too Easy!
I purchased boxes of sample tiles from a local concrete fabricator. With a gloss sealant and cork backing, these make great coasters. I love the fact that they still have the numbers!
Parquet Floors
Blue desk frame with upholstery tack picture holders. How can you beat my 1960’s childhood photos, though?
Gold hanging clip made from single vintage parquet floor square. It’s a good idea to add extra support to the back of parquet tiles, as they are held together with mesh.
Coat Hooks From Just About Anything!
A glass doorknob on a piece of old molding. Antique hooks on a plywood board. Coat hooks are just about the easiest thing to make.
I bought a pair of 1950’s water skis at a garage sale for $15 and made coat hooks out of each of them.
This broken chair back was found on the curb.
Other Hooks and Shelves
The towel bar was fabricated out of a Victorian window lintel, used copper pipe and antique glass doorknobs.
This vintage mechanic’s toolbox was found at a garage sale for five bucks. The legs were found in a dumpster. Now it’s a coffee table. If you have some longer legs on hand, tool boxes can also make great desks.
Art Doesn’t Have to Hang on the Wall.
The painting table project requires a bit more skill. It’s easy to back the painting and place it on a base, but the glass top and backing needed moulding around them.
Shutters are one of those things you can always find for free. I have some rather large ones sitting in my basement that came with the house. This radiator cover works perfectly in my living room. Other shutter ideas: litter box cover, partition screen, corner shelving unit, cupboard doors. The list is endless!
Check out ReclaimedHome‘s shop for more of their inventive handiwork. The related items below are all made from upcycled materials!
Search for Recycled Clothing | Earth Tones Series | Shop Upcycled Housewares
Reclaimed Towel Bar
155 comments
Sign in to add your ownBlueNostalgia says:
Very neat!
2 years ago
IrinaPhotography says:
I like Victorian-style houses. This one on the picture is so cute!
2 years ago
TheVintageWaffle says:
Good story. I hope to some day have my own Victorian or old farm house.
2 years ago
WinchesterLambourne says:
Oh man, I want! ♥
2 years ago
SeaFindDesigns says:
Great ideas!!! Going to try a few myself!!
2 years ago
VintageEyeFashion says:
fantastic!
2 years ago
iworkartwork says:
Wow! I so want everything! What a wonderful treasures!
2 years ago
Vanessa says:
I met Phyllis at Brooklyn Blog Fest and was so intrigued by her work fixing up old houses. I love old architectural details and preserving and reusing those odds and ends makes life so much cooler. Glad to have you on the Storque, Phyllis!
2 years ago
edithandlulu says:
I love uncorked! Very cool packaging.
2 years ago
yaelfran says:
very clever!!!!!
2 years ago
cjBlue says:
Absolutely Fab!!
2 years ago
yaelfran says:
love uncorked too!!!!!
2 years ago
BeadinBabe says:
Wow, how awesome!! This makes me want to change my decor around my own house! :)
2 years ago
reiter8 says:
Love it. Very creative. There are so many good 'gently used' materials out there just waiting for a second chance. Love that towel bar!
2 years ago
raeraesisters says:
Awesome ideas! It's always good to see things reused rather than tossed!
2 years ago
jessicaschuler says:
Would love to see more pictures of the interior of this house! Beautiful work, this has always been a dream of mine and I enjoyed briefly living vicariously through you.
2 years ago
1AEON says:
yeah! do it up!!
2 years ago
younghairlove says:
Good idea and good luck!!
2 years ago
buttercupbloom says:
A lover of all things upcycled - I think that these guys are completely cool! Thanks for doing what you do! xo
2 years ago
mossyrockpottery says:
When I was a bachelor, everything I had was upcycled... My end tables were painted electrical wire spindles, my "entertainment center" was formed from several shelves that formerly had glass sliding doors... I made a tapestry from a giant American flag that covered most of one wall (formerly used as a funeral flag for a military burial, bought for $4 at a flea market). I also lined the top of the wall with old CD's (from a radio station where I worked) to reflect what little light there was and brighten up the place. Lets just say, my wife didn't let me keep most of it when we got married... But I thought it was cool.
2 years ago
pandawithcookie says:
I like some of the ideas here. I am a fan of the upcycling.
2 years ago
MariesVintage says:
Very inspirational, makes me want to try my hand at a summer project!
2 years ago
sleepypillow says:
Love the idea. thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
LaLah says:
WOW...guess I better start on some new upcycling projects!!! love this stuff.
2 years ago
reclaimedhome says:
Thank you, thank you, everyone! The house is very much a work in progress. After 5 years, we're still ripping it apart and living with renovation. http://www.flickr.com/photos/castleandkeep/sets/72157603719986312/ Our other house is nearly finished. Lots of salvage in that one as well. http://www.flickr.com/photos/castleandkeep/sets/72157594378041657/ Hope you don't mind the links, Vanessa!
2 years ago
LabyrinthLeather says:
Brilliant!
2 years ago
redyellowandblueink says:
Relcaimed Home you Rock! Just love everything you wrote in this piece-so perfectly true, and your tips and ideas are great! Big thanks for including my upcycled bird feeders among all the other lovely and ingenious item picks. Heck, even not so lovely upcycle sends me.
2 years ago
monkeyandsquirrel says:
fantastic! these are the kind of items that make me giddy... kudos to you guys!!!
2 years ago
TrilliumArtisans says:
Awesome! Love upcycling. Great to see our artisan (EyePopArt) featured in related items. Thanks!
2 years ago
OffTheHooks says:
great article & ideas-- it's amazing and sad what gets thrown away in our society.
2 years ago
jenniferlynnstudio says:
The tool box for $5 was a steal! Great find!..Love what you did with the shutters. Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
2ReVert says:
Great article, LOVE that toolbox... why can't I find a deal like that ;) Thanks so much for including our coaster as well. :) 2ReVert
2 years ago
beautifulbridget says:
I just LOVE that painting table!!
2 years ago
poppyswickedgarden says:
Oh this is great! I just found some old suitcases on the roadside I'm going to make into coffee tables!
2 years ago
polkadotsoup says:
Terrific article - upcycling is one of my favourite pastimes!
2 years ago
BululuStudio says:
Upcycle is super cool! I love upcycling too it's very challenging and fun!
2 years ago
Salzanos says:
This is right down my alley! I love to make use of things that most would throw out because it is not NEW anymore or has some little broken area. I reclaim broken jewelry into new. I also love to take things found out used stores and redoe things just like this article! way to go!
2 years ago
shopgoldmine says:
BRILLIANT!! Vintage stuff is so much better than buying new! LONG LIVE VINTAGE!!
2 years ago
chandistreasurechest says:
All I have to say is---WoW! Pretty Clever :)
2 years ago
ScottieinaCanoe says:
FABULOUS ideas :) Love this article!!!
2 years ago
nostalgiaorganics says:
BIG advocate of upcycling. My soaps come in fabric packaging that you can "upcycle" to make really unique crafts ~ label turns into a pattern! Less Waste, More Love is our motto! Come say hello!
2 years ago
maggiemaescolours says:
Always loved the recycled stuff. Great ideas!!!
2 years ago
thebestvintage says:
That is the best use of vintage!!
2 years ago
recycledwares says:
thanks for keeping our landfills a bit less cluttered by buying used items for your house. that is my motto, recycle the wares.
2 years ago
beachhouseblues says:
This is a great idea filled blog. Makes me want to look around my house for something to makeover.
2 years ago
AuracaunaDesigns says:
LOVE the tool box coffee table and the water-ski coat rack!
2 years ago
skrocki says:
my house is full of items that have been upcycled, there are some excellent ideas included for people looking how to re-use something in a completely different way.
2 years ago
IcingOnTheCupcake says:
Some fantastic ideas, very resourceful!
2 years ago
beadstylin says:
Cool! Dumpster diving sends shivers up my spine too. Unbelievable what people throw out.
2 years ago
trishafern says:
great to see that reusing, upcycling and recycling is getting so mainstream. i love the reuse of the glass made into a beautifully textured knitted vase!
2 years ago
staceylyndesigns says:
Being a pack rat I'm always trying to find uses for things I can't part with. Great ideas!
2 years ago
simplylovlee says:
Great items/ideas! I totally believe in re-purposing items!
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Great ideas, neat stuff.
2 years ago
CouchDesign says:
Some really fantastic ideas here- I love the Victorian diorama.
2 years ago
mudpuppy says:
Oh man, that bird feeder is fantastic!! I LOVE it.
2 years ago
violetbella says:
great article, i love all of those ideas! i love dumpster diving!!! im always looking in peoples yards when i drive by at there piles of junk that just sits there, and think of all the things i would do if i had that piece of junk!
2 years ago
eileenheneghan says:
What great stuff. My brother and sister in law would love your stuff, they have been fixing up the house they bought and they are getting burned out. It is such hard work! I am passing along this article maybe they can get reinvigorated.
2 years ago
anteakbooteek says:
If only everyone had this talent, just think, no more landfills! But for now, leave it to us pros! Thanks what a great Storque.
2 years ago
kenjiku says:
Great IDEAS!
2 years ago
kidacollective says:
Just brilliant. I'm in awe.
2 years ago
SunshineandRavioli says:
What we used to call "junking" is now "upcycling"...no matter what you call it, I will always love finding new uses for old stuff. Love everything featured and now I am off to check out those flickr links...thanks for a great article!
2 years ago
FluteTeacher says:
Loved reading this!
2 years ago
belovedbaglady says:
What cool and creative upcyclers! Why buy new?!
2 years ago
AZCreativeStudio says:
Lovely house! The ideas are amazing!
2 years ago
TreeHuggerStudio says:
This is right up my alley.Great ideas, it is nice sitting in your home looking around at the things you've worked hard on.
2 years ago
HelloVictory says:
super! I love the shutter idea. way cool
2 years ago
birdie1 says:
Thanks for a great article!
2 years ago
SecondHandNews says:
What a fabulous article! There's nothing better than reclaimed vintage!
2 years ago
tldgrainwear says:
I loved the "skis-turned-to-coat-hooks", simply fabulous! Cheers!
2 years ago
lauraprentice says:
ooh i like this one! those skis have a lot more life in them though.... the old wood ones are the best!
2 years ago
MintyFreshFusions says:
I was so excited to see the general theme, then bulk trash night, and the ReStore, then I even saw me in the featured items! Such a SWEET article to be featured in! Thank you! We're working on a 192O American Foursquare we bought next year, she's the warm up to a larger Victorian later, I just wish we didn't have to go to Syracuse [from Utica] to get to the ReStore, I think you just inspired another trip! :]
2 years ago
CollectionObsession says:
Great creative ideas. Your house is lovely. We are in year 7 of our 1912 Arts and Crafts renovation, and are about 1/2 done.
2 years ago
girlchild says:
I've been dumpster diving and curb lurking for so long, I thought I invented it. But I'm glad to know I'm not alone.
2 years ago
BabySnuggles says:
Thank you for sharing. I live in a 120 yrs old victorian home. You have made my day, by showing me how gorgeous it can be again. I'm inspired! way to go!!!!
2 years ago
AlliesAdornments says:
Great article, & the cashmere elephant is to die for!
2 years ago
ohmay says:
lived in an Edwardian in San Francisco....love the built-ins and high ceilings. Way to go restoring instead of modernizing.
2 years ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
creative!
2 years ago
COGnitivecreations says:
So many ideas, so little time... Thank you for the inspiration!
2 years ago
26olivestreet says:
awesome tips! ...and that bird feeder is AMAZING!
2 years ago
QuercusSilver says:
Fantastic creative suggestions and it all looks so great.
2 years ago
MyGrandmasAttic says:
A-MA-ZING! I love it! Up cycling is the best!
2 years ago
littlepinkpebble says:
i'm now hating my house :D
2 years ago
ellabellamay says:
WOW! We bought an older house recently, and now I feel really good about it! There's potential in everything! Thanks for a great article!
2 years ago
TipsyTimeMachine says:
Shutter radiator cover is amazing. So many great ideas in this article. My partner dumpster dived and found wooden trestle legs, I was dubious as to their usefulness. But inspiration struck, and I used them to make her a full length tilting dressing mirror. Not as elegant as many of the examples here, but it was more interesting than something I could have bought new, and she was happily surprised.
2 years ago
chinacutter says:
Such a great idea!Thanks for your sharing. Wish everyone a pleasant day.
2 years ago
FlanneryCrane says:
Wonderful story to get creative juices flowing. My dream is to get a home and I want to upcycle too! I love the chair back you made a wall hanging with-gorgeous! I wish you much continued success in your business.
2 years ago
YesWeeKend says:
I love victorian houses and the reinventing for what concernes forniture creates the more eclectic interiors!
2 years ago
hellome says:
SunshineandRavioli said: What we used to call "junking" is now "upcycling" ----- So true! I remember many a trash day cruising various neighborhood "Curbies" lol. Glad there are so many more options like freecycle now. Have never heard of Craigslist curb alert - good to know. Another good place for unique finds is after closing at a large flea market. Lots of times people will just leave their unwanted and sometimes broken items behind for you to rescue and repurpose.
2 years ago
djd8 says:
I really enjoyed this story. I love repurposing anything, bringing it back to life, once again. I know, when you are all finished with your home, it will be beautiful! What a sense of accomplishment. Keep up the good work.
2 years ago
Atticspirits says:
I love flee markets , I have been junking/Up cycling as long as I remember , I just prefer old things over new things , New things mostly seem to lack spirit about them . I have always called it "treasure hunting"
2 years ago
BelleMereBelleFille says:
This reminds me of a house I wanted to buy with my husband in Logansport, Indiana (from a realtor Mrs. Drinkwine!) It was TOO beautiful to be true, but totally gutted with all the good stuff stolen and resold. Kudos for your perseverance and creativity! Here! Here! to Victorian era homes!
2 years ago
woodponddesigns says:
I love using recycled/upcycled items - my favorite is felting wool sweaters and making them into wee critters http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26576257
2 years ago
clothpaperstitches says:
The painting table is such a cool idea. Love it!
2 years ago
VintageSurplus says:
Stellar renovation! Time and time again, it's been proven that authentic materials (even with grunge on them) will withstand the test of time better than lots of fancy "off the shelf" stuff at the home decorating store nowadays. It's so fantastic to see lots of people **YOU GUYS** be willing to put the effort into restoring good, old stuff to its former glory and find new uses for sturdy and stylish stuff that can no longer perform it's intended function (old water skis, parquet floors...). Thanks for sharing this and inspiring others to do the same! Carry on...and please keep it coming! :)
2 years ago
JAdamsDesigns says:
I LOVE the old wooden tool chest that became a coffee table!
2 years ago
RetroHouse says:
Love this article!!
2 years ago
SalvagedExpression says:
I love old victorians and the idea of restoring one to its former glory. That and of course upcycling! I might have to steal that toolbox idea (in case I didn't have enough curb end tables).
2 years ago
brandeye says:
i love it all!!
2 years ago
thestapeliacompany says:
I love upcycling and these ideas are great. I go to a lot of salvage stores and it's amazing how much we throw away and how many wonderful buildings have been torn down. At least these pieces get a new lease on life with someone who can appreciate them. :)
2 years ago
breadandroses says:
Congrats on nearly finishing your old house project! Old houses are labors of love & restoration can be full of surprises (some good, some not so much)! I grew up with upcycling mentality & raised my family DIY style too. It all started with grandma recycling her 1930s floral barkcloth drapes into porch glider slipcover & pillows way back.....caught the bug early. Now look at all my Etsy shops!
2 years ago
SimpleTraditions says:
Very Cool!
2 years ago
pileofstones says:
Amazing, thanks for sharing!!!
2 years ago
Luster says:
I loved reading this since I use the old copper wire from my house to make Jewelry....and I LOVE visiting our local salvage yard for treasures!
2 years ago
Morado says:
Such cool ideas! thanks for sharing...and the picks are just delightful :o)
2 years ago
orchardfarmsoap says:
we're currently upcycling a chicken coop for our soap studio. i love the ideas in this article.
2 years ago
KariCrumpMosaics says:
FABULOUS Article!! I feature upcycled items in all my pieces! Good to see other lovers of junk! Junk on!
2 years ago
QwertyO says:
Such fun! I have always loved taking something old and creating something different from it. Great article!
2 years ago
FairyBubbles says:
I love old houses:)
2 years ago
BibbysRocket says:
Where is that house? It looks like Buffalo's West side.
2 years ago
emcisaac says:
Creative upcycle, love the ideas and will steal a couple for myself!!! Okay I don't have to be original all the time!
2 years ago
reclaimedhome says:
Thank you, thank you once again! Bibbys, the house is in Beacon, NY.
2 years ago
shopgoodgrace says:
Love, LOVE this! A job well done. :) I think about how my grandparents upcycled nearly everything... using old coffee cans to store extra nuts, bolts, nails. Cutting buttons off of shirts for use in later projects... with those worn out shirts getting a second life as rag rugs or quilts. Even the tiniest of fabric pieces were used to create "make do" pincushions. Thanks again for sharing your story and your ideas.
2 years ago
BlackStar says:
Fabulous post! My husband and I did historic restoration for 20+ years. It's amazing some of the the things you find behind those old walls. Off to look at your flickr pool.
2 years ago
EJPcreations says:
Such great ideas!!! So inventive!
2 years ago
springflowerchild says:
I thought that house looked familiar! I grew up in Beacon, Ny. I've always wanted to restore one of those old house too.
2 years ago
michon says:
oh, I love this kind of stuff! I wish I had more storage space, I would go crazy at garage sales and make all kinds of cool things for my home...
2 years ago
sandali says:
Awesome -- I love the rustic wooden table & painting table -- trigger happy days ;)
2 years ago
TheCottageCheese says:
I love this story! Fantastic upcycled creations - the water ski is my favorite. Reclaimed home is a fantastic blog!
2 years ago
BirdAndMoonStudio says:
I love this "upcycled" thing. Of course!!! we have ALL being doing this for a long time. GRAND creations!
2 years ago
girlindustries says:
What an amazing home.
2 years ago
MyWisteriaCottage says:
Love all the finds. I always look at stuff and try to see what I can do with it. This adds to my list by showing me cool stuff and getting the creative juices flowing. Thanx
2 years ago
MyWisteriaCottage says:
Fantastic chair art!
2 years ago
Phoenixbartender says:
What great ideas. I don't hate the fact that I need to go through my garage now!
2 years ago
bellavioletta says:
wonderful art........we love bulk trash days and construction site dumpsters...you never know what your gonna get.
2 years ago
pogoshop says:
Super article. You have to feel good about rescuing great old stuff that was destined for the trash - making something out of what had been thought of as nothing. I love it.
2 years ago
TangBaby says:
whoa! go go mintyfreshfusions!
2 years ago
yosemitevintage says:
You must feel a great sense of accomplishment with this wonderful project. Old houses are a gift that keeps on giving. Thanks for sharing your ideas and the offerings you have in your etsy shop. I really like the back of the chair idea - would look nice over a mirror too, for an entry way. That reminds me, theres a huge estate sale tomorrow that I wont be able to stay away from, but I promise to be good. Lovin' Etsy!
2 years ago
babook says:
i love the all uprecycl . it amaze !!
2 years ago
JoDyer says:
Creativity and good old fashioned commonsense, great stuff!
2 years ago
monamivie says:
Awesome article! I just published my book, "Random Acts of Greeness", it is full of upcycling ideas :)
2 years ago
AnniesWearableArt says:
One of my favorite articles of all time! Amazing what artists can do with what other people toss at the curb or abandon.
2 years ago
spareGus says:
I love reclaimed items, they are the most satisfying things to have in a home!
2 years ago
AchAchLiebling says:
What I really love about this article, in addition the style, is that it presents cool things are practical and realistic. I also like that author's comment that her home is a work in progress and she lives with ongoing repairs and renovations. I think that's a nice counter-view to the enviable, though unattainable, ideal of picture-perfect, totally done, spic-and-span homes presented in decor mags and blogs.
2 years ago
GreenTease says:
Way to go!!! Live in a "work in progress" myself thanks for the incentive to keep pluggin at it!
2 years ago
GreenTease says:
Way to go!!! Live in a "work in progress" myself thanks for the incentive to keep pluggin at it!
2 years ago
sirenedelmare says:
Love this article! Way to go!!!
2 years ago
MissHildebrandt says:
Very inspiring. People will eat it up...like it should be!
2 years ago
VIKukA says:
Super amazing stuff!
2 years ago
frstyfrolk says:
What fabulous ideas you have shown and what a beautiful home! Thanks for sharing all the inspiration. Smiles, Cyndi
2 years ago
alittledream says:
Wow! Fantastic finds. I love old vintage items. Especially glass door knobs, typewriter keys, skeleton keys, old windows, and colored glass. Now I want to go on a search in my area for all this cool stuff. Thanks
2 years ago
livingstonandporter says:
Love to find new uses for old, vintage or antique goods! This is the way to go... Thanks for all the SCOOP!
2 years ago
CGDesigns says:
Ingenious, talk about bringing the imagination to life! It's also very earth friendly and very "Go-Green".
2 years ago
maryjanesheirlooms says:
Inspirational!
2 years ago
bydesign4u says:
repurposing,recyling,cycleup,all great ideas. Love old used worn objects, so much more character..
2 years ago
vaeda says:
I love this article, so inspiring!
2 years ago
zJayne says:
This is really FABulous! It is endless, the possibilities!
2 years ago
Namoo says:
Such great ideas!
2 years ago
Mattamorphis says:
Everything but the kitchen sink! I would put a nice fat gold chain on a sink and use it as a fabulous charm bracelet. Can you imagine toting around nYC with that. I wonder how much the extra cab fare would be. oh my!
2 years ago
MonstersAndRobots says:
I especially love the ideas of putting legs on a tool box and making furniture from window shutters.
2 years ago
amoronia says:
I am soooooo impressed!!!!!!
2 years ago
angelene says:
this has really motivated me for the house renovation i'm doing at the moment with my fiance!
2 years ago
littlepumpkincrafts says:
so cool!Great house.
2 years ago
littlepumpkincrafts says:
so cool, great house
2 years ago
HotDoggies says:
My daughters latest facebook post is hide your clothes from mom before she turns them into shoes ha-ha just don't buy anything polka dotted. One of my favorite recent projects are these booties made from vintage cutter quilts http://www.etsy.com/listing/52537731/vintage-quilt-baby-booties
1 year ago
Drew Auman says:
Another way to Upcycle stuff is The reGives Network ... It's free and nonprofit http://www.regives.com Check it out
99 days ago