Repurpose, Reuse -- Redesign!

Happy Earth Day! In honor of the efforts many of us are making to recycle materials in new and creative ways, we are sharing some pretty brilliant ideas that you can re-create in your own home.

First off, create a modern rustic headboard from some old wood planks and add your own sentiment . . .

 We love it! (from kirsty)

And we can always look to our local Anthropologie store for the most clever display ideas.

Got an empty plastic soda bottle? Got some bungie cord? Make a hanging planter!

Speaking of hanging, what about creating some original coat hooks?

I love how each hanger gives you two different hook options. From Better Homes & Gardens.

Another smart idea for using hangers in a fresh way . . .

From Creature Comforts, originally from Ohhh . . . Mhhh

And what about turning an old segmented window into a chalkboard calendar? Just paint the glass with chalkboard paint.

From loft & cottage, originally from Cookie mag.

What great ideas can you come up with? How can you repurpose everyday items or old stuff you find in your garage? Let us know in the comments below.

New Lighting from Old Junk

Never before have there been more eclectic choices in pendant lighting. We're especially excited about the trend toward creating fixtures from vintage or cast-off materials. Check out this Jupiter Scrap Light from Graypants (featured in this month's Dwell), made from upcycled cardboard boxes:

Another cool creation: the Mixer Ceiling Pendant (made from -- you guessed it -- a repurposed industrial stainless mixer) from local favorite Omega Too:

And the Workstead 3-Arm Industrial Chandelier is made from repurposed industrial joints and vintage brass sockets (found via Remodelista).

Have an old wire basket or stainless bucket hanging around? Instead of banishing it to your basement, bring it to your local lighting store. Many can turn it into a one-of-a-kind fixture for you.