18 DIY salvage makeovers

Transform castoffs into stylish accessories you'll really use with these easy home projects.


Before: outdated clothing
Nostalgic clothing took up space in boxes banished to the attic. (But how we once adored that Mexican embroidered shirt!)


After: throw pillows
How we did it: We dropped off a bunch of old clothes and our desired pillow dimensions with a local seamstress (many dry cleaners offer this service). A couple of days later, we picked up our one-of-a-kind, boutique-style pillows. Time: 2 days (wait time). Cost: $20 each (Eames molded plastic side chair in lime yellow, $249; dwr.com).


From sewer pipes to plant containers
The inch-thick pipes help insulate plants from desert heat. Their soothingly retro color, faded over time, adds a paradoxically modern vibe to the Las Vegas yard of designer Amy Zeldenrust (702/435-7224). Cost: Free-salvaged (with permission) from a construction site.


Before: bedside tables
We wanted to place the tables side by side and visually unify them as one piece.


After: hallway console
How we did it: We removed the drawer handles, lightly sanded all surfaces with sandpaper, and wiped with a damp cloth. Next, we applied one coat of primer and three coats of Benjamin Moore's high-gloss Bunny Gray paint (2124-50), letting it dry between coats. We painted the tabletops with a chevron pattern using a stencil fashioned from 1- and 2-in.-wide painter's tape, applying two coats of high-gloss white paint (2-oz. sample jar). Then we replaced the handles. Time: 1 weekend. Cost: $38 for primer and paint. Try this: Instead of a complicated pattern, unify the tops with a single border stripe 1 in. from the edge.
> More: Get step-by-step instructions and download our free chevron pattern


Before: stool
This lone metal chair had lost its appeal as extra seating. But its removable cushion sparked another idea...


After: plant stand
How we did it: After removing the seat and sanding the frame, we set out to find the perfect pot to fit. Next, we took the frame outside, placed it on newspaper, and applied a layer of Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch spray paint in Sun Yellow ($3.19; rustoleum.com for stores). After letting it dry, we applied a second coat and waited 24 hours before inserting the pot. Time: 2 hours (30 minutes each for prep and painting, plus 1 hour to dry between coats). Cost: $3.19 for spray paint, plus pot.


Before: metal goblets
Unless you're a priest or a fan of historical reenactments, you probably aren't serving wine in silver goblets. But they're much too lovely to go to waste.


After: votives
How we did it: We cleaned them with metal polish and a clean cloth. Then we filled them with Microwaveable Soy Wax for Containers (by Yaley; $6.99 for 1 lb.; from joann.com) and used Pre-Waxed Medium Bleached Wick with Wick Clip (by Yaley; $2.99 for six; from joann.com) to make elegant, long-burning votives. Time: 1 hour, plus dry time. Cost: $10 for 1 lb. of wax and wicks. Try this: This looks great using old trophies and crystal glasses of all shapes.
> More: Get our step-by-step instructions and make your own goblet votives

SEE ALL DIY SALVAGE MAKEOVERS

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