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Do you have old things lying in storage that you simply can’t bare to part with? Items from travel, old pieces of furniture and sentimental keepsakes, all tucked away until we find a place to showcase them again.

 

Well if you’re looking for a little motivation or a fun side project, here are a few creative ways to repurpose and upcycle some of your favorite treasures.

 

 

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Upcycle an old dresser into a stunning bench

 

Whether you have an old dresser in storage, need to upgrade your current dresser, or you recently found an excellent piece at the antique store, repurposing an old dresser into a bench is the perfect way to enhance your seating arrangement.

 

Start by removing the top of the dresser and the top drawers. What’s left? A bench! Next, add some plywood for extra seat support, a few stylish and comfortable cushions, and voilà, you’ve created extra seating for your entryway, front porch, or mud room.

 

The remaining drawer on the bottom functions as a bonus storage area.

 

Unique display shelf

 

When you think an object has no purpose, think again. You’d be surprised how many items can be repurposed into one-of-a-kind shelving units which are perfect for showcasing your favorite sculptures and pictures.

 

For example, you can add a bright coat of paint to an old stepladder to create an interesting display shelf that’s an instant eye-pleaser.

 

Adding a weathered finish will pair nicely with crisp white frames on the adjacent wall, lending the room a classic cottage look. Additionally, an old ladder placed on a wall also create an intriguing bookshelf.

 

 

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Salvaged home office

 

A chic home office doesn’t always need to have to brand new items. You can create a functional and rustic desk with just a few items and a little love and attention.

 

Use sawhorses for the legs of the desk, place an old ladder across for sturdy framework, and top it off with a wood pallet to create a spacious workstation that is sure to create a stunning focal point with very little investment.

 

To complete the look, consider using an old garage storage unit with wood pallets as a back support to create industrial-style shelving for additional storage space. Fill the shelves with vintage-inspired objects, and you’ve created the ultimate chic home office.

 

Cabinet door mantle décor

 

After a remodel, we are often left with extra material. Instead of tossing the extra items in the trash consider the possibilities. After a kitchen remodel, take that leftover cabinet door and place it above on the fireplace mantel as decor.

 

Paint the door to match the room’s color scheme and lean it against the mantel lending this item an entirely new purpose. Finish off the look with an antique decorative plate and candles, and you’ve created a stylish and unique decorative mantel.

 

 

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Bright bold focal point

 

Sometimes the only thing a piece of furniture needs is a fresh coat of paint to breathe new life into a space. Add a fresh coat of paint in a bold color to an old end table or coffee table to create an eye-catching focal point.

 

A bold color creates a fun focal point to liven up any room in your home or office.

 

What to do with that old bathtub

 

Unlike upcycling, repurposing means that the original object is not modified, or very minimal modifications (i.e. re-painted). This provides a great opportunity to turn your whimsical creativity into thrifty pragmatism!

 

For example, you can make an intriguing and functional herb garden out of an old bath tub. Simply clad it with wood to turn the basin into a planter box, fill it with soil and plant your favorite herbs.

 

Not only will this create a unique enhancement for your backyard but you’ll also reap the additional benefits of fresh herbs for next meal!

 

From tired to stylish, anything can be revitalized with a little love. If you have a little time and a some creativity you can turn your old items into treasures.

 

If you don’t have the time but you want to create the look, contact the designers at Milestone and we can do the work for you!

 

Photos courtesy of Pinterest.

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Your landscape often sets the stage for your home’s interior, so why not make the most of it? One way to strengthen your landscape and enhance your curb appeal is to add imaginative and unique water features.

 

From fountains and ponds to waterfalls and custom water features, these soothing additions are a popular and affordable way to enhance your landscape.

 

 

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Water ponds

 

A pond is a flat low body of water which provides a fully customizable addition to enhance both large and small landscape designs. Not only do they add an essence of tranquility, but they can create an impressive focal point to your overall outdoor design.

 

Best of all, ponds provide a versatile addition you can blend into your existing landscape design. Ponds can be natural looking or made from concrete with multiple levels, allowing the water to flow from one level to the other in different size water basins.

 

If you desire to add more life into your ponds, you can create a koi pond for a more lively and invigorating outdoor water element.

 

For those looking to become one with nature, remember that birds, frogs, and insects prefer to frequent a garden when there is always a source of water available.

 

To encourage more wildlife, make sure you have plenty of indigenous trees and plant life in the area. Lilypads provide another great option for adding visual appeal to your backyard pond.

 

Waterfalls

 

Outdoor waterfalls provide an alluring outdoor accent that exudes the tranquil sound of trickling water as you relax in your backyard sanctuary. Waterfalls can be constructed in all shapes and sizes, so you can place them almost anywhere you like.

 

Existing water features such as pools and ponds can be enhanced with a decorative waterfall feature. You can also choose to install a pondless waterfall, where the water cascades down something, such as rocks or a stone wall and onto a bed of ornamental gravel.

 

The gravel or rocks typically cover a retaining basin to catch the water and a pump that will send it back up to the top of the waterfall.

 

Water walls are a flat wall of water that combines the soothing sound of water with the visual aesthetic of a waterfall. Pondless waterfalls are great options for those individuals lacking the space or desire for a pond, yet love the look and soothing sound of a waterfall.

 

Water and fire features

 

The combination of water and fire is very intriguing. We can create customized features using both these elements to create the illusion of fire emerging out of the water.

 

When these powerful features are combined in pools, they exude a very warm ambiance that is simultaneously visually compelling and soothing.

 

Another added benefit to these custom features is that the fire can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone feature by adding an Ethanol liquid burner or with a gas connection.

 

We recommend using a gas connection.This allows the feature to be easily operated with a single switch or remote.

 

Custom water features

 

Looking for something that speaks to the very heart and soul of your landscape design? Custom water features provide the perfect opportunity to enhance your backyard.

 

Creative water features offer meaningful yet subtle methods to enhance an otherwise ordinary backyard.

 

For your outdoor space, we can create an endless array of options to choose from, such as dazzling rock water pools with built-in fountains designed to reflect the greenery in your garden, to more contemporary looking water features that include sheet fountains, planter waterfalls, swimming pool lagoons, copper fire bowls and more.

 

Depending on size, form, and shape required, we can build any type of water feature you can visualize! Your custom water feature may include multiple functions like a water wall, bubblers, and spouts.

 

When it comes to creative design, the possibilities are endless.

 

 

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A delightful pond or a stunning waterfall can be the crowning element for your landscape.

 

Not only will these water features serve as an attractive addition and enhance the architecture of your home, but they also create an aesthetic value that will increase the value of your property and your mood!

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Having a strong connections between your indoor and outdoor design schemes can make your home feel more expansive, fill your space with light, and can encourage flow between indoor and outdoor rooms.

 

In fact, there are few design changes that have such a great and immediate impact on the way you experience everyday life in your home and backyard.

 

Whether you are planning on remodeli­ng your home or simply want to get inspired, here are a few ideas to start you on the path to bridging the gap between the indoors and out.

 

 

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Create seamless flow

 

An ample-size pivoting glass door creates an impressive entry on its own, but when you pair it with a back wall of glass doors, the light flows creating the illusion of endless space.

 

Using the same flooring material indoors and out also creates an uninterrupted flow from the front to the back of your home.

 

You can even get creative, adding an around the corner window. When you get rid of the corner, it makes you feel as if you are part of the view. We guarantee that this spot will become the highlight of your home! Corner windows are not just for grand villas.

 

They also provide an amazing opportunity to bring the outdoors in so you can enjoy the view of your stunning backyard all day long! If you have a spectacular view from anywhere in your home, that’s where to put your corner window.

 

 

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Shelter an outdoor space

 

Outdoor rooms in the backyard provide a wonderful opportunity to create a secluded space in the calming atmosphere of your backyard or garden area.

 

Having a covered space next to the house, such as a pergola, gazebo or other custom built shade structures allows you to enjoy your backyard from the comforts of your shaded retreat.

 

Be sure to add comfortable seating and don’t be afraid to get creative. Consider adding a fireplace or custom water feature to enhance your landscape aesthetic.

 

Give your desk a view

 

Frequently we all bring our work home with us. If you spend time working from a home office your deserve a fabulous open view. Start by positioning your desk in a room with an inspiring view.

 

Make sure the windows face your desk, and if possible they run right up to the ceiling for maximum views and light. This small change will help create a productive space you will enjoy working from.

 

Design a family room with doors

 

What better way to create a seamless transition than with a constant view of the great outdoors? A walk-out ground-floor family room can be enhanced with pocket doors or sliding glass doors.

 

The immediate connection with the outdoors will help lure your family and friends outside to enjoy your backyard retreat.

 

 

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Lose the door

 

Why not completely lose the wall? Opening up an entire side of your home with floor-to-ceiling glass doors is a dramatic change that could revolutionize your space. Accordion and bi-fold glass doors can be completely pulled away to blend indoors and out.

 

This feature is especially suited to modern homes and mid century ranches warmer climates, but it could work well for other home styles as well.

 

Echo your home’s shape in outdoor areas

 

One of the key components to creating a seamless transition from the indoors to the out is to remain true to the design of your home.

 

A wraparound patio that mirrors the shape of your villa, especially when paired with intriguing glass doors and generous windows, makes your indoor and outdoor spaces feel more interconnected.

 

 

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Creating strong connections between your indoor and outdoor design schemes will expand your space with light and will encourage flow between indoor and outdoor rooms.

 

Follow the above tips for a few changes that are sure to elevate your home, your lifestyle, and your daily demeanor!

 

 

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There are loads of ways to “open up” your living space by tricking the eye into believing that your home is much, much larger than it actually is.

 

Creating expansive space doesn’t always require tearing down a wall or a major renovation (although we can do that too)! Here are a few tips to create the illusion of expansive space in your home or office.

 

 

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Choose monochromatic colors

 

Monochromatic color schemes are known for their peaceful ambiance, as they allow the eye to move easily around the room without the abrupt interruption of other colors.

 

When selecting your colors, be sure to use different color values, as they will add depth and interest to your space.

 

Go with glass

 

If you are looking to add space to a small bathroom, considering adding a glass shower door over a shower curtain. A shower curtain creates a visual barrier instead of letting your eyes take in every inch of space that exists.

 

Similarly, you can replace wooden doors with french doors, or any of your doors with interior glass panels. In using clear glass, you will create the illusion of space by maximizing every inch of square footage.

 

 

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Hang mirrors

 

Wall mirrors come in all shapes and sizes. Use full-height mirrors wherever possible to create the illusion of higher ceilings. Full-length mirrors that run from floor to ceiling reflect the light, making a small room feel more open.

 

Mirrors and mirrored glass are an instant way to create the illusion of expansive space. Hanging wall mirrors not only lend the illusion of expansive space but they also add a pleasing accent to your wall decor.

 

You can even get creative! Adding a strip of mirror to a section of wall in your small kitchen will instantly make the room feel twice as large. You could also add mirrored accents to your kitchen island, cabinets or backsplash.

 

Choose the right furniture and declutter

 

Choosing the right furniture is the key to maximizing your space. Avoid heavy, solid furniture or skirted sofas. Instead, choose pieces on raised legs, or made of clear materials, that have less visual weight.

 

Choose smaller pieces that are versatile and multifunctional, like a sideboard that also doubles as an entertainment center. When in doubt, less is more. The less furniture you have, the larger the room will look.

 

Also take a good look around. Clutter and excess items really make a space feel small and cramped. Keep essential pieces that make a statement, create a focal point, or have a deep sentimental value, but get rid of the rest!

 

Pay close attention to rooms that have a low ceiling. Each item in the room will add to that feeling of being boxed in. There are plenty of inventive storage options to help keep you room tidy. If you can’t find what you’re looking for we can probably make it for you.

 

 

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Unify your flooring

 

Continuous solid flooring makes your rooms look expansive and feel more spacious than they actually are. Don’t divide up your room by installing linoleum in the kitchen and hardwood in the living room. This creates two small spaces.

 

Using the same material throughout both rooms will help your design scheme flow from area to the next. If you are looking to make each room unique, try adding a striped rug and position it vertically through the room to make it feel longer.

 

Lower your lighting

 

Where are you placing your lights? When working with a small design space, you should avoid ceiling lights whenever possible. Instead place your lighting at floor, table and eye level to help limit shadows.

 

This includes hanging any pendant lamps as low as possible. You can also add vertical wall sconces to enhance your wall space.

 

Not only do the vertical elements of the lights help to create the look and feeling of a higher wall, but the light cast up and down from sconces helps to devise height by tricking the eyes.

 

Add dramatic art

 

Hang dramatic works of art and art pieces to make a room feel more expansive. Choose art pieces that are large and bold. In a small room, an oversized piece of dramatic art can actually give the feeling of more space.

 

Consider adding a large painting or another big piece of art. Not only does it open the room but it also creates a stunning focal point.

 

If you’re looking to lend the illusion of more space start with these simple tips. If you’re looking for a more dramatic home renovation, reach out to the design experts at Milestone and we’d be happy to discuss your home makeover!

 

Photos courtesy of Pinterest.

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