Inspiration to Organize {Using Up-Cycled Materials}

15 upcycle and organize solutions1

I don’t know about you, but when things around me are cluttered & out of place, my mind just feels cluttered too {as I compose this from a desk spilling over with fabric swatches, & craft supplies in a room full of furniture waiting to be re-purposed…the irony!}  I constantly find myself looking for new ways to organize the mass of things I seem to accumulate; which brings me to today’s post on organizing solutions.  Fifteen organization solutions using re-purposed & up-cycled materials, in true Picklee fashion of course!

Here they are, 15 of my favorite organizing solutions using re-purposed and up-cycled materials!diy book shelf 1

This minimalist bookshelf looks fabulous & can be made simply by painting and mounting strips of reclaimed wood to the wall.  Customize the size of the bookshelf by mounting a few strips to the wall and adding longer shelves!

old drawers on wheels under bed storage 2

Old drawers laying around?  Screw some casters (can be found at any hardware store) to the bottom and push them under your bed for an instant under-the-bed storage solution!

These old faucet handles can be found at just about any antique supply store.  These old guys double can easily double as coat hooks; just paint them in funky colors and mount them to the wallattach legs to book shelf 4

ikea kallax shelving unit for bench

Bookcases can be benches too!  Take any old (or new, ie. the Ikea Kallax) bookcase and mount legs to the bottom then throw a cushion and some pillows on top-instant custom bench with storage.

magnet strip for bobby pins 5

Sometimes I swear there’s a hairpin fairy that comes at night and steels these little guys…where do they ever disappear to!?  Contain your hairpins to one spot (or at least try) by mounting a magnetic strip to the inside of a cabinet, or wherever else is convenient

hang cleaning solutions under cabinet 6

Put an end to the madness in your cleaning supply cabinet!  Organize your cleaning supplies by mounting a dowel on the inside to hang bottles, easy access and double the space!milk crate storage 7

These old milk crates are so rustic chic, and you can find them at just about any flea market.  Stack them up for fun, rustic storage solution

old shutter mail 8

Mount an old window shutter to the wall for mail storage!mount hooks and wire in old picture frame 9

We all have old picture frames laying around, paint a few in coordinating colors, and add some hooks & wire for a chic jewelry storage solution

We’re back to using those old drawers again!  Mount one of those bad larry’s to the wall for a sweet storage solution!painted molding to hang shoes 111

A fabulous way to organize all those heels that pile up our closets; paint and mount any old or vintage decorative molding to the wall.  Instant space saver (and excuse to by more!)plate candelstick storage 12

For all those beauty supplies…hot glue an old candle holder to two plates for double- decker beauty supply organizationsilverware caddy jewelry organizer 13

Recognize this?  An old silverware organizer re-purposed to hold jewelry, simply add some hook and mount to the walldrawer in cabinet kickboard 14

Not so much an “upcycled”, but this is a great use of space we all forget about-the space UNDER your cabinets.  Install drawers where your cabinet kick boards would normally be!spool coffee table 15

You know those big old factory spools?  They make great coffee tables!  Screw some wheels to the bottom and add dowels around the perimeter of the spool for book storage.  This old spool coffee table is super practical & rustic chic!

Share your thoughts on these up-cycled organizing solutions, and feel free to contribute more–Happy Organizing!

jordan picklee signiture1

12 responses to “Inspiration to Organize {Using Up-Cycled Materials}

  1. Wow! Just gorgeous stuff and I love the repurposing of beautiful old materials…One question, Jordan – I have the bookcase for the bench but WHERE did you find the narrow but thick cushion? Did you have to have it custom made?

    Blessings

    Allie

    1. Allie,

      I’m glad you found this post inspiring! I did not make that particular bench, it’s just gathered inspiration =) However, If you are unable to find a cushion the right size, you can always have one made at a local seamstress, or make an attempt at sewing one yourself if you are crafty. Cushions can be relatively simple to make, you can purchase all the fabric and stuffing at your local craft store, the bigger and fluffier you want them, the more fill you’ll use =)

      Best of luck!

      1. Also, I like to pick up old stuffed animals at the local thrift stores (especially on half price days) and up-cycle the stuffing. If you are crafty with the cutting open said stuffed animals, you can create a pretty cool “bear” rug for your girl’s dolls.

  2. Pingback: Organizing Ideas for Your Cleaning Supplies | US Storage Centers
  3. Wherever do you find the dresser drawers? I think they are so cute but I’ve never seen any at the thrift stores or yard sales.

  4. My favorite picture is the old crate shelving. This can also be done with wooden wine crates and it turns shabby-chic into chateau-chic.

    If your looking for original wine crates or boxes for your own shelving ideas visit Winepine.

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