Giving Old Materials New Life in Your Kitchen (and Beyond)
In recent years, more than ever, the concept of sustainability has gotten significant traction across industries, including home remodeling. As homeowners become more environmentally conscious, there is a rising interest in upcycling, reusing, and thrifting old materials and items to create something new and valuable. In kitchen remodeling, this presents a great opportunity to breathe new life into your space and bring something unique to the table while reducing waste and minimizing your environmental footprint. In this blog, we will explore the art of upcycling, and how you can deliver beautiful, unique designs to your kitchen remodel. Take note of these creative ideas to inspire your project in the kitchen, and in any room throughout your home!
Reclaimed Wood
An extremely versatile and popular material for upcycling in kitchen remodeling is reclaimed wood. It can be sourced from anywhere, like old barns, factories, or shipping pallets from local businesses. These different woods add character and warmth to your space. You could use this material in a few different creative ways, such as a barn door for a pantry or to separate rooms, an accent wall to add texture to the space, or simply to create handmade decorative pieces to hang around the room. Each piece of wood tells a story, and it gives a kitchen a sense of history and authenticity.
Salvaged Fixtures and Hardware
Other upcycled elements for your remodel are salvaged light fixtures and hardware for your cabinetry. From vintage door handles and drawer pulls to reclaimed light fixtures, there are a ton of options to choose from. These kinds of pieces add charm and personality to your kitchen but can also save you money as opposed to purchasing brand new ones. An additional benefit is that older materials often reflect superior craftsmanship and durability and will continue to stand the test of time.
Repurposed Furniture 
This type of upcycled material is an absolute favorite among homeowners and self-proclaimed professional thrifters. An old butcher block table can be repurposed as a kitchen island, and vintage dressers and cabinets can be utilized as stylish storage solutions. A fresh coat of paint and some new (or reclaimed) hardware can make these once adored pieces a functional, eye-catching addition to your kitchen. Not only does this contribute to sustainability, but it also allows you to personalize your space with one-of-a-kind pieces.
Tile and Stone
When renovating your kitchen, don’t forget to seek out materials from demolished buildings or businesses that may soon be closing. If you have this kind of material left from other projects, or know someone who does, get creative reusing it. Ways to incorporate these materials include backsplashes, flooring, or even decorative accent pieces. Salvaged stone countertops can provide a rustic, elegant feel to your kitchen.
Getting Creative with Storage
Upcycling doesn’t just mean utilizing old materials; it is also about finding creative ways to bring them back to life and give them a purpose. Finding ways to store your items without spending a large amount of money can make a big difference in your ability to maximize your space and organize your life. Repurpose old baskets or wooden crates as storage bins for your fruits and vegetables or pantry items. Hang vintage wire baskets on your walls to store spices or utensils. By thinking outside of the box, you can transform ordinary items into functional and stylish pieces for your kitchen.
Where and How to Find Upcycled Materials 
Finding materials to upcycle for your kitchen is an exciting treasure hunt with some patience and an eye for design. Breathing life back into old pieces can create unique possibilities and make your space one-of-a-kind. Start by exploring salvage yards and thrift shops where you can discover a variety of reclaimed materials for low prices. Keep an eye out on online marketplaces like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace. Also, consider networking with friends, family, and neighbors who may have unwanted materials. Check out local yard sales, estate auctions, and flea markets to find other hidden gems. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you might find that inspiration can be found anywhere, turning ordinary objects into extraordinary design elements that make your space truly unique.
Kitchen Magic’s Ultimate Solution for Upcycling
While we’ve listed quite a few inexpensive, budget-friendly ways to upcycle materials, reuse them, and incorporate them into your home, we can’t forget to mention Cabinet Refacing. If you are looking for more than just the addition of small projects or decorative elements sprinkled about, and you want a more drastic change to your kitchen, consider this option. Cabinet refacing creates approximately 70% less waste than completely replacing your cabinetry, all while giving you a beautiful, completely new look in your kitchen. To learn more about cabinet refacing, or to schedule a free in-home design consultation, give Kitchen Magic a call at (866) 525-0012.
