I love taking old things and finding exciting new ways to repurpose them in our home. While wandering through the internet the other day, I stumbled upon these great armoires by RenziVivian.

Using existing parts of discarded furniture, these pieces are cobbled together like a big wooden quilt. The style and vintage of the various elements have little to do with one another and when combined make a unique scrapbook of references to different times and trends. The pieces can apparently be used for computer desks, televisions, or clothing storage. I couldn't locate a place to actually purchase these armoires, but I think a similar DIY project could happen in your own home. While we are on the subject a reclaiming wood and making artful and functional objects for your home, I would love to direct your attention to Whit McLeod. When my husband and I first arrived in Humboldt county I noticed some of his work on display in a local gallery. I was immediately attracted to the impeccable craftsmanship and the idea that all the wood was salvaged from 70-gallon oak wine barrels. Living in wine country makes these used barrels easy to obtain and McLeod reuses the wood beautifully. Whit McLeod Folding Chair from reclaimed wine barrels. Whit McLeod Folding Chair folded flat. I love these outdoor pieces for the simplicity and function. The chair is made from the curved slates of the wine barrels and folds up flat for easy storage. The matching side table incorporates the rest of the barrel by using the lid as the table top and the galvanized straps as artfully twisted table legs. Whit McLeod side table made from wine barrel and strapping. If you like the look of these higher-end reuse projects, consider reclaiming wood from a local resource and making your own furniture. You could be roaming the streets, hunting for wood. In our small town the streets are often littered with discarded furniture (and I have spent time in LA and New York, people are constantly setting things out for savengers)-- combine the leg of this chair, the drawers of that dresser and the doors from an old cabinet and you could make a stunning new addition to your house. Check thrift stores and garage sales for bargain bits that you can salvage from thrashed discards. Habitat for Humanity Stores and other recycled building material shops in your area do a great job collecting bits and pieces of old furniture and homes that are just waiting to be a part of your next project. If you are feeling especially ambitious you could check out this article from the Toolcrib on how to locate and salvage wood for your own reclaimed lumber project. [Images: doornob.com; whitmcleod.com]

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