There’s nothing better than injecting elements of your personality into your home, making it a place that really reflects you – and decorating your space with items that no one else has is a sure-fire way to nail this.
Handcrafted and recycled items can achieve a distinct sense of personal style – and (even better) you don’t need to break the bank or contribute to landfill.
We’ve hunted down five of the most stylish homewares that are made from recycled materials to inspire your responsible or sustainable dream home.
1. Macramé made from t-shirts
Wall hangings are having a moment right now, adding bursts of colour and texture to walls everywhere.
If you’re wondering what to do with those old t-shirts that aren’t fit for, well, wearing, this is a great way to save them from landfill and beautify your space.
Natalie from NatalieAMacrame creates stunning macrame wall art using t-shirts, ropes and other fabric.
Believe it or not: This gorgeous macramé wall art was once an item of clothing and was made from recycled t-shirt yarn and timber. Picture: NatalieAMacrame
The talented Aussie artist sells her on-trend and one-off hangings via her online store – the pieces are priced from $65.
2. Clocks made from floppy disks
Are you missing the golden age of the floppy disk?
Perhaps you’re looking for an excuse to reflect on just how far technology has come?
What better way to appreciate the lives these colourful guys lived than by displaying them in the form of an analogue clock?
ReComputing has created an analogue clock created from an old floppy-disk.
ReComputing is a Slovakia-based store that makes home décor and jewellery using old computer parts. It’s created these unique and personality-filled desk clocks using technology waste that would have otherwise ended up in landfill.
We think the cute clocks, priced from $25, are perfect for desks and side tables everywhere.
3. Fork hooks with attitude
If you’re tired of regular old coat racks that don’t adequately express your style (or that are just plain boring), then check out the work of JJevensen – a US-based artist who creates homewares from cutlery.
The ‘Peace, Love and Rock’n’Roll’ hook, $40, makes a cheeky but lovely addition to any space.
JJevensen has added some attitude to regular old coat hooks.
It’s hard to believe so much can be created from a couple of twisted forks – these won’t only hold your coats and bags, but will brighten your day, too.
4. Barrel table
Feel like you’re over a barrel trying to decide on the right setting for your outdoor area?
Pick one with personality in spades – like this recycled wine barrel table that also doubles as a useful storage container.
UpcycledWoodOZ hail from regional NSW and create upcycled beauties like this barrel table.
This barrel table was lovingly hand made from half a recycled oak wine barrel and finished with a rustic, hand-made recycled timber top.
The upcycled tables, priced from $850, are perfect for creating a dining space with a difference.
5. Bike chain Christmas ornaments
A chain-link Christmas decoration? It’s the perfect little gift for cycling enthusiasts.
UnchainedSeattle create these sparkly, metallic ornaments from upcycled bike parts in various shapes and colours, for less than $20 each.
Ornaments with flair: UnchainedSeattle has nailed the bike-themed Christmas decoration market.
It’s a delightful way to brighten up the holiday season for the bike-lover in your life.