“An industrial yet elegant and classic feel” and “rustic” are some of the design concepts we often hear decorators discuss with their clients. Furniture is a crucial element in the process of interior decorating. The most creative and artistic minds can build something that’s really both artistic and functional using unconventional materials like pipe fittings, reclaimed wood, car parts, yarn, and even algae. People all over America are pushing the boundaries of creativity when it comes to furniture making.
If you’re on a budget, you can still be creative by taking the DIY approach. If you can splurge, you can “buy” that creativity by hiring a professional. What choices are out there?
The DIY Approach
Even if you don’t have a single creative bone in your body, YouTube is just a click away to show you how you can turn empty soda bottles into a footstool with some duct tape, cardboard, foam, a piece of cloth, and glue. Is an old and used tire just lying around in the garage? Turn that into a small center table by incorporating some wood, upholstery materials, and fiberfill.
Do you ever wonder what you can do to parts of household appliances, like a washing machine? Pick it apart, take out the drum, and with some upholstering, and a few metal trimmings, you can produce a conversation piece table. While the completed product might not be as expensive store-bought items, you will make an initial investment on equipment and other materials. Think carefully if the DIY path is for you.
Environmentally Friendly
The Earth is threatened by global warming. Man’s indiscriminate and unceasing dependence on fossil fuels have prompted many to use eco-friendly materials. Slovakian designer Šimon Kern used garbage leaves, combining them with bio-resin to create a chair. Korean designer Oh Geon combined leftover walnut and oak chips and created a mixture used to make a sculptural stool.
Bamboo is one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly materials used for furniture. It grows faster compared to traditional lumber, which requires decades to mature before you can turn it into a table. If you are a fervent tree-hugger, give this list careful consideration.
It Gets Crazier
“Der Deutschen liebstes Kind – das Auto.” Roughly, that means “The car is the German’s favorite child.” But some people can take cars and furniture to a whole new artistic and crazy level. Martin Schlund, a car lover and designer, converts car parts to home and office furniture like sofas, beds, bars and tables.
But Martin is not alone in this craziness. Italian designer Enrico Marone Cinzano created a rocking chair from parts of an old Alfa Romeo 166. The chair, using a gel-based battery, also reclines and heats to warm your behind during those chilly winters. How’s that for crazy cool? Brothers Fernando and Humberto Campana of Brazil have created chairs made entirely out of cork!
They say that in creating or making something, the only limit is your imagination. If you can imagine it, then you can make it. This piece hopefully serves as a good inspiration the next time you decorate your home or office.
