Breath new life into old and discarded objects: 10 makeovers to consider

"From trash to treasure", says the American expression. It literally means "from rubbish to cash (or cash saved)" and there seems to be a lot of truth to this saying. Almost anything can become something else, even if it is something really old or seems to have no use at all anymore. Everything can be transformed. Anyone who is involved in, or is passionate about, recycling projects or the creative reuse of discarded items (or upcycling, as some call it), all these activities start from this basic assumption.

Notwithstanding this fact, not everyone trusts or follows this philosophy of life and thereby fail in supporting an ethical way of helping the planet. There are those who turn their noses up when they hear the word "reuse or recycled" because they believe there are better ways to save money and recycled objects, in their opinion, never look that good in the end.

If by any chance you are amongst these nay-sayers, we recommend that you take a look at the fantastic "before and after" pictures that we have collected for you, and that are shown below. We are sure they will make you want to reconsider your opinion about this noble, creative activity (which many would call an art form).

Here's an old chest of drawers that seems to have nothing more left to give us - but with the right approach and technique, can become a wonderful piece of furniture that looks completely different to the original object. And very little effort is required to make this transformation!

And look what is possible to create with a very common glass paned door that has been taken down. It can be repainted if needed, but this is not always necessary. When it's taken care of, the vintage effect always cuts a great figure. What matters, is to add a few hooks and hang it on the wall. This is a fantastic object with a double use of being a coat rack and a unique photo frame - and it will instantly make you forget what it was in its original form.

Headboards and footboards of the bed can become, with little effor, a thousand different things. Here, for example, is a footboard that has been transformed into a very cute coat rack in the "shabby chic style".

From the same type of footboard, you can make a very unique shelf unit consisting of two shelves, where you can store photos and other small objects representative of the style of your house.

Even turning a bland, old, wrought iron chair into a masterpiece can be child's play. A little paint and a little imagination are enough. This idea - of drawing the keys of a piano on a renovated chair - is definitely worth copying.

Would you ever say that a vintage suitcase could become a make-up mirror? The answer is yes - with a little imagination, a suitcase, four legs and a mirror attached inside. The make-up area of the bedroom or bathroom could become a real spectacle, literally!

Very original and colorful coat racks can also be created from regular, old doors.

And with an old kitchen cabinet, you can create a brand new kitchen unit to enhance any free space.

Two or more chairs to be thrown away can be joined together and reupholstered. This way, they will become a beautiful bench to be used indoors or outdoors.

And finally, an old wagon wheel (or its rim) can be transformed into a shelf with a unique design. This circular shelf frame can be hung on any wall and in any kind of environment. It will certainly give your home an extra bit of style and personality.

What do you think of these fantastic "makeovers"? If you have the desire to do a project like this, you can get going and  you will experience, for yourself, the satisfaction of creating treasures from trash. Good luck with your projects!