Snowy days are perfect for upcycling projects.

Chances are, you will get snowed in at least one day this winter. Why not spend your time on one of these creative projects to spruce up your home with common items that you may already have on hand? Upcycling is fun and it keeps items out of landfills, as well as saving you money on your home décor costs.

1. Turn a wooden ladder into a wall-mounted bookshelf.

You can paint the ladder to match the room, or just leave it weather-beaten and paint-smattered for a rustic look. Laid on its side a few inches away from the wall, it is perfect for long rooms or you can use it on two walls by putting the pieces together at the corner.

2. Hang lights from ladder for a unique chandelier.

The rungs of the ladder when it is suspended from the ceiling are the perfect place to hang lights for a one of a kind chandelier that provides almost an architectural addition to the home.

Uses for a Dresser Drawer

3. Use #1: Bathroom shelf

Apply wallpaper or coordinating paint to drawer bottom, then mount on the wall, pulls intact, to hold soaps, lotions and towels. You can even attach a wooden dowel to the bottom for a towel rack.

4. Use #2: Bulletin board

Apply adhesive cork to the bottom of the drawer so it will be visible from inside and mount to wall as a bulletin board with shelf.

5. Use #3: Chalkboard

Paint bottom of drawer with chalkboard paint and mount on the wall wherever you need to keep a to-do list, grocery list, or message board. You can also use chalkboard markers to make a meaningful wall hanging for any wall in your home.

6. Turn an old dresser into a backyard planter.

Pull out drawers to graduated lengths, stabilize the bottom drawer, and plant herbs or other plants inside. You can put pots or other planters on the top of the dresser, as it will function as a ledge or shelf.

Upcycling an old door can make a fun project.

7. Re-use shutters for a custom headboard.

One or more old window shutters can be repainted (or not) and used as a creative headboard for any size bed. Simply mount to the wall and place the bed in front of it for a dramatic look.

8. Make an earring organizer with an old picture frame.

Stretching burlap across an old picture frame (repainted or not) makes a versatile holder for hook-style earrings, making it easy to see what you have and keeping clutter out of your jewelry box.

9. Re-use wine corks.

If you drink a lot of wine, save the corks to make a bath or door mat, drink coasters, or a bulletin board. All you need is something to frame out the corks with and some spray adhesive to make these creative projects.

10. Use an old door with glass windows to make a photo collage coat rack.

Did you know that the number one home renovation in terms of recouping your cost in added home value is replacing a door? Instead of having your contractor haul the old door away, why not use it in your home décor as a photo collage with hooks, a kitchen, side or coffee table, or as shelving in your home (if cut).

Moonworks can handle all your home renovation needs. Call us at 1-800-975-6666 for a free estimate.