Ultimate Upcycle Challenge

before   

The Philadelphia Home Show and Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia ReStore joined efforts for the Ultimate Upcycle Challenge! Each contestant had $100 to spend at the Habitat ReStore and upcycle it. There was a public voting and then an auction, with all the proceeds benefitting Habitat to build homes for families.

I started with the red armoire above, and upcycled into a piece that could be used in any home--whether in the suburbs or for the urban folk. I created a mudroom piece to store coats, accessories, and the mail!

In addition to the red armoire, I also grabbed a few other things including:

• books - for the interior wallpaper, clothing and U.S. inns, attached with a homemade wallpaper paste.
• hooks - for the interior area (coat side) to hang umbrellas or other accessories.
• door hardware - door knob, new hinges, and magnetic closers for the door. as for the drawer pulls they were original; cleaned off two paint colors with a mixture of baking soda and boiling water for 15 minutes. then spray painted.
• carpet tile - to receive any moisture from coats and umbrellas that can easily be replaced or dried.
• additional features: 
• mail slot made from the cut pieces of the armoire
• paint was a satin white outlined with gray at the edges of the doors, drawers, and any other opening.

after