Home with Lisa Quinn shares affordable decorating tips.

Home with Lisa Quinn Episodes

New Uses for Old Things

Tags: Home and Garden, Decorating, Home With Lisa Quinn

Lisa Quinn challenges another designer to a repurpose duel.

Tips for Repurposing -- New Uses for Old Things:

Consider the function you want rather than the item.
Look for sources of inspiration online and in magazines
Practice when you shop. Go down the aisle & mentally transform items that you like into something else.
You can find great items to repurpose at salvage yards, 2nd hand stores, yard sales, antique stores, flea markets and your own home.

Some Fun Repurpose Ideas:

Containers are always great for repurposing. Just about anything that's big enough can be used as a container. Cereal boxes can be used as magazine holders, and water containers can be used as plant holders.
Use your dish rack to hold your cook books.
Use old yogurt cartons as kids' cups. Have your kids decorate them too.
Take an old dress and turn it into a pillow case.
Shoe box can be turned into a box for a care package. You can also use shoe boxes as garage organizers.
Repurposing is a great way to save money and good for the environment!

Michael Zimmerman is currently the director of Big Daddy's Antiques, SF in San Francisco. Formerly the Director of Retail Operations for the Tyler Florence Shops and Director of Visual Merchandising for Draeger's, one of the nation's premier food and home emporiums, Michael has received both national and international awards for his visual display work. Michael is also a former caterer and was owner of MENU Catering and Event Planning. Still teaching cooking classes and currently working on his first book, Michael has performed as food stylist for such culinary celebrities as Tyler Florence, Martin Yan, and Pam Anderson amongst others. Michael makes frequent appearances on television including Eye on the Bay, View from the Bay, and was a regular contributor to the Emmy award winning Dream Home with Lisa Quinn. Michael is always at his happiest when he gets to play with Lisa and is currently enjoying his many appearances on Home with Lisa Quinn on the Live Well Network.