Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Redecorate

Now that the kids are in school and the days are cool, it’s the perfect time of year to tackle the house. We’re talking ‘beyond cleaning out the pantry’ kind of organizing (although that’s on our list too) and taking on a few simple DIY projects to give our living space a boost. But where to start?

The two Habitat for Humanity ReStores in Ottawa are a ‘must visit’ for anyone seeking materials for an inexpensive, home-related DIY project.

Need to replace a broken tile? Some battered moulding? A grimy light switch cover? The ReStore sells a huge variety of new and used building materials at a fraction of the retail price.

Here’s the way it works:

• Builders, developers, retailers and even other DIY-ers donate overflow building materials from new buildings and renovations
• You do your shopping at either of their warehouse-sized stores (or both!)
• Funds support Habitat’s building programs

What can you find? New and used (and even some vintage) lighting, cabinetry, windows, doors, tiles, mirrors, random house numbers, bags of hinges, barrels of nails and much much more. You might have to do some digging, but it’s worth it. We love that we can get a good deal, replace our hard-to-find 1950’s mail slot, and give the landfill a break too. 

If you’re at the west-end ReStore you might want to take some extra time to visit Cohen & Cohen right around the corner. Pricier items such as art deco windows and old pillars line the sides of the front part of the warehouse (which doubles as a showroom for new office furniture). Head to the back to find the older stuff: vintage filing cabinets, cork boards, chairs, mantels, wall art, brass doorknobs and oddball, one-of-a-kind items that will give your space an injection of personality.

Good to Know: A measuring tape is a must bring as well as the measurements of the item you’re replacing (or the space you’re looking to fill).

So get nesting. The cold months are looming and you’ll be pleased to have a cosy den to winter in when your project is all finished.

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