Recycled Glass Renovations Done Right!

Guest post today by :Shahab Shokouhi

Recycled Glass Renovations Done Right

Don't you just love the idea of getting a second chance at life – a do-over, if you will?

Indeed, the very nature of upcycling embraces the philosophy that just because something ceases to serve the same purpose it started out serving, that doesn't mean it should be doomed to a useless existence from that point forward!

Consider the new world of possibilities that comes with incorporating recycled glass into your home décor. Whether adding the finishing touches to your kitchen or bathroom, recycled glass countertops and tiles provide a way for you to put your style stamp on your home and do your part for the environment in a single blow.

Here are some of the creative options at your disposal for giving glass a second chance at life in your home décor.

Colorful Creations
If you are just learning about the decorating trend of using recycled glass as a building material, you might think your only option would be "clear" glass. Fortunately, that couldn't be further from the truth!

When you consider how glass comes in virtually every color of the rainbow, you start to realize just how open your options are in terms of color palettes. And this potential for customization is one of the benefits of using recycled glass in your décor. If you can imagine it, someone out there can turn it into the countertop or tile backsplash of your dreams.

Countertops
Recycled glass countertops are made up of anywhere from 70-90% pre- and post-consumer glass products (the glass itself is 100% recycled) and a binding agent (usually a cement base) plus sealant coating (like resin).

Derived from beverage bottles, jars, mirrors, decommissioned traffic lights, auto glass and windows from residences and commercial buildings, the recycled glass bits and shards are as varied in their origination sources as they are in their color schemes.

Depending on how much you are looking to spend, you can purchase a completely unique countertop with a pre-determined color scheme (running anywhere from about $50-$125 per square foot) or you can commission your own color mix that will cost you more but contain precisely the color quotas you dictate.


Tile Backsplashes
Speaking of color quotas, if you are looking for more of a taste-specific style choice, iridized recycled glass mosaic tiles might be just the thing for you. This design embraces virtually every hue of the rainbow which makes picking a complementary accent color a pretty simple task: anything goes!

If you want that iridescent sheen but more of a subtle color palette, consider a sublime scheme of white and tan, interwoven with gold metallic flecks:








Notice how some of the tiles appear to have a Mother of Pearl finish and pops of pink sparkle? Bonus texture and flair!

Plus, this sheet of pre-mounted mosaic tiles takes the guesswork out of a DIY installation. Simply purchase the appropriate number of sheets to cover your wall space and wave goodbye to the days of trying to achieve a perfectly spaced grout line: these come with them already built-in so you get a smooth, consistent width throughout.

By opting for a more traditional subway tile laid out in a brick pattern on the pre-mounted sheets, you can keep the ease of installation without sacrificing that classic tile look.

Cabinet Hardware
One of the quickest and least expensive updates you can do to a room like the kitchen or bathroom – and even to outdated furniture that needs a bit of sprucing up – is replacing the hardware on doors and drawers.

Recycled glass door pulls, knobs and handles can add just the right amount of elegance and sophistication without going overboard. Try to envision "understated royalty" and avoid "gaudy and ridiculous" when selecting your glass hardware and you can find the delicate balance between standing out and sticking out.

What other ways have you seen recycled glass incorporated into home décor?

Shahab Shokouhi is a glass design expert at Dulles Glass and Mirror, an innovative manufacturer of glass table tops, glass shelves, and all other glass and mirror products. Follow Dulles Glass and Mirror on Pinterest or on YouTube to see how they're changing the way glass products are manufactured, customized and delivered.

Thanks so much Shahob!  Now I'm inspired to do a tiling project :)

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!