Unusual Materials

A large part of being creative is having the ability to turn an old object into something new. There are no limits to what a designer can do with unusual materials. Designers can do anything from restoring an old piece of furniture simply to make it usable again, or creating a whole new piece of furniture out of an object one would never associate with furniture… like a bathtub.

Max McMurdo is a designer in the UK who has made a completely new couch out of a reused bathtub. He was able to cut a freestanding bathtub in half horizontally, add some cushion material, and call it a couch. This is a full functioning couch with armrests, and even a soft spot to lay your head as if you were actually in a bathtub. All we ask is that you keep your clothes on when using this couch in public.

This isn’t the only creative piece done by Max McMurdo. He also has a chair included in this same line that he has made out of an old shopping cart. Like I said before, the possibilities are endless. Here is what Kate Andrews, an expert on green furniture, had to say about McMurdo’s work:

“Bathtubs are places for relaxation, and here’s a new interpretation- turn your tub into a sofa! This clever design by Max McMurdo breathes life into an antique fixture, and turns what was headed for landfill into a smart, provocative, and comfy conversation starter. Founded by UK product designer Max McMurdo, Reestore is a line of green products based on the recycling of old home products. Taking everyday waste objects and turning them into charming yet functional pieces of furniture and accessories, Reestore attempts to “avoid traditional eco materials in favor of contemporary finishes, fabrics, and, above all, style” (Reestore.com).

This should remind us to think twice before throwing something to the curb. Instead, let the creative juices flow, and find out what cool new piece you could create out of it instead. Save the environment while bragging to your friends about that funky couch you have that they can’t find in stores. 

Resource: www.reestore.com