Do you have a bottle that will transform your home? (Image: Patricia Rodi/)

Is it possible to reduce the cost of living by trying to have a more sustainable and stylish house?

Patricia Rodi, interior design guru and champion of affordable and conscious living, joins the initiative.

“Glass is very durable and is very much in vogue in interiors right now,” says Patricia.

“It’s the perfect material to help you move away from single-use plastics and reuse what you already have to create incredibly stylish and affordable accessories for your home.”

Here are Patricia Minnie’s best tricks…

‘This Is Glass’ is the UK’s glass campaign to mark the United Nations Year of Glass.

make your own chandelier

everything is imagination

It’s about using your imagination with what you have (Image: Patricia Roddy)

Taper candles are huge in interiors right now, but if you can make your own cool centerpiece, skip the expensive glass candle holders.

“There are some bottles of gin in the supermarket that are too clean to throw away,” says Patricia in the photo. “The thick glass bottom creates the illusion of freshness when lit by flickering candles.”

He continues:

“The combination of metal and glass looks great. Plus, a room full of candles is romantic and saves on your utility bills.”

change the coffee can

everyday life

Everyday life (Photo: Patricia Roddy)

Impress your guests with an ultra-stylish, personalized coffee mug.

Patricia Says: It’s super cute, looks great on the kitchen shelf, and keeps the coffee fresh.

The grinder does not have to fit (or work) perfectly, as it is more aesthetic than practical. Use cans that are roughly the same size. Check eBay, Facebook marketplaces, car sales, and charity shops for old coffee grinders.

house party

Capturing the mood with Jar

Capturing the mood with Jar (Image: Unsplash)

Create a house party for your garden party or summer wedding.

“Put solar-powered fairy lights around your clothesline and let the magic happen,” explains Patricia.

“On a regular basis, put a few light bulbs in a small glass jar or bottle and close the lid (don’t over-tighten). This also works in the center of the table to add a little sparkle.

use old jars for spices

pour the spices

Add some spice (Image: Unsplash)

Looking to add a sophisticated touch to your salad cabinet?

“Dry foods like rice, nuts, pasta, herbs, and colorful spices look great in glass jars,” says Patricia.

“Jars don’t have to be matched for a more rustic look. Labels give matching jars a cohesive look (I use brown labels tied with string).

“To find the perfect jar, find the shape and size you want and shop until you have enough for all your dry goods.”


Cleaning of used cans and bottles

To remove the label, fill the sink with warm water and add 2 cups of dish soap and a half cup of white vinegar.

  • Put the jars and jars and leave for half an hour.
  • Take out the can. The labels are easy to peel off.
  • For sticky residue, mix equal amounts of cooking oil and baking soda, apply to adhesive and rub with cloth or brush.
  • For lingering odors like pickles and curry paste, add a glass of hot water and baking soda to the jar, close the lid, and shake for a few minutes to remove the odor.

make a mini terrarium

Inner Garden (Photo: Patricia Rodi)

Indoor garden (Image: Unsplash)

Take your mini terrarium outdoors. A great way to spend the summer holidays with the kids.

Patricia explains: Cover the pot with a thick layer of potting soil so that the can grows halfway.

“Add plants. Succulents are great for terrariums. Then cover the surface with a layer of decorative stones and branches to grow a mini garden.”

glass bottle as soap dispenser

Soap

Soap (Image: Patricia Roddy)

Refillable glass bottles add a stylish touch to single-use plastic soap dispensers, lowering costs and minimizing waste.

Patricia recommends finding a glass bottle in the shape you like and buying corks at a home center or online.

She continues:

“Depending on the size of your bottle, mix 100ml Castile soap and 1ml of your favorite essential oil in a bowl, add a natural scent and pour into the bottle.”

Turn old bottles into vines and planters

molding plant

Molding plants (Photo: Patricia Lodi)

After renovating or decorating, we often don’t have the money to buy the little extras needed to finish the room.

“Leftover paint turns cans and bottles into attractive vases and planters to complement your color scheme,” says Patricia.

Put cups in cans: hang until dripping, pour onto cardboard and let dry for 12 hours.

“Do you have paint left over?” Use a proofing pot and roll for a more textured surface.

refill wine bottle

Don't go to the Bottle Bank yet (Image: Patricia Roddy)

Don’t go to the Bottle Bank yet (Image: Patricia Roddy)

Patricia says that a bottle of wine does not have to have a unique life. That’s how it’s done in Sweden.

“The bags keep the wine fresh so you only use the amount you need, which is much cheaper and more environmentally friendly than buying many bottles.

“Remove the labels and identify the wine with matching colored cord around the neck of each bottle. Your guests will love it. It’s a very outrageous way to enjoy it.”

You can also use an old wine bottle as a water decanter.

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