Upcycling: The Eco-Friendly Design Feature
Upcycling has been around for a while, but in a world where impact on the environment is becoming a bigger priority to people, it is increasing in popularity. Not to mention that it can be a cost-effective way to add a personal and unique to your home.
We’re taking this opportunity to help you decide whether upcycling is for you.
While recycling breaks items down to produce raw materials, upcycling is more creative, and doesn’t involve breaking it down, but rather reimagining it for a new lease of life. Upcycling’s roots are in the practice of resourcefulness, and is now fuelled by environmental awareness.
Re-using furniture in this way reduces waste and minimises the average carbon footprint.
What can you upcycle?
Not all furniture is created equal when it comes to upcycling potential, but don’t worry! These are the key qualities to look for in your potential furniture:
- Quality of material – durable woods such as oak or teak and sturdy metals are ideal for upcycling. These materials will withstand modification and age beautifully.
- Structural integrity – look for pieces that are solid and stable. Cosmetic damage like scratches or faded finishes is fine, but avoid items with severe structural damage.
- Aesthetic potential: Pieces with a unique design, interesting lines or historic values can become standout features in your home.
- Where to find your potential piece: it might already be in your home, or you could find the perfect thing in a charity shop, eBay or car boot sales.
- Potential for Easy Repairs and Refurbishments: Choose pieces that can be easily cleaned, sanded, or painted. Items that require minimal effort to restore are ideal.
- Style and Functionality: Ensure the piece fits your design scheme and consider its potential for multifunctionality, like a table that can also serve as a storage unit.
If you have a creative flair, then you may wish to tackle an upcycling DIY project there are plenty of resources online to help you. Our top tip for your projects is to use primers and paints that are suitable for the work. Primers will help you prepare tricky surfaces, whether that’s a smooth service that you need paint to be able to stick to, or a rough finish that you want to even out ready for a smooth top coat of paint. Choose your paint carefully too, making sure it will help you achieve the look you are after. We love Chalk Paints from Annie Sloan; there is no need for sanding or priming, you simply choose the colour you want, from the large range of gorgeous shades, and get going.
If you don’t feel up to taking on DIY, there are skilled professionals who can help you achieve a beautiful upcycled piece. In the Bedfordshire area, you have options like Absolutely Shabbylass, based on Castle Road in Bedford and Gracie’s House, based in Bromham. Bedfordshire.
If we’ve inspired you to upcycle, then good luck with your projects, and remember that you can follow us on Facebook for more interior design tips and ideas.