With environmental issues preying ever more on our consciences, one of the buzzwords in home decor is upcycling. Rather than buying new, conventionally-made furniture, we’re being urged to think of greener options. So what are some of the ways you can ‘greenify’ your home decor?
Grab a Brush
You may think painting furniture is tedious and a skill you don’t possess, but you’d be wrong on both counts. These days everyone is getting stuck into chalk paint. This water-based paint was brought to the masses’ attention through Annie Sloan, who brought out her own range of paint and through YouTube videos, showed us how to use it. Primarily used with wax to achieve a shabby chic look, you practically slap the paint on, without the need for sanding or prepping. And if you get brush strokes, that’s to be applauded, as it adds to the character. You can distress it with sandpaper and add touches of dark wax to age it further, if you so desire. There are several makes of chalk paint available now and you can have hours of fun mixing, diluting and experimenting. It’s hard to get it wrong but if you do, it’s simple enough to rectify.
Crates, Pallets and Spools
If you don’t like the idea of a traditional piece of furniture that’s painted, you co
uld always go for a piece that’s made from waste material. It may sound grubby but stunning tables of all sizes and shapes are appearing made from old pallets or vintage apple crates (although the latter are becoming increasingly difficult to find, which is pushing the prices up). These can look positively funky when combined with industrial hardware for legs. Wine barrels, huge cable spools and even driftwood is being used to create innovative and beautiful pieces, and virtually all are seen with buggy wheels as castors. Moving outside, if you’re looking for eco-friendly, low-maintenance garden furniture, why not opt for tyres? You could make them yourself or order a set from the growing number of upcycled furniture producers. You can dot other tyres around for mini ponds, sandpits or raised beds too.
Multitasking
Don’t be tied to conventional ideas of what’s fit for purpose. A steamer trunk makes a fabulous coffee table, and smaller, vintage suitcases can be attached to the wall with the lids up to form clever shelving – and don’t forget the lighting. A row of kitchen graters attached to a plinth and suspended from the ceiling gives an industrial feel. If you need a downlighter, stainless steel paint can work very well. There’s room even in the bathroom for upcycling, such as an old step ladder to hold towels, candles or bath salts.
Choosing upcycled items over conventional furniture needn’t be expensive and it certainly doesn’t mean you will compromise on style!
Article Submitted by Community Writer.
