Ever heard the saying “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”? In recent years, this phrase is being uttered more often than “Out with the old, in with the new”.
The world of interior design has certainly seen an interest in upcycling in recent years.
Instead of being tossed aside and replaced by new furnishings, objects are getting reimagined, upgraded and upcycled, giving them a chance to be useful again.
One example is Rupert Blanchard’s upcycled dressers, sideboards and cabinets that are housed in reclaimed plywood, salvaged from construction sites. He custom builds the housings to fit the drawers.
“Luxury upcycling [is about] taking pieces of existing materials, adapting them using sustainable techniques, and adding an eclectic mix of materials,” says Harry Tucker, co-founder of Britain-based Fallen Furniture, a company which specializes in crafting objects out of recycled aircraft parts.
According to the The Hip Horticulturist upcycling is also fun and has many other benefits such as relieving stress and creating new business opportunities.
Learn more about “Why upcylcing is more than just a trend“.
Whether small- or large-scale, the benefits of upcycling are clear. Most obviously, it helps reduce waste.
If you’re interested in creating a more eco-friendly life, then start with our free Sustainable Design Guide.
