INSIGHT Magazine - Issue 1

Home & Technology
24
Why buy new, when you can
find old, and often far more beautiful,
pieces at a fraction of the price?
Local charity shops are a perfect
place to start, or search online on
sites like Gumtree and Preloved –
lovely stuff needn’t cost a fortune,
and it’s a great way to breathe new
life into old things. It doesn’t just
have to be furniture – upcycling
applies to clothing and accessories
too....anything you can lay your
hands on really and re-purpose in
any way you may choose. Buying
from charity shops, flea markets
and second hand shops is no longer
something to feel embarrassed
about; indeed we should be proud
of it – we are not being wasteful, we
are in fact recycling and reducing the
carbon footprint we leave. People
have turned upcycling into business.
But you absolutely don’t have to be a
professional ‘upcycler’ to have a go
at this. So...where to start?
Perhaps, rather than diving straight in
with a family heirloom you’ve decided
could do with a spot of updating, visit
your local charity shop first for a piece to
practice on.
Have your tools at the ready – if it’s
furniture you’re working on, good quality
brushes will ensure a better finish. And
check if the piece requires sanding
down first (if using chalk paint for
furniture, minimal prep is required, but
always check instructions).
Think about your colours – what colours
will fit with the decor in your home. Do
you want to be bright and bold, or go
with soft pastel tones that will fit into
any space?
Join the
movement,
save some
money and
have fun at
the same
time.
Don’t be afraid to be imaginative – you may
see something in an old piece of furniture
that no one else has...there’s no wrong or
right in the upcycling game!
Where to start looking:
n Charity shops: St Vincents Hospice in
Bridge of Weir and Howwood always has
a good stock of pieces of furniture, lighting,
and vintage clothing. Ardgowan Hospice
has an excellent warehouse in Greenock
stocking all manner of furniture, art,
appliances.
n Gumtree/Facebay in your area: Always
worth a search – it’s amazing what people
are looking to sell/give away! But be quick,
the good stuff goes fast. Be prepared to
go to someone’s house and dismantle
large pieces of furniture and have suitable
transport at the ready.
n Vintage / Retro shops: Both clothing and
furniture - these are increasing in number,
on the high street and on Facebook and are
definitely worth checking out. If you love old
stuff, then browsing these shops will be like
heaven!
We love it:
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Upcycling
Top Tips for Upcycling
Start small and work your way
up. Don’t overface yourself
and get put off entirely!
An unused, but loved, piece
of material can become a wall
hanging or door curtain
Paint your breadbin to add a
pop of colour to your kitchen
Freshen up an old lamp stand
with a coat of bright paint
Paint an old picture frame to
give it an entirely new feel