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Upcyclist

Antonia Edwards

Antonia is the founding editor of Upcyclist. Based in the UK, she is the author of two books: 'Upcyclist: Reclaimed and Remade Furniture, Lighting and Interiors' (Prestel 2015) and 'Renovate Innovate: Reclaimed and Upcycled Homes' (Prestel 2017).
Detail of Lola wood lampshade by LZF
Creative homes + interiors

12 beautiful wooden pendant lights for the modern interior

If there was ever a good time to acquire a new home accessory that will brighten the mood, it’s now. So let’s talk about lighting. … Read More ›

soft focus white fairy lights
Creative homes + interiors

9 eco friendly Christmas decor ideas that don’t compromise on sparkle

When David Attenborough was asked about the one thing we can do to help protect the planet, his message was clear – ‘stop waste of … Read More ›

vintage chairs on the street
Furniture makers + restorers

20 of the best furniture repair specialists in London

We see many examples of tables and chairs that have been freshened up with a coat of paint, but in some cases, its worth preserving … Read More ›

Fairylights on garden shed
Creative homes + interiors

Interview: Photographer Anne Schwalbe and her love for a derelict farmhouse

Anne Schwalbe is a Berlin-based photographer with a myriad of creative interests. As well as taking photos for her gardening column in Zeit Magazin, she … Read More ›

Green leaves overlapping
Creative homes + interiors

Interview: Lessons in Biophilic Design from Oliver Heath

As we stay in our houses, to protect our health and that of others, the idea of home as our sanctuary is taking on a … Read More ›

Detail of acrylic epoxy upcycled coffee table
Furniture makers + restorers

Interview: Upcycled furniture by Patience & Gough at Liberty

Patience and Gough are a dynamic design duo, reviving found furniture in the stunning surroundings of Cumbria’s Lake District. Their upcycled furniture range was presented … Read More ›

Rust coloured raffia
Handmade decor

Interview: Upcycled vintage lampshades by textile designer Heather Orr

After graduating in Constructed Textiles from the Royal College of Art, Folkestone-based textile designer Heather Orr forged a collaboration with fashion designer and fellow RCA graduate Jane … Read More ›

Oval vintage rattan mirror
Creative homes + interiors

16 best vintage home decor shops on Etsy

Etsy is a goldmine of handmade art and craft from around the globe. Lesser known however are the abundance of Etsy shops selling beautifully curated … Read More ›

teal le creuset casserole dish
Creative homes + interiors

INTERVIEW: Tara Button founder of Buy Me Once

Tara Button is an author, eco-campaigner and entrepreneur. In 2016, she founded Buy Me Once, a website selling high quality products that are built to … Read More ›

Charlotte Kidger recycled industrial waste furniture
Handmade decor

INTERVIEW: Charlotte Kidger creates furniture made from recycled industrial waste

Material designer Charlotte Kidger showcased her work at the London Design Festival last year. With plastic named as the Material of the Year, her collection of … Read More ›

flower shaped paper lighting
Handmade decor

Interview: Paper flower lamps by Sachie Muramatsu

Sachie Muramatsu lives in the Japanese city of Sakura, located in Chiba Prefecture. After graduating from Kuwasawa Design School, she took an apprenticeship at a … Read More ›

portrait of artist ian berry
Curiosities

Interview: Ian berry turns recycled denim jeans into art and installation

At school Ian Berry, now renowned for his works made from recycled denim, was known as the art one, but aged 18, he didn’t turn … Read More ›

Co-founders-of-Elvis-&-Kresse-at-home
Creative homes + interiors

INTERVIEW: Inside the renovated mill and home of Elvis & Kresse

In 2005, Kresse Wesling and James Henrit launched Elvis & Kresse*. A certified B Corporation, their sustainable luxury line of bags and accessories is made from genuine de-commissioned … Read More ›

Bottletop flagship store Regent Street London
Hip hangouts

3D printed interior at Bottletop store on Regent Street

Bottletop have been creating their signature handbags made from recycled aluminium ring pulls since 2002. The brand collaborates with artisans in Brazil, Kenya, Nepal and … Read More ›

Curiosities

5 of the best art installations made from waste CDs

In an age of Netflix, Spotify and iTunes, we continue to leave behind a large trail of redundant CDs and DVDs. Turning those discs made … Read More ›

Pressed flower art by Ignacio Canales Aracil
Handmade decor

INTERVIEW: Stunning contemporary flower sculptures by Ignacio Canales Aracil

Ignacio Canales Aracil is a Spanish sculptor who makes extraordinary delicate structures from real pressed flowers and plants. The flowers are held together without the … Read More ›

Planks of recycled wood
Creative homes + interiors

Enviromate: An online marketplace for used building materials

According to data gathered by the Green Building Council, construction, demolition and refurbishment accounts for around 120 million tonnes of waste in the UK each … Read More ›

Recycled plastic dark grey kitchen cabinets by IKEA
Creative homes + interiors

10 IKEA homeware products made of recycled plastic

Any discussion around the eco-friendly values of IKEA is guaranteed to provoke hot debate. Even if they are able to make their manufacturing more sustainable, … Read More ›

Creative homes + interiors

10 small house interior design solutions

As more architects explore the potential of tiny homes, finding ways to optimise small interiors is a growing area of interest for designers. Some minimalists … Read More ›

Miniature sculptures inside toilet rolls
Curiosities

The extraordinary world of recycled cardboard art

With more of us shopping online, cardboard packaging is fast becoming one of the most ubiquitous materials we discard on a daily basis. Elevated from … Read More ›

Radiator chair
Curiosities

13 of the wildest upcycled chairs made from repurposed materials

When it comes to upcycled chairs, it seems the humble seat can surprise, delight and be made from just about anything. If you’re sitting comfortably, … Read More ›

Holding a grey ceramic planter and cactus
Handmade decor

10 handmade ceramic plant pots available on Etsy

You can never have enough plants in the home, but what about the vessels you put them in? Hundreds of talented ceramicists are selling their … Read More ›

Daniel Heath in his studio
Handmade decor

Interview: Handprinted wallpaper and surface design by Daniel Heath

Daniel Heath is an award-winning independent wallpaper, textile and surface designer. After training in silk screen printing at the Royal College of Art, he set up his East … Read More ›

Hip hangouts

Adaptive reuse of an old mill now a stunning mountain retreat

Surrounded by breathtaking mountainous scenery is the Alila Yangshuo, a converted 1960s sugar mill turned luxury resort hotel. Part of the Alila hotel group, the … Read More ›

Collage portrait by Patrick Bremer
Curiosities

5 masters of vintage and recycled paper collage art

With virtually everything become increasingly digitised, more of us are striving for a paperless life. We still however, manage to produce a staggering amount of … Read More ›

View of cabin lit from the inside
Creative homes + interiors

Eco cabins by Devon based Out of the Valley

Rupert McKelvie‘s education in woodwork began with acquiring traditional boat building skills in the coastal town of Lyme Regis, as well cabinet making. He then … Read More ›

Grant Aston wood and ceramic contemporary sculpture
Curiosities

10 selected works of contemporary sculpture from Collect 2018

Collect is an annual international contemporary art fair held by the Crafts Council, now its 14th year. It brings together 40 galleries from around the … Read More ›

House plant in the bedroom
Creative homes + interiors

East London home decorated with greenery and vintage

Ignoring the cold spell currently hitting London, the budding crocuses are proof that we are indeed almost at the end of winter. The prospect of … Read More ›

Veronika Richterová fishes plastic bottle art
Curiosities

8 incredible examples of plastic bottle art and installation

The concept of plastic bottle art initially evoked flashbacks of Blue Peter’s Here’s one I made earlier. It’s hard to believe that something as ubiquitous … Read More ›

Modern vintage bathroom
Creative homes + interiors

8 stylish vintage bathroom decorating ideas

The bathroom may not be an obvious setting for some of your flea market finds, but then again, an element of the unexpected always makes … Read More ›

Mason jar of water and ice
Creative homes + interiors

10 plastic reducing essentials for zero waste living

The war on plastic may finally be gaining traction after the EU announced an official plastics strategy earlier this month. Their target is to make all … Read More ›

Clock made from upcycled bicycle wheel
Curiosities

Art and design made from used bicycle parts

When used bicycle parts get a second life as something beautiful, the term ‘upcycling’ couldn’t be more apt. Although an advocate of all things eco, I … Read More ›

Pop up space made with crumpled tracing paper
Hip hangouts

5 pop-up spaces created from repurposed objects

Some of the most creative ideas for pop-up spaces, pavilions and temporary structures involve the repurposing and reappropiation of found objects and materials. Repurposing whatever … Read More ›

Creative homes + interiors

11 eco friendly furniture brands in the UK and Europe

When it comes to furniture, the term ‘eco friendly’ can be confusing. With any product, it’s hard to quantify exactly much how one manufacturing process … Read More ›

Sculpture by glass artist Amber Cowan
Curiosities

6 glass artists making otherworldly beautiful objects

As well as being a natural, durable and highly recyclable material, little can compete with the magic that glass can offer visually. The art form … Read More ›

Creative homes + interiors

10 ways to create a winter centrepiece with natural branches

When it comes to Scandi design, natural branches and foliage are Christmas decor staples. To create a focal point, a few foraged branches and sprays … Read More ›

Naomi Paul
Handmade decor

INTERVIEW: Contemporary crocheted pendant lights by Naomi Paul

It’s somewhat ironic that the seed of Naomi Paul‘s beautiful lighting brand began with a uni project that involved deliberately making something ‘badly’. Fast forward … Read More ›

Contemporary rug made from recycled textiles
Handmade decor

10 designers making unique furniture and decor from recycled textiles

The rate at which we produce and throw away clothes is leading to inconceivable amounts of textile waste. You might imagine that any clothes the … Read More ›

Grey floral sofa by london studio Urban Upholstery
Furniture makers + restorers

17 furniture upholstery specialists in London

Stripes, velvet or digital print? Reupholstery of a tired old chair, stool or sofa could make some big changes to your interior. Whilst there are … Read More ›

Creative homes + interiors

10 simple home decoration ideas that will tempt you to paint it black

Will you be facing your fear of the dark, this Halloween…? To some, the idea of painting a room black is somewhat horrifying, but if you … Read More ›

Creative homes + interiors

10 of the best British made wool blankets for a hygge inspired home

Once you discover the Danish art of hygge, you might even look forward to the onset of winter. Although it has no direct translation, hygge … Read More ›

scrap wood sculpture by Aaron S Moran
Curiosities

Cool contemporary wood sculpture made from scrap

If you think reclaimed wood only has a chance at second life, either as furniture or floorboards, think again. More and more creatives are coming … Read More ›

Designer Jo Elbourne
Handmade decor

Interview: Jo Elbourne transforms furniture with contemporary textile weaving

One of my favourites from London Design Fair was a collection of furniture that immediately stood apart for its elegant and distinctive graphic aesthetic. The … Read More ›

Cork cabinet by Migaloo Home
Creative homes + interiors

New designs made from cork at London Design Festival

London Design Festival highlighted a number of designers and makers who are breaking new ground with mindfully sourced materials and more sustainable production. One of … Read More ›

LIving room painted dark teal
Creative homes + interiors

Autumn colour inspiration from 5 eco-friendly paint brands

With such an overwhelming amount of options available, choosing paint colours is enough to bring on a headache, even before you’ve been exposed to any … Read More ›

Lights made from repurposed crystal bowls
Handmade decor

14 upcycled lighting designs made from repurposed objects

Lighting in the 21st-century can be made from all kinds of repurposed ephemera – and not just glass mason jars. From spectacles to drinking vessels, … Read More ›

Stylish living room with neutral colour palette
Creative homes + interiors

Modern rustic interior decor at The Estate Trentham

If you’re fortunate enough to visit or reside in Melbourne, Australia, The Estate Trentham, should get straight on your radar. The three bedroom house, surrounded … Read More ›

Portrait on map by Ed Fairburn
Curiosities

5 paper artists who make incredible artworks from old maps

I’ve always been impressed by artists who use unexpected and found materials in their work. Where others see something unremarkable and disposable, these artists see … Read More ›

Mosaic artist Yukiko Nagai
Furniture makers + restorers

Interview: Yukiko Nagai revives furniture with mosaic art

Yukiko Nagai relocated from Japan to Italy, to study the traditional art of mosaic at Ravenna Art Academy. After briefly returning to Tokyo, she decided … Read More ›

Wood interior of luxury cabin for rent Cabanas no Rio
Hip hangouts

Cabanas no Rio idyllic cabins for rent on the Portuguese coast

One of my new guilty pleasures, usually whilst half making lunch, is watching YouTubers reveal their journey towards a simpler, greener and more streamlined lifestyle (currently binging on Use … Read More ›

Repurposed yoghurt pots installation
Curiosities

Modern ceiling designs made from repurposed materials and objects

I’m sure once upon a time, the only thing that adorned a shop ceiling was CCTV and smoke alarms. But when it’s time to refurb a … Read More ›

Clive Christian Metro Deco kitchen
Creative homes + interiors

The benefits of buying a second hand kitchen with Used Kitchen Exchange

The cost of gutting, purchasing and installing a new kitchen can vary enormously, but I recently learned that some of us really are prepared to splash … Read More ›

vintage rattan coffee table with plants
Creative homes + interiors

Bohemian interior design: 10 rattan pieces for your vintage shopping list

This is the first in a new series on vintage shopping, and this month I’m putting the spotlight on the renaissance of rattan. This seems to have … Read More ›

Poolside lounger made from recycled boat sail
Creative homes + interiors

10 outdoor furniture designs made from recycled materials

We may be a long way from eliminating waste plastic from the planet completely but more and more designers and manufacturers are finding new and … Read More ›

Modern kitchen with marble island and green accents
Creative homes + interiors

A Victorian house renovation in London with a modern botanical interior

With Peckham increasingly becoming one of the coolest London hangouts, I was all the more intrigued by this Victorian house renovation on JJ Media‘s locations site. … Read More ›

vintage Thonet chair in the bedroom
Creative homes + interiors

16 vintage bedroom ideas that will inspire you to shop second hand

I’m beginning to think, those who have an eye for styling vintage furniture are the most eco of all. Being able to see the value … Read More ›

Serving tea and cake
Creative homes + interiors

20 eco friendly products for a beautiful green kitchen

It’s easy to regard the things that get used every day, as purely functional, practical and utilitarian. But first thing in the morning, we instinctively reach for … Read More ›

Exterior of Silo Brighton
Hip hangouts

Silo Brighton: A zero waste restaurant with an eye for upcycling

If there’s anywhere that prompts you to contemplate exactly where your food is coming from, it’s Silo – an award-winning zero waste restaurant, bakery and coffee … Read More ›

Animal textile art by Karen Nicol
Handmade decor

Interview: The inspirational textile art and home interior of Karen Nicol

Possessing an ethereal and enchanting quality, the moment you come across a piece of textile art work by Karen Nicol, you’ll be curious to see more. Karen is a … Read More ›

bed frame made from reclaimed wood
Hip hangouts

Eco bed and breakfast in Parma Italy: Il Richiamo del Bosco

Scheduling your holiday plans for the summer? You might want to consider this tranquil eco bed and breakfast, an idyllic retreat in northern Italy. Il Richiamo del … Read More ›

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Living with nature

Upcyclist is an interiors blogzine for the conscious design enthusiast. Inspired by the modern artisan, we champion beautiful handmade objects, furniture and spaces made from natural and recycled materials.

Categories

  • Creative homes + interiors
  • Curiosities
  • Furniture makers + restorers
  • Handmade decor
  • Hip hangouts
  • Other

Books

Renovate Innovate book by Antonia Edwards
Renovate Innovate: Reclaimed + Upcycled Homes (Prestel Publishing 2017)
Upcyclist Reclaimed and Remade Furniture Lighting and Interiors book
Upcyclist: Reclaimed and Remade Furniture, Lighting + Interiors (Prestel Publishing 2015)

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  • flower shaped paper lighting Interview: Paper flower lamps by Sachie Muramatsu
  • Veronika Richterová fishes plastic bottle art 8 incredible examples of plastic bottle art and installation
  • 11 eco friendly furniture brands in the UK and Europe
  • Collage portrait by Patrick Bremer 5 masters of vintage and recycled paper collage art
  • Grey floral sofa by london studio Urban Upholstery 17 furniture upholstery specialists in London
  • paper lighting by crea-re 12 stunning examples of eco chic paper lighting





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