Up-cycling for home renovation
I love it when my clients embrace reuse, second hand and working with what they already have. I’ve really focussed on this while creating a concept for this tiny yet character filled Darlinghurst apartment.
A lick of the right coloured paint in the right areas can make a huge difference to how big the space feels. Using white on all the panels above the bench in the kitchen will instantly make it feel more open and spacious, and the 90’s timber panelling was seriously dated and made the kitchen feel even more cramped than it is.
And to add a pop of colour without being overbearing we’ve opted for the lower cabinets only in a deliciously calm mint green and will update all the handles for a bespoke finish.
The cosy living dining area just didn’t flow when I first visited her home. The owner had a big oval dining table by the window and a chunky sofa along the entry wall. I’ve swapped the uses of these areas and designed a long narrow table with bench seats against the wall which double as coveted storage. We can reuse her vintage dining chairs and paint the table and storage any colour we dream up. I’ve gone for a mint to match the kitchen.
While the envisioned table is ultra narrow at only 600mm , it will lend itself to up to 8 guests and the intimacy can only add to the connection that a good dinner party should create.
While I’ve sourced some new living room furniture for the concept, I encourage my clients to use these as a guide for purchasing second hand. I shopped around for my current sofa to get the right size and design then found one almost identical on FB marketplace. I not only saved a heap of $$ but more furniture from ending up in landfill.
And if you’re after something more designer or collectable you can buy some incredible pieces through businesses like @twodesignlovers who have a stunning mix of preloved designer furniture, decor and art that any style savvy homemaker will drool over. Also check out my personal Sydney fave @thebower which is a treasure trove at bargain prices. I’ll be heading there to look for the timber for the table top. I might even up-cycle an old solid timber door. 💚
What have you up-cycled in your home?
