Try GOLD - Free
A second chance
The Journal
|August 09, 2025
Repurposing old furniture and giving it a new look can create inexpensive yet unique items. Here upcycling experts tell LISA SALMON how to do it
MOST people would love their home to be full of unique furniture that isn't just a replica of next door's.
But although many homeowners' budgets don't stretch to filling their home with expensive bespoke furniture, it's still possible to own quirky, one-off items by upcycling furniture yourself.
You don't need any special skills to do this - just a little imagination and the willingness to give it a go.
"There seems to be a bit of a craze for upcycled furniture - it's an eco-friendly alternative to buying new and it's the perfect way to give your home a uniquely personal look," explains Odette Gibson, founder of Daisy's Emporium London, which supplies restored hand-painted furniture.
"No special skills are needed and there are no rights and wrongs with upcycling - it's all about what you want for your home, whatever colour or style that may be.
"I'd definitely recommend giving upcycling a go - it's the perfect way to keep old furniture out of landfill and create something memorable for your home."
And interior designer and creative director at Blocc Interiors, Karl Openshaw, who has just collaborated with housing developer Barratt London on a new upcycling campaign, adds: "We're seeing growing interest in pieces with character, creativity, and individual charm.
This story is from the August 09, 2025 edition of The Journal.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Journal
The Journal
A new and improved flavour of Jamie at 50
Reset Your Health with Jamie Oliver
2 mins
January 15, 2026
The Journal
Flurry of fun and feasting
REED ALL ABOUT IT Busy reed bunting
1 mins
January 15, 2026
The Journal
We battle bravely as we wait for strong leadership
At the start of the year, I searched for good things to stimulate a positive approach to doing business with clients across the country.
3 mins
January 15, 2026
The Journal
Red carpet was good as Golden at the Globes
A GAGGLE of A-listers, a pile of posh dresses, some statuettes and a red carpet... stop me if you think you've read this one before.
2 mins
January 15, 2026
The Journal
Le Bris is impressed by O'Nien on return to the fray
LUKE O'Nien impressed head coach Régis Le Bris on his return to the Sunderland starting lineup.
2 mins
January 15, 2026
The Journal
Police keen to trace man after incident
A SEXUAL assault in Newcastle is being investigated with police releasing an image of a man who they would like to trace.
1 min
January 15, 2026
The Journal
Proposed budget cuts see council jobs at risk
JOB losses could be on the cards after more than £10 million in cuts were proposed for the next Gateshead Council budget.
1 min
January 15, 2026
The Journal
Carrick gets to work on first day back at Devils
The former midfielder, club captain and first-team coach was handed the Old Trafford reins for the rest of the season on Tuesday following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.
2 mins
January 15, 2026
The Journal
Tommy's gunning to take top spot
TOMMY
2 mins
January 15, 2026
The Journal
UK secures record supply of offshore wind projects
A RECORD level of UK wind power capacity - including several schemes in the North Sea has been secured in the Government's latest green energy auction.
1 min
January 15, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size
