Whether it’s to refresh your living room, save some cash or just update a Pinterest board, Londoners have gone crazy for a daily dose of #homeinspo.
The term ‘Upcycling’, a phrase first coined by William McDonough and Michael Braungart in their 2002 book Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things, now features in the Oxford dictionary. A plethora of dedicated upcycling sites and TV shows encourage viewers to re-vamp the old rather than spending on the new.
In her latest book ‘Furniture Hacks’ Hester Van Overbeek, founder of Hester’s Handmade Home, takes readers through 35 step-by-step projects to update and repurpose homeware and furniture. With beautiful photography and a guest appearance from a cute pooch, the projects range from crafting cushion covers to fashioning a new four poster bed.
There are undoubtedly some innovative furniture hacks that require minimum effort; a side-table created from magazines, curtains made from old bandanas and a set of drawer handles made from stones all use cheap and easy-to-find materials and give a piece of furniture a new lease of life.
But when delving further into the book, it is clear that you will need an extensive toolbox to get stuck into some of the featured hacks. Fine if you have a handyman or a well-stocked garage, but if not be prepared – these projects may be pretty pricey before you have started.
Although Furniture Hacks has some useful tips, we’re not 100% convinced by all of the suggestions; we can’t see a lime green shower curtain being the most attractive addition to any garden.
A definite read for first time furniture hackers who want easy to follow projects with step-by-step photos to guide them. To get started, it may be worth having a good clear out of the garage or loft to find materials to upcycle. If you are struggling for space, why not look at renting a self storage unit so you can make room for your first project?
You can buy the book here.
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