(Lead Image: Usplash)

Upcycling can be a great way to breathe new life into old furniture, which is not only better for the environment, but also beneficial for your bank account too.

Social media is awash with time-lapse videos showing people turning preloved tables and cabinets from drab to fab – and while satisfying to watch, those ten second reels don’t fully represent the time and effort applied to each transformation.

It can be a daunting prospect to pick up a paintbrush or sandpaper and give it a go, but everybody has to start somewhere. The Stray Ferret spoke to Yorkshire artists and enthusiasts involved in upcycling and sustainability, to share some handy tips.

 Don’t be afraid to experiment

Jodie with one of her creations (Jodie Flavell Artist)

 Last month the Stray Ferret spoke to Harrogate-based artist Jodie Flavell about her background and the imminent opening of her new shop on Mayfield Grove. Although she had no formal training in interior design or art before she started working on preloved furniture, she managed to take what was a creative outlet and make it into a fully-fledged business.

She also shared some of the key learnings she’s taken from her experience, especially lessons she had to discover for herself along the way. Her first tip would be to carefully choose the right ‘canvas’ or item of furniture to work on.

Jodie said:

“Proper wood, even veneered wood is better as it can be sanded down, but cheaper, laminated wood effect is much harder to upcycle, and doesn’t take on paint as easily.”

Secondly, upcycling is all about experimenting – Jodie recalled that through her own trials and errors she realised ‘you don’t need to paint things one colour’ and that a light touch is needed.

“Sometimes people feel like they need to get as much paint on there and can be heavy-handed which is what causes drips and streaks.”

Start simple

Before and after (Image: Jessie Parker)

According to upcycling enthusiast Jessie Parker, an easy route into upcycling requires two simple variables: a spray can and a flat surface.

She explained:

“I’m a big fan of making my home look lovely, but I’m not a big fan of buying new. That’s why I love finding items in charity shops that look a bit sad but, with a bit of work, have real potential.

“Things like mirrors and old metal picture frames can be easily revived with a bit of spray paint.”

Jessie’s favourite colour to use is metallic gold as it can instantly make an item of furniture more vibrant. She recommends thoroughly sanding down the surface first and wiping it over with a damp cloth to remove any dust, so the colour has the best chance at holding.

Equally as important is to make sure when spraying the item, it’s placed on a flat surface, otherwise the risk of bumps, drips or uneven coverage can increase.

She added:

“You then want to shake the spray paint for at least a minute to avoid the fluids separating. I usually do three coats but you can experiment with this to get your desired results.

“You’ll soon have the spray painting bug and always been on the look out for new things to upcycle and rehome.”

First impressions aren’t everything

(Image: Usplash)

 It can be easy to see a chair upholstered in a loud 80s fabric or a careworn table and immediately write it off as unsalvageable – or simply too ugly to transform. However, learning to look past the dated exterior and consider the potential in the piece is something that James Gascoigne from Leeds realised the hard way – and it left him kicking himself on the missed opportunity.

He explained:

“I moved into my first home in August 2022, and I was pretty hard up after buying a house, but I didn’t want to just buy cheap for-now pieces that I didn’t really like and would end up replacing quickly.”

James turned to Facebook marketplace for some of the larger items of furniture and came across a chair that he liked the look of – despite what he described as its ‘poor condition’.

However, after sending the picture to his partner he was dissuaded from buying it. It wasn’t until a several weeks later, when he mentioned it to a friend that he realised just what he’d passed up on.

“I showed this friend and they said they thought it was worth something and it looked pretty vintage – she thought it was a Ming chair, a famous style of furniture.

“When I Googled it, she was right – although we didn’t know how old the one on Facebook marketplace was, some of the high-end stuff goes for upwards of £400 and this had been sold for a fraction of that. Oh yes – it was sold straight away, no doubt to someone who didn’t hesitate.”

James didn’t make the same mistake twice and has successfully turned his hand to many other upcycling projects since around his home. His advice would be to at least view the item if you’re unsure – it’s a good way to check out the vintage credentials.

Not all projects are created equal

(Image: Pixabay)

With previous experience transforming preloved furniture to sell on as a passion project, Harrogate-based Steph Flint has several pearls of wisdom to share with budding upcyclers.

Explaining why she enjoys the process of giving furniture a new lease of life, she said:

“I can never find a piece of furniture in a shop that I like enough to purchase. I prefer old furniture with character that has stood the test of time.

“It’s very satisfying seeing an old dark unloved cabinet that nobody wants, become the focus point in a room, with a new purpose. I find painting furniture very relaxing, and I enjoy the creativeness. It can become quite addictive.”

In her time, she’s found that dark, ‘post-war’ furniture takes on paint easily, and is often sold cheaply, as it isn’t considered to be in fashion. But the right type of furniture isn’t everything; using the correct tools is important to the success of the project too.

Steph added:

“Start with something small – a small table or a chair. I prefer to use chalk paint.  It is very forgiving and there is no preparation required before you start.  Top tip – use synthetic paint brushes, they don’t shred and clean very easily.”

Read more:

• Discover the Harrogate artist transforming furniture as part of the ‘upcycling revolution’
• From Beyonce to Birstwith – meet the new chef at The Station Hotel

(Above: Farrow & Ball, Design Alchemy: Kevin Miyazaki, Walls: Setting Plaster No.231, Cabinets: Bamboozle No.304)

Spring has officially sprung, and if you’re looking to spruce up your living space this season, here’s what’s trending right now.

Earthier tones

This year has been a rise in the popularity of rich, natural browns, a trend that was recently seen at London Design Week 2024. These can help to bring warmth to a space and can be used in different shades throughout the home, such as through the choice of flooring, wall colour and soft furnishings.

Rebecca von Achten from Just So Interiors in Harrogate describes:

“Earthy colours like chocolate, clay and nutmeg add warmth and cosiness and this year are forecast to supersede paler neutrals.”

She also explained how colour drenching – painting walls, ceilings and woodwork all in the one colour – remains in vogue, and has replaced feature walls as a way to make a statement and impact in a room.

(Zoffany Paint, Raw Umber)

Rebecca Thomas, junior interior designer at Richard Grafton Interiors in Harrogate, details how the colour can be implemented in homes:

“Browns can be introduced gently using natural wood floors or tables, chocolatey-hued mohair throws, rich tortoiseshell accessories, as well as local artisan latte-toned ceramics while dark mahogany and walnut will bring warmth and richness to interiors, making the space feel cosy and elegant.”

(Richard Grafton Interiors)

Bright and bold colours

In total contrast, as well as there being a step away from neutrals – especially greys ­– in recent years, there has been a move towards colour.

(Richard Grafton Interiors)

Bright hues can add the wow-factor and the use of colour can be implemented through various schemes; whether its through statement key furniture pieces or simply with cushions that can be rotated as the seasons change.

Rebecca Thomas explained how the use through of colour in an interior space can lift your mood when needed, promote joyfulness and creativity but also sooth and calm. She went on to describe the colours that are standing out for Richard Grafton Interiors at the moment:

“Pinks, greens, reds and yellows are very much taking centre stage for the more daring of us. Being colour confident is not a trend that’s going ‘out’ anytime soon.

Go all out with maximalism

As well as this year being all about unconventional colour combinations, patterns and maximalist décor are also becoming big in the world of interiors. Rebecca von Achten explains:

“This spring we’re seeing a chintz revival with ‘Nancy Meyers’ style interiors, floral patterns, contrasting textiles and vintage pieces dominating the interior world. It’s all about surrounding yourself with things that spark joy and displaying them to look carefully curated.

(Farrow & Ball, Design Alchemy: Kevin Miyazaki, Walls: Setting Plaster No.231, Cabinets: Bamboozle No.304)

“Don’t worry if extravagant wallpaper, lavish wall art or floral sofas isn’t in the budget though; start small by adding checkerboard, gingham or striped patterns, ruffled cushions, scalloped edge accessories and a variety of vintage finds that evoke the feeling of nostalgia.”

Shapes

(Richard Grafton Interiors)

There has also been a move away from angular square and rectangular furniture that can often look harsh in spaces, with homeowners looking more towards organic, softer contours for their pieces, even down to the finer details such as vases and display pieces. Rebecca Thomas elaborates:

“The more rounded silhouettes bring natural flow, complementing harsh architectural straight lines of the typical home. From puddle shaped relaxed dining tables, curved sofas to wavey cabinetry and bobbin handles, organic shapes continue to trend this spring.”

Don’t forget… peach is back

(Farrow & Ball, Walls: Setting Plaster No.231)

Pantone has declared its 2024 colour ‘peach fuzz’, a hue that’s aimed to evoke a sense of kindness and ‘warm fuzzy feeling’ to a space, and it also marks the 25th anniversary of the Pantone Colour of the Year.

And finally, your outside space…

(Susie Watson Design)

As the weather starts to warm up, there’s more and more opportunity to socialise outside, giving the perfect opportunity to dress the garden table for the occasion. Tracy Stark, head of retail at Susie Watson Designs in Harrogate says:

“At this time of year, I tend to favour the softer pastel colours at home and in the garden and am always thinking of pretty table arrangements such as our Fritillary pottery collection that’s perfect for spring entertaining.”

Read more:

• 5 alternative Easter activities in and around Harrogate
• Yorkshire Dales Monopoly edition revealed
• The jobs to do in your garden right now
• The hidden stories behind Harrogate’s newest chocolate shop
• 7 Easter activities to keep the kids entertained

This article is sponsored by Lapicida

With Christmas just around the corner, most of us have now started, or at least thought about, decking the halls with festive decorations.

And while some love nothing more than going nuts with a blow up Santa, flashing coloured lights and bursts of tinsel, others will opt for a more muted colour palette and stick to a particular theme.

But as it turns out, Christmas decor is packed with unlimited design potential – we just need to get a little creative.

To help kick-start your festive inspiration, feast your eyes on these Christmas decorating ideas from the Harrogate district’s interior designers.

From pared back style to innovative alternatives to favourite festive staples, here are some top decorating tips to make your spirits merry, bright, and beautiful.

Festive colour palettes, adding festive cheer and igniting the senses

Nommi Fligg, interior designer at Furnish & Fettle, Harrogate, Wetherby and Pocklington:

After 2020’s festive season turned out to be a bit of a wash-out, we’re only too happy to look ahead, towards what will hopefully be a more ‘normal’ December, with more family members gathered around the tree and fewer gathered around Zoom.

The question we often get asked as designers is, how do we choose the right colours and accessories to decorate our home in a way that’s sophisticated, yet special for the Christmas season?

Every year there are always new trends and there are different styles of decorations from Nordic, to country to minimalist, however, as we redefine our homes at this time of year, we’re focusing on bringing seasonal elements in that feel both celebratory and natural, incorporating warm winter elements to bring festive feelings into our spaces.

Establishing a seasonal colour palette

When working on our projects, one of the first things we consider is the colour palette. Although decorating for the festive season is different from selecting finishes or furniture, identifying tones you want to incorporate in your seasonal decor always makes for a more cohesive end result. This year, we’re inspired by muted traditional holiday tones that feel wintery, warm, and neutral enough to blend in with our spaces.

Incorporating natural elements

Layering in natural elements can look like anything from incorporating greenery to adding textural materials like wood tones or displaying artwork that displays a wintery feeling. For our clients, we love styling logs by the fireplace, front porch, or even in the mudroom to introduce a seasonal element. Add them to a pretty log holder, pile them in a woven basket, or simply stack them to bring a subtle wintery feeling to your vignette.

Adding festive cheer 

This season, we’re finding new ways to make our homes feel merrier through unexpected celebratory elements.

Decorating for Christmas is about balancing big moments, like your tree, with smaller moments throughout your home, like faux seasonal florals, that you can change up as and when you feel. You could also hang a good-old wreath in your entranceway, or add cheer and little ornaments to your bookshelves.

Read More:

• Successful interior design duo launches new Harrogate studio 
• Christmas markets 2021: The best festive events around the district

A designer top tip would be to switch out your throws and pillows to more seasonal ones can go a long way, but they don’t have to be embroidered with reindeers and Santa Claus to feel festive. Try incorporating velvet, wool, and knit textures to add a pretty, streamlined look.

Igniting the senses

The first thing you can do to start making your home feel seasonal is light a candle.

When designing a space, we like to think about our senses and how they ignite our surroundings. Create a welcoming winter environment by adding ambiance through warm scents, cozy textiles, a calming colour palette, and elevated accents.

We love changing out our scented candles or room diffusers – something as simple as a change in smell can tingle the senses and memory-bank and instantly transport you to the land of Christmas.

Where we can, we enjoy a real fern wreath so we can breathe in the smell of the outdoors whilst tucked up on the sofa.

Another top tip, if your tree isn’t in the sunniest of spaces, glass baubles, as opposed to solid ones, will help to reflect the sun and candlelight around your room and add a warming glow to the atmosphere.

Alongside candles, table lamps are your biggest ally, you can never have too many and they will never let you down on a winters evening, bringing coziness and sparkle to all items placed around them.

Five top tips for creating the perfect dinner table at Christmas

Rachael Webber, design director at Stylesmith Interiors, Harrogate

1.Simple and elegant dressing

Use lots of greenery and candles – nothing glitzy. Use the centrepiece to run down the table, rather than a runner.

2. Consider the size of your centrepiece

Make sure it isn’t too tall so that your guests can see each other.

3. Create ambience

Use lots of layered lighting and beautifully-scented candles to add ambience.

4. It’s all about the crockery

Use striking dinner plates to create a feast for the eyes.

5. Dig out your best glasses

Use good quality wine and champagne glasses – again keeping things simple and elegant with no bling.

Simplicity is powerful: Top tips for living room Christmas decor 

Joanie Mac, interior designer, Harrogate

My top tips for decorating at Christmas hang around some key ideas: Simplicity is powerful, use what you have, and some wonderful wrapping!

1.Re-think what you already have 

This is three cake stands stacked up with a White Company metal wreath from a couple of years ago and piled high with baubles.

And this is upturned vases and baubles creating a city skyline along the mantelpiece.

2. You can create the spirit of Christmas in the smallest of spots with a bit of imagination

Think about different heights of objects, some foliage, pine cones and berries collected on your walk through the woods and create magic.

3. Pared back is so impactful

Here is just a mirror, a wreath and a couple of decorations, but it looks fabulous against the strong blue wall.

And here is another pared back one with a beautiful glass lamp, a vintage light fitting and a crystal bauble all sitting on a vintage trunk.

4. Include presents under the tree

And finally, wrap some presents in beautiful wrapping paper and place them under the tree.