Who Are We?
From a Twitter hour to the UK and Ireland's leading authority on professional upcycling for interiors, the House of Upcycling story is certainly a unique one. Founded in 2014 by eco interiors educator, designer and facilitator Chris Billinghurst, the organisation has gone from strength to strength and today it continues to champion the benefits of buying and commissioning designer upcycling in support of a more environmentally positive lifestyle offering a more individual aesthetic.
Working with a range of industry partners including UK and European universities, institutes and design schools, sustainability leaders and interior designers, the House of Upcycling takes part in many national and local events, spreading the word about the environmental, ethical, economical and aesthetic values of the craft as well as campaigning for the elevation of the standards and status of professional upcycling. But at its heart, the organisation has always been about supporting and promoting the work of its member artisans - featured below are six founder and nine Council members, all of whom have created successful businesses creating beautiful and functional pieces which celebrate both style and sustainability.
TIMELINE
2014
#UpcycledHour launches on Twitter
2018
#UpcycledHour takes part in national events including the Handmade Fair and Grand Designs Live ExCeL and NEC | Chris Billinghurst (founder) joins panel of judges at the London Upcycling Show
2020
The House of Upcycling joins Interior Design Declares and partners Design Havens for Heroes. Chris Billinghurst (founder) invited to contribute to the DeMontfort University Upcycling Symposium and writes a chapter for their publication 'State of the Art Upcycling'.
2022
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January: Chris Billinghurst (founder) joins the DeMontfort University International Upcycling Research Network
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January: The House of Upcycling becomes the main contributor of 'The Salvaged Home Show', as part of the first 'New Year's Restoration' event hosted by the Bristol Upholstery Collective
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May: Grand Designs Live sees the House of Upcycling takeover the Upcycling Hub in its entirety and contribute to the Ask An Expert stand for the first time at ExCel.
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May: The House of Upcycling showcases its members' creations and hosts upcycling demos at Clerkenwell Design Week
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September: The House of Upcycling becomes the first professional upcycling for interiors exhibitor and presenter of talks as part of Design London's Discussions programme.
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October: The House of Upcycling hosts a stand within the Interiors section of Grand Designs Live NEC together with demos on the Interiors Stage and contributes to the Ask An Expert stand.
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Chris Billinghurst attends the first British Institute of Interior Design Awards Ceremony at London's renowned Draper's Hall.
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October: The House of Upcycling takes part in the inaugural Sustainability Show at London's Business Design Centre.
2016 and 2017
#UpcycledHourLive Brighton - the first UK event to showcase and retail professional upcycling for interiors
2019
#UpcycledHour closes and rebrands to become the House of Upcycling | The House of Upcycling hosts stands at the House & Garden Festival and Grand Designs Live, becomes a contributing partner for KLC School of Design courses and joins the British Institute of Interior Design as an Industry Partner | Chris Billinghurst (founder) wins the Blue Patch Female Entrepreneur of the Year award.
2021
Members of the House of Upcycling appear regularly on television programmes including 'Money for Nothing', 'Saved & Remade' and 'Mend It For Money' | Chris Billinghurst (founder) takes part in BIID video discussing sustainability for interiors and Grand Designs Live video for their Self-Build & Renovation weekend | The House of Upcycling is mentioned in first BIID guide to sustainable working for interior designers and on-stage at Decorex.
OUR FOUNDER MEMBERS
upcycling master crafts people and members of the House of Upcycling since 2016
Click an image to find out more about our founder members, their products and their unique stories
alijoedesigns
Debbie Carne
Old Bag Designs
Elizabeth Knowles
Bad Dog Designs
Paul Parry
Reclaimed & Reloved
Jo Edge
Doodledash Interiors
Deb Hunt
OUR COUNCIL
nine senior members of the House of Upcycling who help to support our organisation
Click an image to find out more about our council members, their products and their unique stories
Ladida Interiors
Stephanie Briggs
Reclaimed & Reloved
Jo Edge
Colour Me KT
Kate Holt
Ethan & Graces
Natalie Ambrose
Two Jays Antiques
Jacquie Davies
Sue Gifford Design
Sue Gifford
Old Bag Designs
Elizabeth Knowles
Lollipop Interiors
Tessa Doyle
