about

In 2014, whilst running her eco interiors style and workshop consultancy Eco Chic Interiors, Chris Billinghurst discovered a hidden movement of artisans creating unique items for interiors in a planet positive way. Using Twitter to build awareness of her business and to also create a directory of professional upcyclers to support Eco Chic Interiors projects, Chris unearthed a wealth of creative reuse artists who weren't part of any other craft group, who often felt isolated with no support or community voice and with no platform where they could network with their peers. Professional upcycling was very misunderstood at that time, its image did not encourage people to want to try it or to buy it. So one Tuesday evening in September 2014, Chris launched the Twitter hour #UpcycledHour, which went on to establish a new community of artisans for the 21st century and began the Upcycled Hour journey to elevate the status and standards of the craft.

#UpcycledHour soon developed beyond its humble beginnings and in 2019 became The House of Upcycling, to reflect its position as the UK's foremost independent authority and resource website for professional upcycling for interiors. The House of Upcycling offers a highly unique professional membership and members (known as Associates) have worked with organisations of renown including the KLC School of Design. They have taken part in various events including the Handmade Festival, the London Upcycling Show, the House & Garden Festival, Decorex and Grand Designs Live London and Birmingham. Associates have appeared in the media, including on television and radio and regularly work alongside professional interior designers. In 2020 the BIID (the British Institute of Interior Design) welcomed HoU as an Industry Partner. The House of Upcycling website continues to be the most comprehensive resource to find a professional upcycler or piece of upcycling to suit your exact requirements.

APRIL 2020: Listen to Wayne Perrey, The TV Carpenter, talk all things professional upcycling and more with House of Upcycling Founder Chris Billinghurst on The TV Carpenter Podcast.

JANUARY 2020: Read journalist Roddy Clarke's article on pro upcycling and the elevation of the craft featuring House of Upcycling founder Chris Billinghurst and Associate Sue Gifford.